Spend this action and value-packed day exploring the 3 top wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. This day tour includes a cellar tour and 3 paired wine tastings, one each in the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl regions. Enjoy a guided walk in Stellenbosch, and a visit to Franschhoek village.
After leaving Cape Town we head close to Stellenbosch to enjoy a cellar tour followed by a Cheese and Wine tasting at our chosen wine estate. We then head into Stellenbosch, also known as the “City of Oaks”, it has giant oak trees shading the streets, which are lined with picturesque cafes, boutiques and art galleries. The Cape Dutch architecture dates back to South Africa’s Dutch colonial history. Our guide will take you on a walking tour of the historic town before we head over the Hellshoogte Mountain pass as we make our way to Franschhoek.
The Franschhoek valley is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Africa. With towering mountains and vineyards, Franschhoek offers stunning views from its famous wine farms. Franschhoek, meaning “French corner”, truly lives up to its name, with French-inspired cafes, delis and wine shops, and architecture dating back to the time of the Huguenots. You will experience a wine tasting in the picturesque Franschhoek valley and a see to the picturesque town.
Stop for a photo here and learn more about the Mandela story from your guide. In 1982 Mandela was transferred from the maximum security prison on Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town. From there, Mandela was moved to the then Victor Verster Prison on 9 December 1988, where he lived in a private house inside the prison compound. Victor Verster, a farm prison, was often used as a stepping stone for releasing lower-risk political prisoners. Mandela served another 14 months at Victor Verster (Now called Drakenstein) Prison until his release on 11 February 1990. On the day of his release, reporters from all over the world surrounded the prison, giving the prison worldwide publicity.
Paarl wines are now world renowned, primarily for the quality of their Shiraz while Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon are also increasingly well regarded, and the region is home to some of the Western Cape’s most influential wineries. About an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the region has earned international acclaim not only for its Paarl wines but also the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings. The name Paarl means ‘pearl’ and reflects the way the ancient granite mountains, which early Dutch settlers called ‘den Diamont ende Peerlbergh’ (‘the diamond and pearl mountain’), glisten in the distance.
We visit the our chosen Wine Estate to enjoy a wine tasting (5 wines) complete with a sweet and decadent pairing in Paarl. Choose your favourite wine and then enjoy a glass of it as you sit under the trees and take in all the ambiance before heading back to Cape Town.
Your guide will highlight points of interest along the way (in English), and will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the route or wine farms.
Return to Cape Town by approximately 17h45
We reserve the right to alter the Wine Estates according to availability
The Three Region Xplorer Wine Tour is a full-day experience visiting the wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch. It includes cellar tours and wine tastings in each region, a savoury pairing in Stellenbosch, and a sweet wine pairing in Paarl. Guests also enjoy a guided walk through historic Stellenbosch, time in Franschhoek village, and a stop at Drakenstein Prison to learn about Nelson Mandela’s final days of imprisonment. The tour is conducted in English and returns to Cape Town around 17h45.
In Stellenbosch, the tour visits a wine estate for a cellar tour and a cheese and wine tasting. Guests also enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic town, known for its oak-lined streets, cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and Cape Dutch architecture. The journey then continues over the scenic Hellshoogte Mountain pass toward Franschhoek.
Franschhoek is celebrated for its dramatic mountain scenery, vineyards, and strong French heritage. The tour includes a wine tasting at a picturesque wine farm and time to explore the village, where visitors can experience its cafes, delis, wine shops, and historic architecture linked to the Huguenot settlers.
The Paarl portion of the tour visits a wine estate known for its Shiraz and other varietals such as Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Guests enjoy a tasting of five wines paired with a sweet treat. Paarl is famous for its granite mountains, and after the tasting, there is time to relax and enjoy the setting before returning to Cape Town.
The tour is led in English by an experienced wine guide who provides live commentary throughout the day. The guide shares insights into the wine regions, farms, history, and culture, answers questions, and highlights points of interest along the route to ensure an informative and enjoyable experience.