The Winelands Wonder

Boasting over 150 different wine tasting destinations, the Stellenbosch Winelands is one of the world’s premier wine regions. We’ve designed a weekend that goes beyond just the quality of the wine and the beauty of the landscapes. You’ll get to meet remarkable South Africans who make this region a playground for the wine and nature lover. Inspiring winemakers, expert hiking guides, red wine gurus and an artist specializing in using wine as a medium. This experience invites the traveler to revel in a combination of host, product and setting.

Duration of Tour: 2 Days, 1 Night

A Reveler Tours Custom Designed Experience for Remote Year Inc.

Day 1 - Meet the Winemakers

• The historical town of Stellenbosch is our first stop as we delve into the culture rich, foodie haven and vibrant streets. A place close to our hearts having spent a large part of our youth here. A cup of perfectly brewed local coffee or whatever your chosen poison is will kick start your day, coupled with something sweet or savory before we head for the mountains.

• Oldenburg Mountain Vineyards: These breath-taking views set the tone for an unforgettable experience – with the focus on letting our guests understand the sense of place and connect truly with the wines. Heritage, careful planning, and a large amount of good fortune has allowed us to be custodians of a small corner of Stellenbosch, tucked away in the mountains in an area known as Banghoek (dutch for scary corner). Winemaker Nick van Aarde will take the group through a journey of 6 memorable wines most representative of this truly unique piece of land. Paired with a local cheese and olives all from within less than 3 miles from the winery.

• We’re then personally invited by the Nichols family to share in their family owned winery, Mitres Edge Vineyards. The winemaker, Lola (one of the coutry’s first female winemakers), hosts the tasting in her manor house or underground cellar. This is red wine terroir, par excellence, and special care is taken in the vineyards through meticulously cultivating, pruning and harvesting by hand.

• Your tour companions will then prepare a traditional braai for the group (like a barbecue but 100 times better). Locally sourced meats tastefully prepared on an open flame coupled with fresh produced sides and the famous “braaibroodjie” make a for great lunch at Lola’s pool house (of course you can swim!). Vegans, Vegetarians and Pescatarians will be catered for.

• The final experience of the day sees you take centre stage as Lola guides you through your very own wine blending process. A red wine guru at heart and by reputation you’ll get the chance to create your perfect blend. You’ll also then get to label it, cork it and seal it yourself before taking it home with YOU. Learn more about this afternoon with the winemaker here.

Day 2 - Remarkable Individuals

• After spending the night in or near the town of Stellenbosch we rise in the morning to join South Africa’s premier mountain trail guide, Andreas Groenewald. This Fauna and Flora expert will guide us along a 3hr return trail in the scenic Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. A floral kingdom flanked by hugely impressive peaks are the order of the day. This is a beginner to moderate level trail with steady climbs. The hike reaches it’s climax at the 2nd of two waterfalls where you’ll have the chance to cool off with a swim> Pack some snacks to be enjoyed before we hit the return trail.

• Our lunch stop will be at a local winery chosen closer to the time dictated by the weather conditions.

• The final activity of the weekend introduces us to Lily Brannon, a renowned artist in both the Stellenbosch and Cape Town region and a very close friend of Reveler Tours. Lily is one of the only individuals anywhere who specializes in the medium of red wine. Her paintings are literally commissioned in red wine and her work will blow the mind of even the most skeptical of critiques. Settling in at the Louisvale Vineyards, Lily presents you with a blank canvas, a concept, an educational and of course all the wine you need to call on your creative side. You’ll walk away with your own piece fit for your space and another tasting of locally produced wines.

• The weekend then comes to a close as we take a slow drive back to your accommodation in Stellenbosch.

Included:

• Pick up from accommodation or central point

• Welcome to the tour secret treat pack filled with local South African treats

• All transportation

• 1 X Night accommodation in guesthouse / hotel / shared farm house

• Knowledgeable tour companions

• Brief town tour of Stellensbosch with visit to Stellenbosch coffee shop

• Wine Tasting Experience at Oldenburg (6 wines paired with cheese, olives & crackers)

• Wine Tasting Experience at Mitres Edge

• Blend Your Own Wine Experience with winemaker at Mitres Edge (Take home the bottle)

• Braai Experience at Private Pool House situated at the Mitres Edge Winery

• Guided 3 hour hike on waterfall route in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

• Wine Tasting Experience at Louisvale Wines

• Paint with Red Wine Experience with a renowned local artist specializing in the medium

• On-board water on all days

Not Included:

• Meals (We will however visit various locations for your own account)

• Additional Beverages

What to bring:

• Overnight Bag

• A camera to take awesome photos!

• Spending money to buy gifts for those at home

• Sun cream (it can get really hot in summer)

• Swimming costume & towel

• Comfortable walking / hiking shoes

• Lots of positivism and good feels!

Main Host / Vendor:

Your hosts will be Blaine Smith and Ryan Louw, local South African tourist guides and companions. Blaine has lived in 6 of South Africa’s 9 different provinces and currently ventures all over the country on various expeditions. Ryan chose to make the Western Cape his home after a stint up north, you won’t find a bigger patriot for his country anywhere else! Both are extremely well traveled, with a wealth of knowledge and an unrivaled passion for local travel, you’ll be in the best of South African hands.

Difficulty Level & Special Requests

• The physical activity of this tour is low, it is however advisable to have comfortable walking shoes for the moderate hike.

• Inform us if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any other dietary restrictions/

• If you'd like us to customize your tour to suit your needs or perhaps your particular budget or if you have questions then please don’t hesitate to contact us.