Beer and Wine Tasting Tour in Stellenbosch – Guest Blog by Kath of the Cape Town Insider
Welcome to Cape Town
It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Cape Town for the first time, or if you have lived in the area your whole life, this day-long tour is still a real crowd pleaser. Not only do you get to taste some beautiful and unique handcrafted beers and wines, you also get first class service, a chilled and friendly atmosphere, and views to write home about. Stellenbosch is a small town about 50km outside of Cape Town, famous for the magnificent wines produced in the region, and the obvious choice for a beer and wine tasting experience.
Getting Around
We were picked up by Kiff Kombi tours in Cape Town mid-morning and taken through to the stunning Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, around which our tour would be skirting. The delightful old VW kombi really set the tone for the whole day. Our guide, with his laid-back manner and genuine love for Cape Town, safely led us through the day, giving us regular facts about the region that was of interest to locals and international tourists alike. We were picked up from our accommodation which is such a great service and a real comfort for people visiting Cape Town and not yet sure how to get around.
Stellenbrau Brewery
Our first stop was the Stellenbrau Brewery where we had a beer making tour with a tasting to follow. Despite being such a fan of beer, I have somehow never learnt how this golden nectar comes into being, so I really appreciated discovering the brewing process, which is surprisingly simple. The staff guided us through the steps, even allowing us to touch and smell the different ingredients (sourced locally). Thereafter, we could taste the four beers in their range, two of which had zero carbs and zero sugar!
Remhoogte Wine Estate
Next, our noble VW steed whisked us off to Remhoogte Wine Estate for a wine tasting. What I love about this place is that so much of the process is done by hand, including harvesting and pruning. They really take care of their grapes and you can taste it in the wine. I especially loved the Honeybunch Chenin Blanc which has spent a year in French Oak barrels! They also have wildlife on the farm, including zebra, wildebeest and springbok. It is a great spot for relaxing on the patio on a summer afternoon. They also have their own range of craft beer that you can taste.
Marianne Wine Estate
Thereafter we headed to Marianne Wine Estate for a wine and biltong pairing. We tried two white wines and then three red wines paired with three different types of biltong, which really complimented each other. This estate also affords great views from the balcony, and there is a fireplace surrounded by couches for those chilly, red-wine-requiring, winter days. I so appreciate that their wines are estate wines (the whole process from growing to bottling happens on the farm without grapes from other farms being added), and loved their merlot – more complex than you would usually expect. They also have a truly sublime sauvignon blanc.
Zebonkey Brewery
Last but not least, we visited Zebonkey with their unique and daring range of beers. NITGB had made a plan with the brewer so that our group could have an authentic South African braai (aka barbeque) while sipping on their various beers. The radler was a great accompaniment to the boerewors rolls, and we laughed away the rest of the afternoon swapping stories with our hosts and enjoying the truly South African experience.
A Tour for International Travellers and Locals Alike
If you appreciate your beers and wines and would like to experience them in the midst of incredible scenic beauty and great vibes, then this is the perfect tour for you. The team at NITGB really took care of their guests, going above and beyond to make sure they had everything they needed. One couple on the trip realised that their cycling tour the next day would be rained out, and before they could even think of an alternative plan, Michele from NITGB was phoning them with backup options. Travelling in a new country can be daunting, but if you are thinking of touring Cape Town, NITGB has set up their tours so that you feel completely at ease. Their communication with their clients is great and they do door-to-door transfers so no need to worry about Uber or taxis. However, even if you are a local, this tour (Wine, Beer and Biltong Safari) is a wonderful option – the chilled atmosphere and well-chosen stops make a perfect day out with friends and family.
