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 Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Recommended months: Throughout the year.
Price Range: US$1150 pp sharing, based on a group of six.
Renowned wine expert, accomplished storyteller and recently retired Managing Director of the South African Brandy Foundation, Pietman Retief has designed tours for the wine enthusiast offering a unique way to discover the world's most beautiful wine region. Tours are designed for between four and ten clients as a small group in one vehicle creates a more informal atmosphere and enables access to estates which may not be open to the public or larger tours. Each wine tour is led personally by Pietman Retief and is designed to meet the individual interests of the party and itineraries will vary accordingly |
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| Day 1 |
WORCESTER
From the Cape Town hotel travel to the attractive town of Wellington in the Cape winelands, and visit one or two of the exceptional private brandy producers. The variety of quality wine producers makes the decision of where to go a difficult choice.
The Bain's Kloof pass, built with the help of convicts by the famous Thomas Bain in 1854 provides a spectacular drive. Enjoy more tastings in Slang Hoek valley before reaching Worcester where you visit the biggest brandy cellar in the world using 120 pot stills to produce the famous KWV brandies. Overnight in a guest house and dine with the owners on a wine estate.
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| Day 2 |
MONTAGU
Start the day with a wine tasting on a boat on the Breede River outside Robertson. Or maybe meet the four cousins at van Loveren and taste their eponymous Four Cousins, a friendship wine typical of the jovial spirit of the estate. The attractive drive through vineyards past Cape Dutch homesteads leads to the village of Montagu for an unforgettable tractor and trailer trip up the Langeberg to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. The picturesque village also features many Cape Dutch and Georgian style buildings and you can enjoy the famous hot springs (43°C) or visit the local nature garden.
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| Day 3 |
OUDTSHOORN
Miles of vineyards and fruit orchards in the Little Karoo abound with the spectacular mountains ever present. Enjoy the attractive villages of Barrydale (excellent brandy) and Ladismith (lovely cheese) stopping for lunch en route. Visit the port capital of Calitzdorp for a tasting at Boplaas.
The Kruis River road leads to Oudtshoorn along the renowned Swartberge mountains where you meet, eat and drink wine with the locals and experience the hearty hospitality of the local farmers. Overnight in Outdshoorn! Sleep in an ox-wagon!! Eat Boerekos, the traditional home cooking of the Karoo. |
| Day 4 & 5 |
OUDTSHOORN
Visit the world renowned Cango Caves, the underground fairylands of the Little Karoo and arguably South Africa's greatest natural wonder. A visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch is not to be missed which delights with its white tiger, cheetah and crocodile breeding programmes. A crocodile cage dive is available for the brave! At Buffelsdrift you help to feed the elephants. Later, a tasting with a difference at Grundheim, regarded by many as the friendliest experience on the extensive wine route. Overnight in luxury in this scenic town.
An early morning rise to meet a local meerkat family at sunrise is not to be missed in the company of an expert. Listen to them discussing their search for breakfast and getting used to the two legged friends in their neighbourhood.
After breakfast depart for De Rust, a delightful village which is the home of many artists, and travel north through spectacular Meiringspoort, the most awesome of all the country's gorges crossing the river no fewer than 21 times. Return to Oudtshoorn across the majestic Swartberg Pass, often called the grand daddy of mountain passes.
Spend another night in Oudtshoorn. |
| Day 6 |
HERMANUS
Drive over the beautiful Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay for a coffee break and to see the spot where Bartholomew Diaz landed in 1488. Continue through the Western Cape wheat belt for an overnight stay in Hermanus. During the season one finds it hard NOT to see a whale. A spectacular coast line, and near enough to the valley called Hemel-en-Aarde for the last of many wine tastings. This valley, being so close to the sea, is known for its quality Sauvignon Blanc's. Drinks and dinner at Bientangs Cave, where the Southern Right whales swim as close as 50 metres from the restaurant. |
| Day 7 |
CAPE TOWN
Back to Cape Town through Kleinmond and view Cape Point from the other side of False Bay. |
| Full details of this itinerary can be obtained by emailing info@travelsmartsouthafrica.co.za |
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