Cape Town Wine Tour: Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Tastings + Lunch

Summary

Stellenbosch’s oak lanes, Franschhoek’s cellars, Cape wine & slow laughter

You’ll taste local wines paired with cheese and chocolate in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, wander leafy streets with your guide’s stories still echoing in your head, share lunch at a classic cellar restaurant, and return to Cape Town with new flavors (and probably a few new friends) lingering long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit the old oak trees in Stellenbosch — everything looked a bit softer, like someone had turned down the volume on city life. Our guide, Sipho, greeted us with a grin that made it feel like we were visiting an old friend instead of just starting a Cape Town wine tour. He handed out tiny pieces of local cheese before we’d even reached the first estate, saying something about “waking up your taste buds early.” I didn’t argue.

We tried our first wine and cheese pairing in a cool stone room that smelled faintly of earth and wood polish. I remember the way the glass felt cold in my hand and how everyone went quiet for a second after tasting — maybe just thinking about how good it was, or maybe just letting it sink in. Sipho told us stories about Stellenbosch’s history (he says you can still hear Afrikaans lullabies if you walk the right street at dusk), and then we were back in the van, windows down so we could smell wild herbs on the breeze.

Lunch at Franschhoek Cellar came with laughter — someone at our table tried to pronounce “Franschhoek” properly and failed spectacularly (even our server laughed). The food was simple but rich; I still think about that bread, honestly. We wandered through the village afterwards, poking into little shops and watching an old man paint watercolors outside a cafe. Later there was chocolate and wine together — not something I’d ever thought to combine, but now I get it. The cellar tour felt almost secretive; cool air, low voices echoing off barrels stacked higher than my head.

On the drive back to Cape Town I watched vineyards slide past in gold light, feeling that sort of tired you only get after eating well and laughing too much. If you’re wondering if this day trip from Cape Town is worth it — well, I’m still thinking about those views and that last sip of red as the sun dipped behind the mountains. So yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tastings and town visits

• Pickup from Cape Town accommodation
• Visit Stellenbosch town centre
• Cheese and wine pairing
• Chocolate and wine pairing with cellar tour
• Lunch at Franschhoek Cellar
• Explore Franschhoek village
• Return to Cape Town

Top questions

What time does the Cape Town wine tour start?

Pickup from central Cape Town is around 10:00 am; exact time confirmed by 8 pm the night before.

Is lunch included on this Stellenbosch & Franschhoek tour?

Yes, a quality restaurant lunch at Franschhoek Cellar is included.

Are there cheese or chocolate tastings on this day trip?

The tour includes both cheese & wine pairing as well as chocolate & wine pairing sessions.

Does this wine tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup from listed accommodations in central Cape Town or Stellenbosch is included.

How long does this day trip from Cape Town last?

The tour returns to Cape Town around 6:30 pm.

Can pregnant travelers join this wine tasting tour?

This experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Is there leisure time to explore Stellenbosch or Franschhoek villages?

You’ll have some free time to explore both town centers during the tour.

Is travel insurance required for this South Africa wine tour?

You should ensure you have valid personal travel insurance for this trip.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from selected locations in Cape Town or Stellenbosch, guided transport between vineyards with your local guide Sipho (or someone equally friendly), cheese and wine pairing at one estate, lunch at Franschhoek Cellar, chocolate and wine pairing plus a cellar tour—before heading back to town early evening.