Stellenbosch Balloon Flight, Breakfast and Private Winelands Tastings from Cape Town

on the Pierhead, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Klein Joostenberg balloon launch site

Klein Joosternberg is where the balloon experience begins. Once the balloon is heated, it lifts off over the Stellenbosch winelands, with the Simonsberg and Paarl Rock mountains in sight. The flight lasts about an hour. After landing, you are taken back to the starting point for the included breakfast. The balloon portion is shared but can be made private on request, subject to availability. If bad weather cancels the flight, the tour goes ahead with the wine tastings, and you can claim a refund for the balloon part or reschedule to the next available day. Return transfers from Cape Town to the launch site can be arranged at minimal cost.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch sits between the Stellenbosch hills and the Jonkershoek Mountain and is South Africa's second oldest colonial town. Whitewashed Cape Dutch houses, some from the 17th century, line the old streets, shaded by English oaks and cut by furrows the Dutch dug. Museums, art galleries, shops and cafes fill the historic center. Your guide gives an orientation of the town, then drops you in the center to walk around on your own.

Lanzerac Wine Estate

Lanzerac is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, just outside Stellenbosch. Vines have grown on its land since the late 17th century, and it claims to be the first farm to bottle a South African Pinotage. Several tasting options are offered, including a wine and chocolate pairing.

Delaire Graff Estate

Delaire Graff, owned by Lawrence Graff, sits along the Hell's-heights pass with clear views of the Drakenstein mountains and the Banhoek valley. Bronze sculptures, including work by Dylan Lewis, line the way from the gate to the tasting room, where paintings hang on the walls. The Banhoek vineyards face southeast: cool mornings, enough sun through the day, and some of the area's best cabernets. The tasting covers 3 white wines, 3 red wines and a rose. The Delaire Graff cheese platter can be added at your own cost.

MAISON Estate Franschhoek

Maison is one of the 3 homes of Chef's Warehouse in Cape Town, built around small tasting plates and shared dining. The restaurant serves casual fine dining at lunch and dinner from a set menu that changes with the season. NOTICE: Lunch is at your own cost. You can also eat at any other restaurant of your choice. Give advance notice if you want lunch reservations made for you.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek was once called Elephant's Corner, after the herds that roamed here before French farmers arrived from Europe. Today the vineyards are manicured, good restaurants are everywhere and the hotels are lavish enough that some call the town a millionaire's hobby. There is time to walk around and explore before the last tasting at Dieu Donne.

Dieu Donne Vineyards & Tasting Room

Dieu Donne's vineyards sit on the southwest-facing slopes of the Drakenstein mountains, with a cooler climate and rocky soils of weathered granite. The wines range from newer styles to old-style reds that hold their own against some Bordeaux. The tasting room looks across the Franschhoek valley.