Stellenbosch & Franschhoek 20 Wine Tasting + Lunch Shared Tour

If you’re dreaming of wandering through lush vineyards, tasting some of the world’s finest wines, and soaking up the charm of historic towns just outside Cape Town, then the Stellenbosch & Franschhoek 20 Wine Tasting + Lunch Shared Tour might be just what you need. We’ve reviewed this experience based on hundreds of traveler reviews, the itinerary, and what makes this tour a standout — or sometimes, not so much.

What we love about this tour:

• The variety of award-winning wineries visited, offering diverse wine styles and atmospheres.
• The chance to combine wine tastings with local cheese pairings, elevating the tasting experience.
• The inclusion of guided historical insights at sites like Nelson Mandela’s prison.

And a minor consideration: timing can be tight, especially if you’re keen on lingering or exploring more at each stop. Still, if you want a full, well-organized day that hits major highlights, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive introduction to the Cape Winelands, enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and wine, and prefer a structured, all-inclusive day. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• All-inclusive wine tastings at multiple top estates with fees covered.
• Historic and scenic highlights, including Nelson Mandela’s prison.
• A well-organized itinerary with enough free time at towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
• Taste a variety of wines paired with local cheeses, adding to the experience.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Value for money considering the extensive wine tastings, guided insights, and included meals.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Morning Pickup and First Wineries

Your day kicks off early, with hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, depending on your location. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who will keep the day lively and informative. Expect to visit up to four award-winning wineries, with tasting fees included—a real perk that saves you money and hassle.

Your first stop is Haute Cabriere, best known for its MCC bubbly. Here, you’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes sampling five premium sparkling wines. Reviewers have called this estate one of the best places for bubbly tasting, and the views of the surrounding landscape make the experience even more memorable.

Next, you’ll head to Tokara, perched on the upper slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. Here, you’ll taste four premium wines, with stunning panoramic views that make the flights even more enjoyable. The estate’s reputation for quality wines and picturesque setting has earned it high praise from guests.

Exploring Franschhoek and Historical Stops

After sampling wines, the tour takes a scenic drive to Franschhoek, a town renowned for its culinary scene and European charm. The 30-minute drive is a scenic highlight, giving you a taste of the landscape that makes this region so special.

A quick visit to Groot Drakenstein Prison follows, famous as Nelson Mandela’s last prison before his release in 1990. You’ll get the opportunity to take photos of the Mandela monument and reflect on South Africa’s history. Reviews mention this as a meaningful photo stop, adding depth to the experience.

Lunch and Wine Pairings

Post-visit, you’ll head to Delheim estate for a two-hour lunch, available if you booked the optional meal. Guests who opt for lunch praise it as delicious, with a focus on the main course paired with six carefully selected wines. The estate’s family-owned charm and breathtaking mountain views make this a relaxing pause in the day.

Afternoon Tastings and Cheese Pairings

The afternoon continues at Fairview, where you’ll sample up to five wines paired with local cheeses. This estate is lauded for its artisanal produce and sustainable practices. Reviewers highlight the cheese and wine pairing as a highlight, describing it as both indulgent and authentic.

Next, it’s Tokara again for a final tasting of four premium wines, rounding out the day with more excellent choices and picturesque vistas.

Return to Cape Town

By late afternoon, around 5 PM, you’ll be back in Cape Town, having experienced a full day of tasting, scenery, and history. The tour concludes with hotel drop-off, allowing you to rest or explore more of Cape Town on your own.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Comfortable shared transport with a top-tier guide
• Bottled water throughout the day
• Tasting fees at Haute Cabriere, Tokara, Delheim, and Fairview
• Optional lunch at Delheim (main course only)

Not Included:

• Starter, dessert, or additional drinks outside tastings
• Gratuities (which are optional but appreciated)

Balance of Value

At $88 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the multiple tastings, guided commentary, transport, and lunch option. Reviews show that many guests found it worth every cent, citing the quality of wines, knowledgeable guides, and scenic stops as highlights.

Transport and Group Size

The tour operates with shared transport in a comfortable vehicle, with pickups from most central Cape Town locations. Group sizes typically stay under 100, but many reviews point out that you might end up with a smaller, more intimate group, especially if you book early or during off-peak times.

Guests have praised the professionalism of guides like Ray, Reuben, and Gordon, who are noted for their insights into wine and local history. Some reviews mention that guides are attentive, friendly, and eager to answer questions, which enhances the experience.

Timing and Pacing

The 9-hour duration might seem long, but most reviewers found it well-paced, with enough free time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed. The only caveat is that the schedule can be quite full, so if you’re hoping for more leisure at each stop, this might be a consideration.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights from Travelers

Many reviews mention the stunning scenery and excellent wine. Guests often rave about the diversity of wineries, from family-run farms like Delheim to high-end estates like Delaire Graff (though Delaire Graff was only visited by some, depending on the day).

The cheese pairing at Fairview receives special mention, with guests describing it as “artisanal” and “sustainable,” adding a local touch to the tasting experience. The history stop at Nelson Mandela’s prison is described as moving and thought-provoking, giving this tour more depth than just wine.

A frequent theme is the value for money—many guests feel the tour is a great way to experience the best of the Cape Winelands without the hassle of organizing transportation or tastings individually.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, all-in-one experience of the Cape Winelands in a single day. It’s ideal if you enjoy wine, history, scenic drives, and a relaxed pace. The included tastings and optional lunch make it a convenient choice for those who prefer a guided, hassle-free day.

Those who want to explore more boutique or lesser-known wineries might find this tour’s selection a bit curated, but the quality and variety are generally praised.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from most Cape Town hotels, making it very convenient.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, fees at Haute Cabriere, Tokara, Delheim, and Fairview are covered, so you won’t need to pay extra at these estates.

Can I opt out of lunch?
Yes. Lunch is optional; if you don’t choose it, you can enjoy your own arrangements or simply spend more time at the wineries.

What is the group size?
Most tours have a maximum of 100 travelers, but many guests mention traveling in smaller, more intimate groups.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting early in the morning and returning around late afternoon or early evening.

Are children allowed?
The minimum drinking age is 18, so this tour is primarily suited for adults.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended since you’ll be on your feet during tastings and explorations.

Is this tour suitable for wine connoisseurs?
Yes, with visits to some high-end estates and tastings of premium wines, enthusiasts will appreciate the quality and diversity.

In Summary

The Stellenbosch & Franschhoek 20 Wine Tasting + Lunch Shared Tour offers a well-rounded adventure through South Africa’s famous winelands. It combines scenic drives, historical insights, and excellent tastings at some of the region’s top estates, all in a day. The included transport and guide make it a stress-free way to experience the best of what the Winelands have to offer.

Perfect for travelers wanting a convenient, engaging, and educational day out that balances wine, scenery, and history. While the schedule is packed, most visitors find the experience rewarding — especially if you love good wine and stunning views.

If you’re after a full, value-packed day that showcases the highlights of the Cape Winelands without the stress of planning, this tour should be on your list. Just remember, booking in advance is recommended, as it’s a popular choice with an average booking window of around 45 days.