Stellenbosch Wine Tour from Cape Town with Tastings & Pairings

Summary

Wine tastings, cheese & biltong pairings and Stellenbosch walk

You’ll sip South African wines right where they’re made, try cheese and biltong pairings (or chocolate if you prefer), wander historic Stellenbosch streets under ancient oaks, and share stories with fellow travelers — all with an easy hotel pickup from Cape Town. The laughter over shared tastings might just linger longer than the flavors themselves.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s pouring a swirl of deep red into my glass before I’ve even finished my first look around — the air in the Stellenbosch tasting room smells a little like wood shavings and something floral, maybe fynbos? Our guide, Sipho, grins and asks who’s tried goat cheese with pinotage before. I hadn’t. Turns out it’s…well, surprisingly good. We’re all strangers at the start but by the third pour there’s laughter bouncing off those barrel-shaped tasting pods. I try to say “lekker” like Sipho does and he laughs — apparently my accent is hopeless.

The drive from Cape Town is quick (less than an hour), but you feel far away as soon as the city drops behind. Vineyards roll out under big blue skies. At the second stop, we get biltong and wine pairings — salty, chewy meat with a pepper kick that makes the cabernet taste richer somehow. There’s a vegetarian option too (chocolate and wine), which I nearly regretted not picking when I saw someone’s face light up after their first bite. The cellar tour is short but you can smell that cool, earthy tang down there; barrels lined up like quiet old friends.

Later we walk through Stellenbosch itself — Dorp Street is shaded by oaks older than anyone here, and there are these white Dutch buildings with gables that look like they belong in a storybook. People greet each other in Afrikaans or English or both. It feels relaxed but alive; students biking past, shopkeepers waving from doorways. I bought a little bag of rusks for later (no regrets). Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so at home here so quickly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stellenbosch Wine Tour and Town Visit

• Depart Cape Town hotel
• Drive to Stellenbosch region
• Wine tasting and cellar visit at first vineyard
• Drive to second vineyard
• Biltong or chocolate wine pairing
• Walk along Dorp and De Braak Streets
• Return to Cape Town hotel

Top questions

How long does the Stellenbosch wine tour from Cape Town take?

The half-day tour lasts about 5 hours including transfers, with morning tours returning around 1:00–1:30pm and afternoon tours around 6:00–6:30pm.

Are food pairings included on this Cape Winelands tour?

Yes, you’ll get cheese & wine pairing at one estate and biltong & wine (or chocolate & wine for vegetarians) at another.

Is lunch included on this Stellenbosch wine tour?

No set lunch is included unless you request it on the afternoon tour; let your guide know if you want to add lunch at a vineyard.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip to Stellenbosch?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cape Town is included along with transport in an air-conditioned minivan.

Can children join this Cape Winelands group tour?

Yes, kids are welcome—there’s even a special non-alcoholic tasting option for them.

Is this Stellenbosch wine tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

What languages do guides speak on this group wine tour?

The main language is English; some guides may also speak Afrikaans or other local languages.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cape Town, comfortable minivan transport with your local guide Sipho (or someone equally friendly), two guided wine tastings in Stellenbosch with cheese, biltong or chocolate pairings (vegan options too), time to wander Dorp Street and De Braak Street among historic architecture—and if you want it, an optional diamond experience can be pre-booked before heading back to town.