Join us as we wind through the most impressive Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven & Earth) and Elgin Wine Valleys for 2 days of pure joy situated just 2 hours from Cape Town. A world famous region for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc due to the cool climate conditions. “So high are the hills, which closely embrace the valley all around, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but Heaven and Earth” You’ll have your own private tour guide and companion who is well traveled along this route.

Day 1 - The Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley

• After departing Cape Town or the winelands we’ll head directly east and over Sir Lowry’s mountain pass. A quick coffee and breakfast on the go stop at the most loved farm stall in South Africa. Peregrines is a celebration of locally sourced delicacies and treats, most famous for their venison pie, fresh fruits and pastries.

• After breakfast we head south toward the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley which translates directly into ‘Heaven & Earth’. Cooled by Atlantic breezes, carpeted in vineyards and folded in the arms of fynbos mountains, this wine paradise near the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus, produces (some might say) some of the best cool-climate wines in the world.

• Domaine Des Dieux is our first stop, situated at the very top of the valley with expansive views we come across what is South Africa’s smallest tasting room in the country. 2 much loved sparkling wines kick us off before being followed by 2 reds and 2 whites that represent the rich terroir that makes this place so special. Small volume wines and a beautiful setting, just right.

• The small tasting room theme continues at our next stop. The chapel like design of the Ataraxia Wine Farm is a firm favorite of Revelers of the past. ‘Ataraxia’ a greek word meaning “a serene state of mind, free from worry and preoccupation” , they’ve named location suitably. You’ll be treated to the most spectacular reverse view of the valley and some of SA’s most exciting wines. Winemaker Kevin Grant is a member of the prestigious SA Wine Makers Guild Club which is a title only given to those who make impactful, fulfilling and long lasting contributions to SA’s wine industry

• The Moggs Country Cookhouse is our lunch stop, a hearty countryside restaurant that serves up a menu perfect for both the winter and spring period. We’ve had a great experience here time and time again!

• Our final tasting destination of the tour is the Hamilton Russel Vineyards. One of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa, this Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist was one of the first farms in the valley, many a wine expert have labelled their Chardonnay as the best the Western Cape has to offer. We’ll let you decide as you enjoy a tasting of 5 wines to close of your tastings for the day.

• Our overnight accommodation will is based in cottages, a shared house or a boutique hotel where your tour companions will prepare a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) coupled with tasty side dishes. (Vegetarian + vegan options available). In true local fashion, everyone on tour gets involved in the braai. Someone on drinks, a few in front of the grill and others in charge of side dishes, this is loads of fun as we create and share an enjoyable meal together.

Day 2 - Fernkloof Hike and The Elgin Valley

• We team up with our good friend and landscape expert, Andreas Groenewald. Born and bred in the Helderberg Basin near Cape Town, Andreas spends most, if not all of his time exploring the spectacular natural environment of the Western Cape, living for the great outdoors. We consider him to be the best trail and mountain guide in the country, he checks out on that statement too! Andreas will guide us on a 2-3 hour moderate trail at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. With an identified 1600 species of vegetation - nowhere else on the planet are so many different plant species found growing so close to one another.

• After our hike we head out toward the Elgin Wine Valley. After heading off road for a bit we come to Iona Wine Estate, the coolest vineyard in the Cape, 420m above sea-level. Iona is surrounded by the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in the South. In a country where cool sites are precious, these vineyards are like gold, the grapes ripening up to two months later than other Cape vineyards and in perfect balance. We’ll taste our way through their collection in a tiny tasting room showcasing some of the owners most prized assets.

• We have several options for lunch at this point in the day depending on the group feel like doing. The Barn at Old MacDaddy’s and The Hickory Shack are just two of the options on offer.

• We end the trip with what some sat is the most scenic drive in the world, we tend to agree but we’ll let you form your own opinion. Clarence drive provides the setting for our trip home. Built into the rock faces of Koel Bay, just a few feet above the ocean in places. We’ll stop for a sneaky South sip of a traditional South African delicacy and several frame worthy photographs before heading back to your accommodation in the city or in the winelands.

Included:

• Pick up from accommodation/airport /central point

• Welcome to the tour secret treat pack filled with local South African favorites

• All transportation

• 1 X night accommodation (Guesthouse, farmhouse, hotel or shared house)

• Private Guide

• Expert Guided Hike & Fynbos Experience at Fernkloof Nature Reserve

• Clarens Drive scenic route and sun-downer stop

• Dinner at the end of Day 1

• Breakfast at the start of Day 2

• Wine Tasting at Domaine Des Dieux (5 Wines)

• Wine Tasting at Ataraxia Wine Farm (4 Wines)

• Wine Tasting at Hamilton Russell (4 Wines)

• Wine Tasting at Iona Wine Estate (5 Wines)

• A visit to Moggs Country Cookhouse

• Air-conditioned luxury

Not Included:

• Additional food and beverages

• Meals not mentioned above

• Additional wine experiences at above locations

• ATV (quad bike) forest experience can be included in place of a winery on day 1

What to bring:

• Camera (if applicable)

• Sun cream

• Warmer clothes for the winter months

• Comfortable walking shoes (this tour involves an easy to moderate hike)

• Lots of enthusiasm!

Host / Vendor:

Your host will be Blaine Smith or Ryan Louw, local tour companions and experience designers. Blaine has lived in 6 of South Africa’s 9 different provinces and currently ventures all over the country on various expeditions. Ryan chose to make the Western Cape his home after a stint up north, you won’t find a bigger patriot for his country anywhere else! Both are extremely well traveled, with a wealth of knowledge and an unrivaled passion for local travel, you’ll be in the best of South African hands..

Special Requests

• Inform us if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any other dietary restrictions

*A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, the remaining amount is payable 7 days prior to the start of the tour. You can also choose to pay the entire amount upfront. If you'd like us to customize your tour to suit your needs or perhaps your particular budget.

Please also be aware of our general Terms and Conditions as per South African Legislation