Stellenbosch Small Group Wine Tour with Sparkling Tastings

Summary

Cap Classique Sparkling Wine Experience in Stellenbosch

You’ll explore Stellenbosch’s boutique wineries in a relaxed small group, taste award-winning sparkling wines (MCC), meet passionate winemakers, and discover unique food pairings—all with an expert local guide handling every detail.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Cape Town felt crisp when our guide pulled up—right on time. After a quick hello, we set off toward the winelands. Our first stop was a vineyard famous for playing classical music to its vines. I’d read about this place winning the Decanter Award for best chardonnay, but seeing those rolling hills in person was something else. We sipped their MCC (that’s Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa’s answer to Champagne) while snacking on local treats. The view from the tasting room stretched out over neat rows of vines and distant mountains—honestly, you could just sit there all day.

Driving through Stellenbosch itself, our guide pointed out the university—the oldest in South Africa—and shared stories about the town’s Dutch roots. The streets were lined with old oak trees and little coffee shops. You catch a whiff of roasting beans as you pass by; it’s that kind of place.

Next up: a winery credited with making South Africa’s very first sparkling wine. We wandered between sunlit vines while the winemaker explained how MCC got started here decades ago. Lunch was at their vineyard restaurant—think fresh bread, local cheese, and a glass of fizz that tasted like summer afternoons. It wasn’t included in the tour price, but totally worth it.

In the afternoon, we visited another estate known for its original Cap Classique Rosé. The cellar tour was hands-on—you actually see how they riddle and bottle each batch by hand. Tasting their sparkling wines alongside artisan chocolates was a highlight; I never thought dark chocolate would go so well with bubbles.

Our last winery was smaller and more personal. We met the winemaker herself—she talked us through pairing Bordeaux-style reds with creamy local cheeses. There’s something special about chatting over a glass poured by the person who made it.

To wrap things up, we had two choices: try some local gin and craft beer at a laid-back spot or sip one last glass of MCC at a sunset venue popular with locals (depends on the day). Either way, it felt like the perfect end before heading back to Cape Town as dusk settled over Table Mountain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stellenbosch Wine Estate Visits

• Visit award-winning wine estate with tastings
• Pass through historic Stellenbosch town and university views
• Tour first South African sparkling wine estate and lunch
• Cellar tour and sparkling wine with chocolate pairing
• Meet winemaker and cheese pairing at boutique estate
• Gin or craft beer tasting or MCC sparkling wine at sunset

Top questions

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s time to order at a vineyard restaurant with great options.

How many wineries do we visit?

You’ll visit four boutique wine estates plus an extra stop for either gin/craft beer or sunset drinks depending on the day.

Are pick-ups available outside central Cape Town?

Pick-ups are offered within a selected radius of central Cape Town; check your location when booking.

I don’t drink alcohol—can I still join?

The focus is on wine tasting, but you’re welcome to join for scenery and history if you prefer non-alcoholic options.

What’s included

Your day includes pick-up and drop-off within central Cape Town, all wine tastings and pairings (snacks or cheese), visits to four boutique estates, an expert local guide, and small group comfort for a more personal experience.