Cape Town Winelands: Franschhoek Wine Tram & Stellenbosch Day Tour

Summary

Stellenbosch streets, wine tram rides and mountain views

You’ll stroll leafy Stellenbosch streets, taste wine and chocolate at historic Lanzerac, ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram through mountain-ringed vineyards, and share stories with locals along the way. There’s laughter over lunch, quiet moments at Mandela’s statue—and plenty of time for one more sip before heading home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Cape Town when our guide, Sibusiso, started pointing out little things I would’ve missed — the way the morning haze clings to Table Mountain, or how the houses thin out into vineyards. Stellenbosch was our first stop. I thought it’d be sleepy but it’s actually buzzing — students laughing outside coffee shops, old men reading newspapers on benches under oak trees. The water furrows run right along the sidewalks. I grabbed a flat white (probably too quickly) and tried to soak up the mix of old Cape Dutch buildings and new art galleries before we piled back into the van.

Lanzerac felt like a movie set: big white gables, old trees, everything smelling faintly of oak barrels and something sweet. We did a wine and chocolate tasting there — five wines with five tiny chocolates lined up in front of us like little jewels. I still think about the Pinotage paired with dark cherry chocolate. Our host explained how this was where Pinotage was first bottled (I nodded like I knew what that meant). The group got chatty after that; maybe it was the wine or just how relaxed everyone felt sitting in that cool stone cellar.

The drive to Tokara twisted through hills — someone in the back joked about “Hell’s Heights” being an understatement. Tokara’s all glass and steel, super modern compared to Lanzerac. You can see all the way to Table Mountain if you squint through the olive groves. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is apparently famous; I just liked how it tasted next to a salty cheese from their platter. Sibusiso told us stories about winemakers arguing over soil types — he made it sound almost dramatic.

Franschhoek was next, surrounded by mountains so close you feel boxed in (in a good way). Lunch was unhurried; some of us wandered into art shops while others just sat outside watching people go by. Then came my favorite bit: the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Tickets in hand, we hopped on this green-and-yellow tram that rattles between vineyards — honestly, it feels part theme park ride, part slow-motion postcard. At Rickety Bridge estate we were picked up by a tractor (not kidding) and trundled off for another tasting. By then my palate was shot but somehow every sip still felt new.

On the way back to Cape Town we stopped at Drakenstein Prison — Mandela’s statue stands there with his fist raised high. Nobody said much for a moment; even Sibusiso seemed quieter than usual. It’s weird how a day full of laughter and wine can end with something so heavy but necessary. That contrast sticks with me more than any glass I tasted.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Winelands tour: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek

• Pickup from Cape Town hotel
• Drive to Stellenbosch with guide commentary
• Explore Stellenbosch town on foot
• Chocolate and wine tasting at Lanzerac estate
• Drive to Tokara via Hell's heights pass
• Wine tasting at Tokara estate
• Drive to Franschhoek via Pniel
• Lunch and explore Franschhoek town
• Receive tram tickets and instructions
• Take wine tram to farms
• Visit Rickety Bridge farm by tram
• Visit Franschhoek cellar farm by tram
• Stop at Nelson Mandela prison statue
• Return to Cape Town hotel

Top questions

How long is the Cape Town Winelands tour?

The tour lasts a full day including travel from Cape Town with multiple stops for tastings and lunch before returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Franschhoek Wine Tram tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Cape Town are included.

Do you visit both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek?

Yes, you’ll explore both Stellenbosch on foot and Franschhoek by tram during this day trip.

Are wine tastings included at each stop?

Wine tastings are included at Lanzerac, Tokara, and two estates via the Franschhoek Wine Tram route.

Is lunch provided on this Winelands tour?

The tour includes a lunch break in Franschhoek but lunch itself is not prepaid; you choose your own spot to eat.

Can you join this tour if you don’t drink alcohol?

You can skip tastings or opt for snacks or coffee at most estates; participation is flexible.

How many wineries do you visit by tram?

You can visit two wineries by tram—possibly three if time allows—after lunch in Franschhoek.

Is there any historical site included besides wineries?

You’ll stop at Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela spent his last years incarcerated before release.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cape Town in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water throughout; guided walks in Stellenbosch; premium wine tastings paired with artisanal chocolates at Lanzerac; further tastings at Tokara; tickets for two stops on the Franschhoek Wine Tram route; plus time for lunch and exploring local shops before heading home together.