Wines 2 Whales Overnight Experience
Join us as we wind through the most impressive Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven & Earth) Wine Valley for 2 days of pure joy situated just 2 hours from Cape Town. We venture east of the city along the coast and arrive in the Whale Watching town of Hermanus to experience one of the world’s largest mammals, wine tasting at 4 incredible destinations. Overnight in the countryside as your tour companion hosts a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) experience prepared and enjoyed together! No matter the weather, this tour is a winner!
You’ll have your own private tour guide and companion who is well traveled along this route. Pick time is 8am and we’ll return to Cape Town at 5pm, 2 days later.
Duration of Event: 2 Days, 1 Night
Here’s what you can look forward to over 2 incredible days:
Day 1 - The Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley, where the wine quality reaches new heights!
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.
Creation Wines is our first stop of Day 2. In the words of the winemaker: “we strive to reward the wine lover with wine of rare balance, elegance, distinction & finesse” . Taste up to 4 wines in their cozy and beautifully designed tasting room or sit out on the lawns and take in the morning sun knowing that is indeed acceptable to revel in wine before noon!
Possibly the most unique tasting room in all of South Africa is our next stop. The chapel like design of the Ataraxia Wine Farm is a firm favorite of Remote Year Groups in 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 views of the tour so far. and some of SA’s most exciting wines.
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 in the world. We’ll let you decide as you enjoy 5 truly iconic South African wines.
Our overnight accommodation will is based in 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 - The Whales of Walker Bay
We team up with the best in the Whale Watching Business, Southern Right Charters. The trip departs at 9am and you’ll be accompanied by a specialist whale guide and dedicated crew on-board their impressive boat, all set for a great morning! The trip includes snacks and refreshments. The general experience time is 2 hours but it’s not capped at that. This is a must do for any ocean and/or whale enthusiast.
After your time with the whales we head out to the Benguela Cove Complex. Moody Lagoon, the restaurant is an elevated setting with expansive views of the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be treated to a tasting of any 5 of the estate’s wines by the wine ambassador before enjoying a well deserved lunch. Wines can also be paired with locally produced cheeses or chocolates.
Some say this could be 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)
Knowledgeable tour companions
Southern Right Whale Viewing Experience
Clarens Drive scenic route and sun-downer stop
Braai Experience at the end of day 1 (Dinner)
Continental Breakfast on day 2
Wine Tasting at Creation Wines (4 Wines)
Wine Tasting at Ataraxia Wine Farm (4 Wines)
Wine Tasting at Hamilton Russell (4 Wines)
Wine Tasting at Benguela Cove Estate (5 Wines)
A visit to Moggs Country Cookhouse
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not Included:
Additional food and beverages
Meals not mentioned above
Additional wine experiences at above locations
What to bring:
A camera to take awesome photos!
Spending money to buy gifts for those at home
Sun cream
Warmer clothes for the winter months
Comfortable walking shoes
Lots of positivism and good feels!
Host / Vendor:
Your host will be Blaine Smith or Ryan Louw, local South African tourist guides. 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