There's a common conundrum faced by visitors to the Stellenbosch area as well as local residents: how does one visit an array of wine estates, sample the wines on offer and return to one's accommodation all without breaking laws or endangering anyone? The answer is simple - you take a Vine Hopper Wine Tour. The hop-on-hop-off bus concept - first made famous in cities like London and New York - has been operational in Cape Town for many years, and since 2003, a similar service has been operating in and around Stellenbosch's wineries. Discover the Southern, Northern and Eastern Vine Hopper routes and all that they have to offer.
Welcome to the Southern Route
On this tour, you'll be able to visit an array of wineries, including the internationally renowned Spier estate, with its restaurants, lakes and eagle encounters. Brandy connoisseurs should not miss out on the chance to visit the Van Ryn Brandy Cellar, where you can do a cellar tour and discover the art of barrel making. Other well-loved wine farms you can visit on this route include Neethlingshof, Alto and Kleine Zalze.
This route operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with departure times from Stellenbosch at 8.45am, 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.50pm and 3pm.
A quick 'taste' of the Northern Route
While all routes - and in fact the entire Stellenbosch region - are renowned for their beauty, the Northern Route is a firm favourite for many Instagrammers. You'll get to enjoy spectacular views of the Winelands with Table Mountain far away on the horizon. There are six wine farms on this route, and if you start early enough in the day, you'll be able to fit five of them into your day. Simonsig - which has been named the top South African winery on at least three occasions - should be on the list of everyone exploring the Northern Route. If you're a Chenin Blanc enthusiast, don't miss out on a visit to Remhoogte.
The Northern Route operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing from Stellenbosch at 9.45am, 10.50m, 12.10am, 1.20pm and 2.30pm.
The Eastern Route introduced
The Vine Hopper's Eastern Route takes you to various great restaurants and wine estates, including Lanzerac, Boschendal and Zorgvliet. This particular route is loved for the relaxed settings that its wineries offer. Whether you're admiring the restored Cape Dutch farmstead at Lanzerac or enjoying local venison biltong with your wine tasting at Zorgvliet, there is plenty of great days' exploring to be spent on the Eastern Route. Things not to be missed on this tour include the modern tasting room with its spectacular views at Neil Ellis Wines and the gorgeous gardens at Camberley.
In general, it is worth noting that many wine farms close at 5pm. The earlier you start, the more you'll be able to fit into your day. The Vine Hopper is proud to be a company that buys local and the team does everything possible to minimise their environmental impact.
Other types of tours in Stellenbosch
Once you've had your fill of the area's wineries, there's loads more to do. You can go on a family-friendly scooter adventure or go on a guided bicycle tour of the area. There are also private wine tours, 4x4 wine experiences and dine-and-vine tours to be enjoyed.
Stellenbosch is not just a great place to go on holiday and explore the wineries - it's also a great place to call home! Find out about the real estate in the area by contacting Seeff today.