Spend a day driving from Cape Town into the wine heartland of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Visit Delaire Graff, Tokara, Grande Provence and Mont Rochelle for guided tastings, a cellar tour and a lunch pairing—all with scenic mountain views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light catches the serrated edge of Simonsberg as your driver peels out of Cape Town and the city thins behind you. Vineyards unfurl like ordered rows of industry, each slope angling toward the mountain. By mid-morning you’re at Delaire Graff, a terrace of stone and glass that frames wide valley views while sommeliers lead you through structured reds and crisp whites. The route threads through Stellenbosch—the Cape’s oldest university town, founded in the 17th century—and into Franschhoek, a small valley shaped by the Huguenot settlers who brought French winemaking techniques. Geology here is telling: granite and shale soils produce wines with distinct minerality, while morning fog and afternoon sun create diurnal swings that coax flavor into the grapes. Stops on a typical day include guided tastings and a cellar tour at Tokara, a curated tasting room at Grande Provence with art and gardens, and Mont Rochelle for a late lunch paired with estate wines. Expect short walks across gravel yards and tasting rooms, interpretive notes on oak, terroir and vinification, and time to buy bottles direct from cellars. Practical side: the eight-hour tour usually includes hotel pickup in Cape Town, an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water. Bring sun protection, a light jacket for coastal breezes, comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces, and a small cooler bag if you plan to ship purchases. Book at least a day ahead and allow for tipping and any dietary requests when you reserve.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Light fitness required—able to board a vehicle and walk short distances on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Franschhoek was settled by French Huguenots in the late 17th century; Stellenbosch is one of the Cape’s oldest towns, established in the 1600s and central to South African wine history.
Conservation
Many estates employ water-wise viticulture and indigenous vegetation restoration; visitors are encouraged to follow estate guidance on waste, recycling and responsible sampling.
Reserve your spot on the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Wine Tasting Full Day Guided Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun protection is a must
South African sun can be strong even on cool days—bring sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
Hydrate between tastings
Bottled water is provided, but sip regularly to pace alcohol and stay comfortable during the drive.
Wear stable shoes
Tasting rooms and cellar yards have gravel, steps and uneven surfaces—choose shoes with grip.
Plan your purchases
Bring a collapsible bag or arrange shipping—many estates will pack and post bottles for you.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability on gravel pathways, cellar steps and estate grounds.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong UV during midday tastings and outdoor terraces.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Useful for coastal winds or sudden showers in the Western Cape winter.
winter
Small camera or phone with good battery
Capture vineyard panoramas, cellar architecture and label details for purchases.