Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 103 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch worth booking?
Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch is a 8-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $850 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 103 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (103)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $850 per person
Oenophiles and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this private exploration of the Cape Winelands. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairing in the Paarl, Stellen
What you get
- Flexible private tour. Inform us after booking of your special requests.
- Franschhoek - Plaisir Wine & Confectionery Pairing
- Local English-speaking guide + Transport
- Drop-off after tour to your original pickup location
- Stellenbosch - Muratie Wine Tasting
- Hotel pickup & drop-off within 5km in Cape Town central or Stellenbosch
About this experience
Oenophiles and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this private exploration of the Cape Winelands. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairing in the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions; the extraordinary scenery along the way will transport you back to yesteryear to reminisce among white gabled buildings and impressive manor houses flanked by soaring mountain ranges. Firstly you'll visit the cheese haven of Fairview for a master tasting of their wine with local produce. Continue to Franschhoek with a stop at Plaisir wine estate for an insight into farm-to-fork organic farming and tastes of their best wines. Visit the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek for a lunch stop and end your meander along the Winelands with wine tasting at the heritage-rich Muratie vineyard estate before heading back to Cape Town in late afternoon.
What's included
Included
- Flexible private tour. Inform us after booking of your special requests.
- Franschhoek - Plaisir Wine & Confectionery Pairing
- Local English-speaking guide + Transport
- Drop-off after tour to your original pickup location
- Stellenbosch - Muratie Wine Tasting
- Hotel pickup & drop-off within 5km in Cape Town central or Stellenbosch
- Paarl - Fairview Farmer's Cheese & Wine Tasting
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Personal travel insurance
What you'll see and do
Fairview Wine and Cheese
Leave Cape Town behind and head off by luxury minivan to the Stellenbosch wine region – famous for its Mediterranean climate and fertile soils that help to produce millions of litres of wine each year. With your expert guide, hop back in your minivan and continue your journey northwest to the Paarl wine region, home to leading wine producers like Fairview. Stop at the Fairview Wine Estate, trying out several of their famed white wines and cheeses. As this is a private tour, your itinerary for the day is flexible and you can chop and change as you please. So, take it slow and be sure to meander along the way, staying a little longer if you please or even popping in at quaint looking stops along the way. Our suggestion is an early start at the cheese haven of Fairview for a master tasting of wine with cheese and olive oil that will open both your mind and palate to tastes that you didn't think were possible.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Plaisir de Merle
On the journey towards the quaint town of Franschhoek, stopover at Plaisir de Merle, nestled at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain. Founded by Charles Marais in 1693, the estate's history is steeped in winemaking tradition and French heritage. The manicured lawns, ancient oak trees, and panoramic vistas create a picturesque setting for wine enthusiasts. Step into the tasting room, housed in a charming 1823 barn, and indulge in some of the estate's finest wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the valley. Enhance your tasting experience with wine and confectionary pairings, including artisanal nougat or chocolate truffles. Plaisir Wine Estate's serene atmosphere and historic charm make it a memorable destination for wine lovers. Explore the estate's rich heritage and stunning landscapes as you sip on exquisite wines and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a tranquil escape, you'll love it here.
60 minutes here
Franschhoek
Lunch takes place in the gourmet capital of South Africa – Franschhoek – roughly 5 miles (8 km) away. Your private guide will point out the best sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and then leave you to enjoy lunch at your own expense. South Africa’s epicurean capital; Franschhoek, with its multitude of eateries is a must-do for gourmands and on weekends the local farmer’s market beckons with colourful stalls, tasty aromas and live music. You’ll have time to soak up the history of the French Huguenots who arrived in the Seventeenth Century, maybe catch an impromptu church choir performance in the street, shop for knick-knacks and bric-a-brac along the main street or savour a charcuterie plate and tasty local creations.
60 minutes here
Muratie
Your last stop of the day is a small Stellenbosch wine estate called Muratie, much loved by locals, with bags of charm. Its traditional cellars are typified by ramshackle walls and worn paintings -- adding to its rustic charm. Sample the estate’s fortified sweet port-style wine and locally produced chocolate (or similar*)– a winning combination! If you are not a fan of sweet wines the Muratie's classic white or red tasting is available as an alternative too. Relax on the journey back to Cape Town, where you’ll arrive in the early evening. - The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasion, run in a different order. *Muratie's chocolate wine pairing experience will be discontinued by April 2024, and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience. - This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Africa Select Journeys - Hotspots 2c
This is a private tour running exclusively for you or your group. Do contact us during of after the booking process to let us know if you would prefer any changes to the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary and cost estimate if there are any additional charges.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hotspots2c Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Customers who have not reached South Africa’s legal drinking age of 18 will not be served alcohol.
- Please note: Wine tasting or pairings are not included for children under the legal drinking age of 18 years. Extra meals or drinks are under the adult’s responsibility and is not included in price.
- This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options. Do contact us during of after the booking process to let us know if you would prefer any changes of the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary, and cost estimate if there are any additional changes.
- The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasion, run in a different order.
- Personal and comprehensive travel insurance is recommended and not included in this tour.
- If some wines, farm or wine pairing options are unavailable during certain times of the week or season, we reserve the right to offer a similar type or value alternative.
- *Muratie's chocolate wine pairing experience will be discontinued by April 2024, and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 103 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
103 verified traveler reviews for Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wine lands
Be ready for many tastings and varieties Wonderful and informative guide with staff at each location very knowledgeable
Response from the operator: Wine in the glass, and a day filled with stories, flavours and discovery... The Winelands have a way of slowing time down - with tastings, beautiful views and the local tales that bring the region to life. We’re so happy to hear that our guide and the knowledgeable teams at each stop added extra magic to your Cape Winelands exploration. And beyond the vineyards; each journey with us carries a little something further... Through our supported NPO called 2Cchange, a portion of each tour with us goes towards projects creating positive change in local communities. Thanks for being part of the difference. Cheers to that, from: Benita Stroebel & team Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys
via Viator
Superb Day Tour with fantastic Guide and Wine!
I was lucky enough to experience this wine tour having booked through Viator. It lives up to the 5 star reviews. It was faultless from start to finish. Our Guide Gigi (his nickname meaning gentle giant) was an absolute star, full of knowledge and interesting and exciting stories throughout the day. We also got to enjoy some fabulous food and wine in spectacular settings! What a treat... Definitely a bucket list tick box for anyone keen to explore the area in a day.
Response from the operator: What a fantastic review! We're super happy to hear that your wine tour experience lived up to the 5-star reviews! Gigi is an absolute gem, with his gentle demeanour and so much local knowledge. And isn't it just magical when the best-of-the-best food and wine gets enjoyed in spectacular settings? We're honoured to have been a part of your bucket list experience, and here's to many more adventures in the future! PS - Your travel with us support our #tour2cchange movement. A portion of your trip's funds contributed to meaningful community projects through our non-profit 2Cchange. Keep'on adventuring - from Team Hotspots2c
via Tripadvisor
A fantastic memorable day trip in Capetown
Amazing driver GG. So knowledgeable and friendly. Winery stops were beautiful and informative. We would recommend this tour to families in a heartbeat.
via Viator
Special Day in the Winelands
Our guide was great, very positive about South Africa and knowledgeable about wine. We were very delayed due to an accident on the motorway and didn’t get to do all the wine farms on the schedule, but Paul made it a special day nonetheless. Lots of lovely wines, a diversion to Plaisir highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback on the Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch! It’s great to hear Paul’s positive energy and wine knowledge helped make the day special despite the delays. We appreciate your understanding around the unexpected traffic disruption, and we’re glad you still enjoyed the experience and great wine stops along the way. By joining us, you’ve also supported our #tour2Cchange initiatives, contributing to local community and conservation projects. Always keep exploring... From, Team Hotspots2C
via Viator
Exceptional Wine Tour...
This day trip to the Stellenbosch region was fabulous. Started at the Fairview Wine Estate where wines were paired with cheese. Delicious! Franschhoek Town was next where we walked the town filled with wine stores, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Pretty town and so many options for lunch. Took the Wine Tram (great idea so you could go from one winery to the next without driving)! We stopped at the Rickety Bridge Farm...so much fun to try so many wines. This Winery was started by Paulina De Villiers in 1797. Last stop was the rustic wine farm of Muratie. Dessert wines paired with chocolate. Unbelievable experience, with an exceptional tour guide for the day! Highly suggest this private guided tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback on the Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch! It’s fantastic to hear you enjoyed the variety of wine farms, pairings, and the charm of Franschhoek. Sounds like a perfect day out, from cheese and wine tastings to the wine tram and unique farm stops. We’re also pleased your guide made the experience even more memorable. From, Team Hotspots2C
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $850 to $10780
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 36
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hotspots2c Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.3.
See everything Hotspots2c Tours runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch cost?
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Prices start at $850 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 103 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch?
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Around 36 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Winelands Explore Full Day Tour: Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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