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| Discover Wine |
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Introduction |
Since more than 300 years, wine and grapes are a symbol of the Cape. In the beginning, the Cape was well known for the production of fortified wines like ports, Jerepigo and muscadel. Especially in the early years of the 19th century, these wines had a high reputation in England and even Napoleon was a great fan of these wines.
Later, mainly due to the political instability, this reputation has been lost and farmers started producing more white wines. At a certain stage, even 85% of the vineyards were planted with white grapes, mainly Chenin Blanc. But since the last 30-40 years a lot has changed. First, other white varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer were introduced, and later red varietals such as Caberbet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot were discovered.
In 5-10 years time, South African wines have made a revolutionary progress and are becoming one of the best new world wine makers. Especially the red wines, thanks to the ideal climate in the Cape, like Shiraz and the so called 'Bordeaux blends' will reach the top of the world in the near future.
The most important wine producing region in South Africa is the Cape Winelands with its centre at Stellenbosch. Most well known wine estates are situated in Stellenbosch, and due to its location and several micro-climates it can is split up into several areas such as Simonsberg, Helderberg, Bottelary,... Beside the Stellenbosch region, other places became famous and produce also wonderful wines: Paarl, Franschhoek, Constantia, Durbanville,... are only a few of these. |
| Day 1 - Bottelary Hills |
Arrive in Cape Town.
A warm welcome and shuttle to ONS GENOT in Stellenbosch, situated in the heart of the Winelands. Sit down to your first glass of wine and feel welcome!
At lunch time we visit the first wine estate, our neighbours at Hartenberg. One of the oldest wine estates in the area and famous for their great red wines. Here we will also enjoy a Vintner's platter for lunch under some oak trees. An exclusive visit of the wine cellar can be organized.
After lunch and wine tasting, a second wine estate in the 'Bottelary' area will be visited: Hazendal. An historic wine estatem owned by Russian business people, was restored in 1994. Taste the Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon and visit the Russian art museum. |
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| Day 2 - Hermanus/ Walker Bay |
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This is the most Southern wine area of the Cape. It is also a recent wine area is is mostly known for its 'Cold climate wines' such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
We start visiting Paul Cluver wine estate at Elgin.
Just before lunch, we will visit Bouchard-Finlayson at Walker Bay. This wine estate, co-owned by French Bourgogne merchants, produces one of the best Sauvignon blanc wine of the Cape.
Lunch will be at Hermanus, depending on the weather, on the rocks while watching some whales.
After lunch and some 'whale siesta', Hamilton Russell will be visited. This wine estate is well known for its Pinot Noir. They also produce cheese and olive oil.
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| Day 4 - Tulbagh/Wellington |
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In the morning, Linton Park at Wellington is visited. This 285 ha wine estate produces great red wines such as their Shiraz which won already several international prices.
Lunch will be taken at Paddagang, a wine sales/tasting place in the centre of Tulbagh.
In the afternoon, Twee Jonge Gezellen will be visited. The producers of one of the best Cap Classique wines, 'Krone Borrealis'.
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| Day 5 - Franschhoek |
Franschhoek is the valley of Huguenots, since recently a part of the Stellenbosch district. Although nearly nobody speaks French, all the places have a French name.
In the morning, La Motte is visited. This estate dates from 1695 and is a prime wine producing estate.
The next wine estate to be visited in Franschhoek is Moreson-Soleil du Matin where we also will have lunch.
After lunch, Cabriere wine estate is visited. Taste the Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir and the Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique.
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| Day 6 - Durbanville |
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Durbanville is one of the smaller wine producing areas and is part of the Cape Town metropolitan area. In spite of its prime climatological position, and thus producing superb wines, it's threatened to be swallowed by the urbanization of the area in the near future.
In the morning, Altijdgedacht is visited. Next is durbanville Hills Wine cellar. This brand new wine cellar has been set up been local grape producers who previously sold their grapes to large coops but now produce their own wines.
The third wine estate to be visited in the Durbanville area is Nitida |
| Day 7 - Constantia |
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Constantia was the first wine producing wine area of South Africa. It mainly consists of 3 historical wine estates. Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia en Buiten Verwachting.
Our first visit is at Groot Constantia. This state property is the first wine estate in the Cape and produces one of the best Weisser Rieslings in the Cape.
The second wine estate is BuitenVerwachting. This German owned wine estate produces mostly white wines. Tasting of the Rhine Riesling and the Sauvignon Blanc is a must. We will enjoy a picnic on this wine estate.
The last wine estate of the day is Klein Constantia. The most progressive of the 3 estates in Constantia. 'Vin de Constance' is the flagship of this wine estate, a dessert wine which is one of the greatest wines of the world (written by a French journalist in a Newspaper) |
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| Day 8 - Paarl |
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Paarl is together with Stellenbosch the most important wine export area of the Cape. All types of wines are produced, From light , crispy, white and bubbly wines, full red and fortified wines to brandies.
The first wine estate to be visited is Villiera. This wine estate, situated on the border with Stellenbosch, produces a variety of top quality wines, from Merlot, Sauvignon blanc and Chenin to port and Cap Classique.
The second wine estate to be visited is Fairview. An award winning wine estate especially for their 'Cote du Rhone' like wines. Produces also some great cheeses.
Lunch will be taken at Ruitersvlei, a wine estate next to Fairview.
In the afternoon, KWV is visited. Probably the largest wine cellar in South Africa. Beside the traditional wines, only for export, they also produce a wide range of fortified wines and brandies. |
| Day 10 - Stellenbosch/Helderberg |
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In the morning, Overgaauw wine estate is visited. This wine estate is a leader in making red wines and was a local pioneer of Merlot.
During lunch time, Vergelegen wine estate is visited. Historic estate owned by Anglo American. Tasting the Vergelegen Shiraz is a must.
In the afternoon, transfer to Cape Town International Airport. |
| Interested ? |
This tour program is a Must if you want to learn all about Wine in the Cape. The mentioned wine estates are just suggestions and can be replaced by any other to satisfy your requirements.
On request we can also organize a brandy or port day tour.
We organize this most spectacular and unforgettable 10-day trip for you and is available in 2 formulas. |
| Full Option | Budget Option |
Included:
- Transfer to and from the airport
- Accommodation for 9 nights at Ons Genot Country Lodge(sharing)
- 9 Champagne Breakfasts
- 9 Dinners (3-course menu, drinks not included)
- All transfers to and from all wine estates, restaurants and excursions in a air conditioned Minibus
- All entrance fees to wine estates and attractions
Conditions:
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Included:
- Transfer to and from the airport
- Accommodation for 9 nights at Ons Genot Country Lodge(sharing)
- 9 Champagne Breakfasts
- Car Rental type B
Conditions:
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| For more information or details about availability, prices and other tour options, email us: info@onsgenot.com |
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