Hermanus Vineyard Safari & Wine Tasting with Guide

Summary

Estate-Grown Wine Tasting Tour by Safari Car in Hermanus

Ride through Benguela Cove’s ocean-facing vineyards in Hermanus on a guided safari car tour, tasting five estate-grown wines right among the vines. Meet locals who share stories of their land, enjoy lunch with French-English flavors, and soak up salty air you’ll remember long after your glass is empty.

What’s the experience like?

“You can smell the sea in the grapes here,” our guide Sipho said, grinning as he handed me a glass right there between the vines. I’d never tasted wine with that much salt in the air before — honestly, I didn’t even know that was a thing. The wind came off the water and rattled the leaves, and for a second I just stood there, glass in hand, trying to figure out if it was the wine or the ocean I could taste more.

The safari car bounced along muddy tracks (I probably should’ve worn darker pants), stopping every so often so Sipho could point out which grapes grew where. He had this way of talking about the land — like it was an old friend he wanted us to meet. We tried five different wines right beside their own vines, which felt kind of special. There was one white that tasted like green apples and something floral I couldn’t name. Li laughed when I tried to say “Chenin Blanc” in Afrikaans — probably butchered it.

Lunch smelled like rosemary and butter from halfway across the terrace. Chef Annie came out to check on us (she’s got this easy smile), and we ended up talking about how French dishes get a South African twist here. The olive groves were shimmering under that weirdly bright Cape sky, and honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home making toast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting

• Vineyard tour by safari car
• Taste 5 different wines
• View olive groves and Koggelberg biosphere
• Lunch or dinner with French and English dishes

Top questions

How long does the vineyard safari tour last?

The guided vineyard tour lasts one hour.

How many wines do you taste during the tour?

You’ll taste five different estate-grown wines during the experience.

Is lunch included on this wine tasting tour?

No, but you can stay for lunch or dinner at the estate restaurant after your tour.

Are children allowed on the vineyard safari?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Benguela Cove Wine Estate.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the vineyard safari and wine tasting.

Do you need to book in advance?

The reference doesn’t specify, but booking ahead is recommended for availability.

What’s included

Your day includes a one-hour guided vineyard tour by safari ATV through Benguela Cove’s 200-hectare estate in Hermanus, with stops to taste five different estate-grown wines among the vines; you’ll also see olive groves and have time to relax or dine at their restaurant if you want to linger longer after your tasting.