Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Wine Tram Day Tour from Cape Town, Small Group or Private

Cape Town Central

Pickup at 8:30 AM from accommodation in Cape Town city centre or nearby areas, in an air-conditioned vehicle, with other travellers collected in order of proximity. The N2 gives views of Table Mountain, the City Bowl and the Atlantic coast. The exact pickup time comes by WhatsApp the day before, so keep mobile data on or wait in a hotel lobby with Wi-Fi.

Stellenbosch

First stop is Stellenbosch, in the Cape Winelands. On the N2 the guide talks about the region's history and heritage, with Table Mountain and the Cape Flats in view. About 45 minutes on foot among Cape Dutch buildings, galleries, boutiques and cafés before the wine estates.

Lanzerac Wine Estate

Lanzerac Wine Estate, established in 1692, lies beneath the Jonkershoek Mountains, with Cape Dutch architecture, gardens and a working cellar. A tasting of five Lanzerac wines comes with artisan chocolates, and the guide explains that Lanzerac was the first estate to bottle Pinotage. Tasting and pairing are at own expense. The manor house dates to the 1830s.

Costo extra

Delaire Graff Estate

Delaire Graff Estate sits on Helshoogte Pass, with views over the Banhoek Valley, African art and gardens. A tasting of red and white wines on the terrace, and an optional cheese and wine pairing, are at own expense. Wines can be bought for export, with help arranging shipping.

Costo extra

Franschhoek

After the second tasting the route crosses Helshoogte Pass and the town of Pniel to Franschhoek, arriving around 2:15 PM for about 1h30. Time for lunch and a wander. The guide suggests Reuben's (local cuisine), Col'Cacchio (pizza and pasta), Tuk Tuk Brewery (tacos and craft beer) and Le Petit Manoir (fine dining). The village has galleries, chocolate studios, wine shops and designer stores.

Franschhoek Wine Tram terminal

After lunch the group goes to the Franschhoek Wine Tram terminal. The guide hands over the pre-booked tickets and explains the route and schedule. Each leg takes about 8 to 10 minutes, with hop-offs at two or possibly three wine farms, such as Franschhoek Cellars, Grande Provence and Rickety Bridge.

Rickety Bridge Wine Estate

Rickety Bridge is Franschhoek's first female-owned wine farm. A tractor ride from the tram leads to the tasting room among the vineyards. Classic and Reserve tastings are available, and Paulina's Restaurant serves light meals, coffee or wine with valley views.

Costo extra

Franschhoek Cellars

Franschhoek Cellars pours traditional tastings and pairings with Belgian chocolate or handmade cheeses, among vineyards. The tasting fee depends on the experience chosen.

Costo extra

Groot Drakenstein Prison

About 10 minutes at Groot Drakenstein (Victor Verster) Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent the last two of his 27 years in prison. A life-size bronze statue of him with raised fist marks where he walked free on 11 February 1990. Photos are allowed, and the guide briefly explains the prison's history. The drive back to Cape Town takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.