A PART OF OUR FABRIC
This experience is close to our hearts, as the winemaker, Lola Nicholls, has been a dear friend of Reveler Africa for many years. She’s been part of our story since the very beginning and has become woven into the fabric of our success as one of South Africa’s leading wine experience operators. Always generous with her time, space, and knowledge, Lola welcomes guests into her world with genuine warmth and offers a behind-the-scenes look at her craft that leaves no stone unturned.
IDEAL ITINERARY
Stellenbosch town
The historic town of Stellenbosch is our first stop as we explore its culture-rich, food-loving spirit and vibrant streets. It’s a place close to our hearts, having spent much of our youth here. We’ll take a short drive through town to point out a few local gems that make Stellenbosch so special, with the option to enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee from a local roastery to kick-start your day
M.E. VINEYARDS TASTING
We’re then personally welcomed by the Nicholls family to their family-owned winery, Mitre’s Edge Vineyards. Winemaker Lola Nicholls hosts the tasting in her charming manor house or underground cellar. This is red wine terroir at its finest, where meticulous care is taken in the vineyards from cultivation and pruning to hand-harvesting each bunch.
The five featured wines are thoughtfully paired with a selection of delicious local cheeses from Dalewood Fromage. Please note, wines on offer may vary from week to wee
VINEYARDS TOUR WITH BERNARD
Lola describes her husband Bernard as both the heartbeat and the brains behind the farm. An engineer by trade, Bernard has worked tirelessly over the past 20 years to create a green and ethical winemaking environment, a humble token of their appreciation for the land that sustains their passion. Bernard will take you on a tour through the farm, highlighting their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, following wine industry best practices, improving irrigation systems, and nurturing the unique soils that make the Mitre’s Edge brand so loved by all. This is an ode to responsible farming.
cellar tour & barrel tasting
We then have the pleasure of joining up with Lola in her humble working cellar — the place where the magic truly happens. Here, you’ll be introduced to the full winemaking process from start to finish, and if you’re lucky enough to visit during or just after harvest (March to May), you may even see the team in full flow. Lola also offers guests the rare chance to taste some of her vintages straight from the barrel, a special privilege usually reserved for only a select few.
blend your own bottle
Then it’s back up to the private cellar where you’ll have the chance to blend your very own bottle of red wine. Lola begins with an introduction on how to identify the scents and flavors you’re searching for before guiding you toward your perfect combination. You’ll blend using three of the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Pour, taste, adjust, repeat. It’s a patient yet rewarding process. Once complete, you’ll cork and label your bottle before giving it a name of your own. A fun, hands-on, and memorable experience.
tapas style lunch
Our experience comes to a close with a tapas-style lunch prepared by a member of the Nicholls family. A selection of cured meats, breads, crackers, olives, fruits, cheeses, and tapenades is included. Weather permitting, we’ll dine outside in the garden, just keep an eye on your cheese around Hercules, one of the five resident and much-loved dogs on the property, affectionately known as “Hercucheese” the Jack Russell. For colder winter days, Lola can also prepare a warmer lunch option on request
THE DETAILS
-
Private tour – you will only tour with the group or party you have booked with
Snack pack filled with local South African treats
Pick-up from accommodation, airport, or central meeting point
Private transfer
Brief driving tour of Stellenbosch town
Tasting experience at Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate paired with local cheeses (5 wines)
Vineyard and cellar tour at Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate
Wine blending experience at Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate (take your bottle home)
Tapas-style lunch (cured meats, artisanal breads, locally made cheeses, tapenades, etc.)
On-board drinking water
Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury SUV
-
Additional food & beverage purchases
-
Opt for a warm home cooked lunch or braai (BBQ) experience
Add-on a night of accommodation and a next day hiking experience, full day wine tour or Stellenbosch Food Tour
-
Comfortable Walking Shoes
A Hat & Sun Cream
A Name For Your Wine
-
5-6 Hour Experience
All Weather Experience
There Is A Lot Of Wine!