This is a country rich in winemaking tradition, and many South African wine adventures are accessible for groups visiting the Western Cape.
The most popular wine routes are those in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, with the Robertson and Durbanville areas emerging as well—18 wine routes in all. With a season that runs year-round—in summer and autumn, the vineyards are most scenic, and harvest takes place from January through March—the possibilities are endless.
Following are 5 wine adventures for groups:
Wineland adventures in the sky
Try paragliding or gliding, or for a more relaxed view from the air choose a helicopter, gyrocopter or hot air balloon for panoramic views of wine country below.
Meet the winemakers
Vineyard Ventures is the oldest and most established wine tour company in the Cape, or contact one of the region’s many wine celebrities. Fiona MacDonald, former editor of Wine Magazine, arranges behind-the-scenes tours with winemakers of note, as well as up-and-coming ones.
Learn Karoo cookery
Attendees can learn traditional Karoo cuisine from visiting local and international chefs at African Relish, a recreational cooking school in Prince Albert.
Make your own wine
There are various options, such as Overhex Private Cellar, where groups can dip into whichever vintages are available that day to create their own blend, with the help of an assistant winemaker. Attendees also get to design the labels for their bottles.
Add cheese and coffee
The Gournet Delights tour by Franschhoek Wine Tours includes such treats as a cheese and wine tasting at Cotage Fromage and a visit to a local coffee roaster to see how they roast their delicious coffee beans and sample the coffees.
