Cape Town: Beyerskloof, Spier & Ernie Els Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re looking to explore the Cape Winelands without the hassle of planning, this guided tour offers a well-balanced peek into some of South Africa’s most renowned wine farms. It’s perfect for travelers eager to sample top-tier wines, savor local cheeses, and learn about South Africa’s wine heritage—all in a compact, day-long experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love the diversity of farms, offering a mix of boutique and iconic estates. Second, the quality of tastings—from the premium Pinots at Beyerskloof to the sophisticated reds at Ernie Els—is genuinely impressive. Lastly, the smooth organization and transfers ensure a stress-free day.

That said, a possible consideration is the limited time at each farm, which might feel rushed if you’re eager to linger longer over every glass. This tour is ideal for those who want a curated, efficient overview of Cape’s best wineries without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings.

Who will love this? It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting highlights, or anyone interested in an all-in-one experience that combines scenery, quality wines, and manageable group sizes.

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Key Points

All-inclusive experience with transportation, tastings, and cheese.
Balanced itinerary with visits to Beyerskloof, Spier, and Ernie Els.
Premium wine selections and knowledgeable guides.
Convenient pickup and drop-off from centrally located points.
Ideal for those seeking a relaxing, educational day in the vineyards.
Not suitable for children under 18 — it’s a wine-focused tour for adults.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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Starting Your Day with Ease

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or a central location near the V&A Waterfront, such as the Two Oceans Aquarium. The convenience of hotel pickup within a 20 km radius reduces stress and allows you to relax from the moment you leave your accommodation. The guide and transportation are organized to keep things punctual, with pickups about 15 minutes prior to departure.

The small-group setting—generally intimate—means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the friendly driver/guide typically shares some local insights, setting the tone for an enjoyable day.

Beyerskloof: First Stop for Superior Pinotage Tasting

Arriving at Beyerskloof around 10 am, the highlight is a superior wine tasting of five carefully selected wines, including their flagship Pinotage. This estate is famous for its Pinotage—South Africa’s signature grape—so you’ll get to try classics like the Beyerskloof Pinotage Reserve 2021 and the Traildust 2022.

Guests often praise the knowledgeable guides here. One reviewer mentioned, “The tasting was very personalized, and the host explained the nuances of each wine in a way that made it memorable.” Expect to spend about 1.5 hours here, soaking up the vineyard atmosphere and learning about the winemaking process. The tasting of multiple wines gives you a good sense of Beyerskloof’s style—bold, fruit-forward, and perfect for those who enjoy structured reds.

Spier: A Mix of Tradition and Innovation

At around noon, the group is transferred to Spier, a historic estate blending tradition with contemporary flair. Arriving around 12 pm, you’ll sample three wines from their Signature range, plus one from each of their three premium lines: 21 Gables, Creative Block, and Seaward. This range offers a broad spectrum of flavors, from crisp whites to complex reds.

A standout feature here is the accompanying cheese platter, which enhances the tasting experience. Guests often remark on the quality of the cheeses and the carefully curated selection, which complements the wines perfectly. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic vineyard views make this stop a favorite. One visitor shared, “The setting is beautiful, and the wine was fantastic—pairing it with cheese made it even better.”

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Ernie Els: Sophisticated Red and White Wines

The third stop, at Ernie Els, opens around 2 pm. The “Players” tasting here includes four different wines: from crisp Chenin Blanc to robust Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The highlight? The Big Easy Red Blend, which is often described as smooth, flavorful, and well-balanced.

Guests often comment on the estate’s elegant setting and the approachable yet high-quality wines. “It’s clear Ernie Els is serious about both golf and wine,” one review notes, emphasizing the upscale ambiance. The tasting generally lasts about an hour, giving enough time to appreciate the wines and take photos of the estate’s stunning architecture and vineyard views.

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Ending the Day on a High Note

By approximately 3:30 pm, the tour departs from Ernie Els, heading back to your hotel or the original pickup point. The entire experience wraps up around 4 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore Cape Town further.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Comfort and Convenience

The inclusion of all transfers means you can relax without worrying about navigating or parking. The meeting points are easy to find—near the V&A Waterfront—making it accessible whether you’re staying downtown or nearby.

Quality of Wines and Food

From the renowned Pinotages at Beyerskloof to the well-curated tastings at Spier and Ernie Els, this tour offers a great variety of wines. The cheese platter at Spier adds a delicious touch, allowing you to enjoy your tastings with some local flavors.

Well-Organized and Informative

The tour’s structure, with about 1.5 hours at each farm, strikes a good balance between in-depth tasting and a manageable schedule. The guides are knowledgeable, often sharing insights beyond just tasting notes, like vineyard history and winemaking techniques.

Value for Money

At $205 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive experience—transport, multiple tastings, and cheese—all bundled into one day. Considering the quality of wines and the ease of logistics, it’s a solid value for those wanting to tick several top wineries off their list without the hassle.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing is tight but well-paced if you’re ready for a day of wine, scenery, and good company.
Dress comfortably, as you’ll be onsite for about 4-5 hours and might do some walking or standing during tastings.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—outdoor vineyard visits can get sunny.
Reserve ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
Not suitable for children under 18, as the focus is on wine tasting.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

The Sum Up

This Cape Town wine tour offers an excellent way to experience some of the region’s top vineyards in a relaxed, organized setting. It’s especially attractive for those new to South African wines or travelers who prefer not to drive. The selection of wineries provides a well-rounded taste of the local scene—from the iconic Pinotages at Beyerskloof to the sophisticated blends at Ernie Els.

The inclusion of cheese and scenic vineyard views makes it more than just a tasting; it’s an immersive, enjoyable day out. While the schedule is somewhat packed, it’s perfect if you want a rundown in a single trip. The focus on quality, comfort, and authentic experiences makes it a worthwhile addition to any Cape Town itinerary.

Ideal for wine lovers, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to learn about South Africa’s wine-making traditions without the stress of planning multiple visits. If you appreciate good wine, beautiful scenery, and tasteful local fare, this tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup is available from accommodations within a 20 km radius of the V&A Waterfront or from a central meeting point.

How long will we stay at each vineyard? Expect to spend around 1.5 hours at each wine farm, giving enough time for tastings and exploring without feeling rushed.

Are meals included? The tour includes a cheese platter at Spier, but other food and drinks are not included. Pack some snacks if you wish.

What wines will I taste at each stop? Beyerskloof features five Pinotage wines, Spier offers a selection from their signature and premium ranges, and Ernie Els provides four wines including whites and reds like the Big Easy blends.

Is the tour suitable for wine beginners? Absolutely. Guides are knowledgeable and welcoming, making it easy to learn about wine while enjoying the tasting.

How do transfers work? All transportation is organized between the wineries, with pickup and drop-off points at convenient locations.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour good value for the price? Considering the tastings, cheese, and seamless logistics, it offers good value—especially for a full day of exploring top vineyards without additional costs.

This Cape Town wine experience balances convenience, quality, and scenic beauty—making it a perfect choice for wine lovers eager to savor South Africa’s celebrated vineyards.