Sips With Soul Wine Tour

Exploring South Africa’s Wine Scene with a Purpose

Our review of the Sips With Soul Wine Tour captures a truly meaningful experience in Cape Town’s iconic wine regions. While we haven’t personally joined, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of an engaging, educational, and culturally enriching day.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s a chance to support Black and Colored winemakers — a rare focus that elevates South Africa’s diverse wine industry. Second, the personalized small-group setting (max 12 travelers) promises an intimate, relaxed vibe. Third, the expert guides and curators like Tuanni and Cindy bring a genuine passion and knowledge that enrich every sip.

One thing to consider is that this tour is geared towards those eager to learn about social and cultural stories behind the wines, which might be less appealing if your primary goal is just tasting. Overall, it’s a fantastic option for travelers who want authentic experiences, good value, and an appreciation of South Africa’s vibrant, diverse wine culture.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone passionate about supporting underrepresented groups, this tour offers a compelling combination of education, scenery, and community stories.

Key Points

• Unique Focus: Celebrates Black and Colored winemakers, vineyard managers, and chefs, giving voice to underrepresented groups in South Africa’s wine industry.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more authentic, relaxed environment.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts like Tuanni and Cindy make the experience engaging, sharing stories and insights behind each winery.
• Diverse Itinerary: Visits include one of two 100% Black-owned wine farms and other wineries with POC staff, offering a meaningful perspective.
• Stunning Scenery & Tasting: Located in the beautiful Cape Winelands around Franschhoek, with tastings, a curated lunch, and scenic vineyard views.
• Great Value: Priced at $225 per person, including transportation, tastings, and lunch, making it competitive for the quality and depth of experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Sips With Soul Wine Tour

Introduction to the Experience

The Sips With Soul tour is designed to do more than just showcase South Africa’s beautiful vineyards — it shines a spotlight on the people shaping the country’s wine culture, especially those of color. For travelers interested in wine and culture, it’s an eye-opening journey that combines scenic beauty with meaningful stories.

One of the most appealing aspects is its curated focus on diversity within the wine industry. You’ll visit at least one of the only 100% Black-owned wine farms, along with others where people of color play vital roles, such as winemakers, vineyard managers, or executive chefs. Coupled with expert guides and intimate group sizes, this makes for a memorable, enriching day.

Why We Like This Tour

Three things stand out that make this experience compelling. First, the authentic storytelling about the people behind the wines, which adds depth to the tasting experience. Second, the personalized, small-group format enhances interaction and allows for more tailored insights. Third, the variety of stops, from vineyard visits to tastings and a delicious lunch — it’s a well-rounded day.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a specialized tour focusing on cultural themes, so if your main goal is just sampling wines without context, you might find the focus a bit too cultural or educational.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is best suited for wine lovers who enjoy learning about the stories and people behind the bottles. It’s also ideal for travelers passionate about supporting diversity and social empowerment. If you appreciate small-group experiences and meaningful cultural exchanges, this will resonate with you.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

The Meeting Point and Start

The tour begins at Caffe Milano on Shortmarket Street in Cape Town’s city center at 10:00 am. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access for most travelers. Once everyone is gathered, the group is whisked away in a comfortable vehicle, ready to explore the Cape Winelands.

Stop 1: Franschhoek – The Heart of South African Wine

The first stop takes you into the renowned Franschhoek region, often called the culinary and wine capital of South Africa. Here, the focus is on diversity—visiting one of the two 100% Black-owned wine farms. This farm exemplifies resilience and entrepreneurship, and tasting their wines offers a chance to support an important cause.

Guests have praised the friendly and knowledgeable guides, especially Tuanni, who is passionate about sharing the stories of the wineries she curates. One reviewer noted that she is “passionate about sharing her knowledge of wine and highlighting those wineries uplifting people of color,” which adds a layer of meaning to the tasting.

Vineyard Visits & Tastings

Expect to sample a selection of wines, carefully curated to showcase both quality and diversity. The tastings aren’t rushed; guides take time to explain the nuances of each wine, the vineyard’s history, and the significance of supporting POC-led wineries.

This approach makes the tasting sessions more than just sipping. They become stories, lessons, and conversations about South African society and wine culture. As one reviewer shared, “Tuanni and her team were wonderful. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of wine and highlighting those wineries uplifting people of color.”

A Curated Lunch in the Winelands

The tour includes a lunch break that complements the wines. Expect a thoughtfully prepared meal, often local and seasonal, paired with more wines. This is a highlight for many, as it offers a chance to relax and engage with fellow travelers while enjoying the stunning vineyard scenery.

Final Stop & Return

The day wraps up back at the meeting point around 5 hours later. The tour is approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes with transportation, making it a full but comfortable day out. The small group size ensures plenty of time for questions and personal interactions.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is included in the price, providing a smooth and stress-free journey between vineyards and the city. The group is capped at 12 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and allows guides to give personalized attention. Many reviewers have highlighted how this small group setting felt more like a gathering of friends than a typical bus tour.

Guides & Curators

The guides are praised for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to tell compelling stories. Cindy, in particular, is described as personable and enthusiastic, making the day both educational and fun. Tuanni, the curator of the experience, is noted for her genuine passion and deep understanding of the wineries’ social stories.

Value and Pricing

At $225 per person, the tour offers solid value, especially considering it includes transport, tastings, and a curated lunch. Compared to larger, standard wine tours, this experience provides a more meaningful connection to the story behind each bottle. The reviews repeatedly mention how the experience surpasses expectations thanks to the authentic storytelling and quality of wines.

Booking & Cancellation

Most travelers book about 61 days in advance, indicating its popularity. The tour’s free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand offers flexibility, which is important when planning a trip. Small groups and limited availability mean it’s wise to reserve early.

Final Thoughts

The Sips With Soul Wine Tour isn’t just about tasting wine — it’s about understanding a vital part of South Africa’s cultural fabric. You’ll visit beautiful vineyards, taste exceptional wines, and hear stories of resilience and entrepreneurship from passionate guides and winemakers.

This experience is a beautiful blend of scenic beauty, social consciousness, and genuine hospitality. It appeals most to those who want to enjoy top-quality wines while supporting diverse voices within the industry. If you’re curious about South Africa’s social landscape and love discovering stories behind the bottles, this tour is a must.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, which helps keep the day smooth and comfortable, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized, intimate atmosphere.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the original meeting point.

What does the price include?
The fee covers tastings at the vineyards, a curated lunch, and transportation throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention solo travelers having a fantastic time, enjoying the small-group vibe and the friendly guides.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Less than that, and the booking is non-refundable.

To sum it up, the Sips With Soul Wine Tour offers a meaningful, engaging, and scenic way to explore South Africa’s wine culture through a socially conscious lens. It’s perfect for those seeking authentic stories, excellent wines, and a chance to support diverse voices in the industry. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or a curious traveler, this experience provides both educational richness and genuine enjoyment in equal measure.