Horseback riding in Franschhoek: Wine tasting trail

Ride mountain passes and vineyard trails, then taste wine at the viewpoint

A half-day horseback riding activity in Franschhoek's wine valley where you climb through working farms and vineyards into the Great Drakenstein Mountains, then descend to a winery for tastings. Your guide pairs you with a horse suited to your experience level and adjusts the group's pace for safety and comfort. Children from age 8 are welcome. One or two wine tastings can be arranged, though the operator prefers more time in the saddle.

The experience

The ride starts with your guide matching you to a horse that fits your skill level, whether you're after a fast canter on open farm tracks or a steady meander through the landscape. The trail takes you through working vineyards and climbs into the mountainous terrain above the valley, ending at a viewpoint before you make your way back down. The guide adjusts the group's pace throughout based on riding experience, keeping both horse and rider safe.

Once you return from the trail, wine tasting happens at one of the local estates. You can arrange one or two tastings depending on your preference. The operator will contact you before the ride to confirm. Bottled water and snacks are included, and the whole experience runs about four hours. The ride is subject to favorable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you'll be offered an alternative date.

What’s included

• Use of a horse matched to your skill level.
• helmet.
• guide in English.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• one or two wine tastings at a local estate (your choice, arranged before the ride).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 95 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “ROADWORKS ALERT: Expect delays of up to 40min due to roadworks. Set your Google Maps arrival 40min earlier than your booking time. Guests must arrive 30min early for a safety briefing.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wine Valley Adventures

Is this one for you?The pace adjusts to your riding ability, so experienced riders can push for a fast canter while beginners get a relaxed meander: both groups spend most of the time in the saddle rather than standing still.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do this ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The guide pairs you with a horse matched to your experience level and adjusts the group's pace accordingly, so novice riders get a relaxing meander suited to their comfort. The operator guarantees a comfortable ride.

What happens at the wine tasting part of the ride?

After descending from the mountains, you stop at one of the local wine estates in the Franschhoek valley. You can arrange one or two tastings. The operator will ask your preference before the ride and contact you to confirm.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my ride?

The ride is subject to favorable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, the operator will offer you an alternative date instead of a refund.

How long does the whole experience take?

The half-day ride runs about four hours from start to finish, including the trail and the wine tasting at the estate.