Cape Winelands: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Lunch

Summary

Rolling vineyards, Cape wine tastings and a long lunch

You’ll spend your day exploring Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch with plenty of wine tastings—plus local cheeses and maybe even chocolate if it’s available. Lunch is relaxed and scenic, with mountains all around. It’s not rushed or fancy—just good food, good wine, and stories from your guide that stick with you longer than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

We started out from Cape Town just after breakfast—still a bit foggy in my head, but the minivan was quiet and cool. Our guide, Sizwe, had this way of telling stories that made the drive to Paarl feel shorter than it was (about 45 minutes maybe?). He pointed out some old farmhouses along the road and I remember thinking how the morning air smelled faintly like eucalyptus mixed with something sweet—maybe grapes starting to warm up in the sun.

The first stop was a vineyard in Paarl. I can’t remember the name now (it had a long Afrikaans name), but the tasting room was all stone floors and big windows. We tried two whites and a port—Sizwe laughed when I said I’d never tasted port before noon. There were little bowls of olives and cheese too; the cheese had this nutty taste that kind of lingered. Someone in our group tried to ask for more in Afrikaans and totally butchered it—the staff just grinned and brought extra anyway.

By midday we were somewhere near Franschhoek. The mountains looked almost painted on—blueish at the edges—and there was this low hum of bees around the lavender by the terrace where we ate lunch. The menu was à la carte (I went for fish, no regrets). Wine kept coming but never too much at once. I remember a moment where everyone just went quiet for a second, looking out over rows of vines—it felt peaceful, you know? Like you could actually hear yourself think.

We stopped again in Stellenbosch for more tastings—this time with chocolate pairings if you wanted (I did). The drive back was sleepy; I think half of us nodded off before we even left the last estate. No time for wandering around any towns—they warned us about that—but honestly, after four vineyards and lunch, I didn’t mind at all. Still think about that view from Franschhoek sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Cape Winelands tour

• Depart Cape Town for winelands
• Visit premier vineyards in Paarl
• Taste wines, sparkling wines, and ports
• Sample cheeses, olives, and chocolates
• Enjoy a la carte lunch
• Visit vineyards in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch
• Return to Cape Town

Top questions

How long is the Cape Winelands wine tour?

The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, an à la carte lunch is included as part of your day trip.

Are hotel pickups included?

Yes, hotel or guest house pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned minivan.

Which regions do we visit on this wine tour?

The tour visits Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands.

Is there time to walk around cities like Stellenbosch?

No, there isn’t time for walking around cities—the focus is on visiting vineyards only.

What kinds of wines are tasted during the tour?

You’ll taste various South African wines including sparkling wines and ports; cheese pairings are also offered.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is chocolate tasting always included?

Chocolate tastings are subject to availability at certain estates during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or guest house pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan; guided tastings at four top Cape Winelands vineyards; an à la carte lunch with vegetarian options if needed; plus chances to sample local cheeses—and sometimes olives or chocolates depending on what’s available that day—before heading back in the evening.