Stellenbosch: Guided Bike Tour, Wine Tastings & Cellar Visit

Cycle historic Stellenbosch taste wines meet locals in Jonkershoek valley

You’ll cycle through Stellenbosch’s historic streets and leafy university campus with a local guide, taste award-winning wines in Jonkershoek valley, and take a private cellar tour with chocolate pairing—all while soaking up small moments that make this region feel alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided bike tour and wine tastings

• Meet and get your bike
• Visit 1905 historic mall
• Cycle past Botanical garden
• Hear stories of early settlers
• Cycle in Jonkershoek valley
• Private cellar tour and chocolate pairing
• Taste wines with valley views
• Cycle through Stellenbosch University

The Experience

I still remember the first few pedal strokes—Stellenbosch waking up around us, the air already carrying that dry, earthy smell you only get in the Cape Winelands. Our guide, Pieter, handed out helmets with a grin and asked if anyone had ridden a mountain bike before. I said yes, but my legs were already doubting me. We set off past rows of old oaks and whitewashed buildings; someone’s radio played faint jazz from an open window. It felt like cycling through someone else’s memory.

Pieter kept tossing little stories over his shoulder about Dutch settlers and why the university students call that one corner “the kissing spot” (I won’t spoil it). We stopped at this old mall from 1905—honestly, I’d never have noticed it if he hadn’t pointed it out. The Eerste River was running low but still managed to reflect the sky perfectly. There was this moment where we just coasted along the riverbank and I caught a whiff of fresh bread from somewhere nearby—suddenly I was starving.

The ride into Jonkershoek valley was quieter than I expected. The mountains close in on you there—the light gets softer, almost blueish. We rolled up to our first wine estate for a cellar tour; cool air hit my face as we stepped inside. I tried to repeat the Afrikaans name of one of their wines—Pieter laughed so hard he nearly dropped his glass. The chocolate and wine pairing after? Way better than I’d guessed (I’m not usually a dessert person). Sitting there looking out over those vineyards… yeah, that view sticks with you.

We finished by cycling through Stellenbosch University’s campus—students everywhere, some waving at us like they knew we didn’t belong but didn’t mind either. By then my legs were wobbly but I didn’t really care. It felt like we’d seen Stellenbosch from the inside out—not just the postcard version.

Top questions

How long is the guided bike tour in Stellenbosch?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including stops for wine tasting and lunch.

Are bikes and helmets included on the Stellenbosch bike tour?

Yes, mountain bikes and helmets are provided for all participants.

Is there wine tasting included on this Stellenbosch day trip?

Yes, you’ll enjoy one standard wine tasting plus a chocolate and wine pairing at two estates.

Does the tour visit Jonkershoek Nature Reserve?

You’ll cycle through Jonkershoek valley as part of the route.

Is lunch included during the bike tour?

No lunch is included; however, there are food aromas along the way!

Can children join this guided bike tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.

What fitness level do I need for this Stellenbosch cycling tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for poor cardiovascular health.

Is there a minimum age for drinking wine on this tour?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a mountain bike and helmet, guidance from a local expert throughout historic Stellenbosch and Jonkershoek valley, one standard wine tasting plus a chocolate and wine pairing at two different estates, as well as a private cellar tour—all woven together by stories and laughter along the way.