Vine Hop East Mon - Fri & Free Tasting

The Eastern Route wine tour  operates every day Monday to Friday and showcases some of the best wines and views Stellenbosch has to offer. Experience the splendour of the Helshoogte pass and it’s wine farms on this tour. This tour offers a free tasting at Lanzerac wine Estate.

This Route also offers some great Restaurants at Lanzerac, Zorgvliet and Boschendal.  Great wines, fantastic scenery from the pass, and lovely relaxed settings make this a must do route. Remember, you can decide if you want to go to all 5 estates or just visit a few and stay longer at certain farms.   Please click on the Farm website link for more info.

Operates: Monday to Friday

Departure times from Stellenbosch Info Centre: 10 am, 11 am
Free Tasting at Lanzerac starts at 11.20 am

Lanzerac

Lanzerac Wine Estate, established in 1692, is one of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. It is an iconic cellar with a rich history and a worldwide reputation for well-crafted quality wines. The grand old lady of Stellenbosch’s eastern suburbs, Lanzerac’s splendidly restored Cape Dutch farmstead and werf are home to a luxury resort hotel offering a quintessential winelands experience at the gateway of the Jonkershoek valley. The winemaking is now concentrating on Jonkershoek as a defined area of origin. Lanzerac is home to the world’s first bottled Pinotage in 1961. At the tasting room you can do a normal tasting or enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing. More info: www.lanzerac.co.za

Neil Ellis

Neil is one of the doyens of the South African wine industry. He has journeyed from pioneering négociant beginnings in the early 1980’s, seeking out parcels of interesting vines to make exceptional wines under his own name, to a well established family enterprise with a local and international reputation for exceptional elegance and quality. Enjoy your wine tasting in the modern tasting room with outside views towards the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain. More info : www.neilellis.com

Thelema

Thelema wine estate is situated at the top of the picturesque Helshoogte pass, on the slopes of the Simonberg mountain.  Visitors are welcomed by spectacular views of the Banghoek valley while tasting a selection of wines from both the Thelema and Sutherland ranges.  Family-run since 1983, Thelema is best known for their fresh Sauvignon Blancs and minty Cabernet Sauvignons and is regarded as an icon in the South African wine industry. More info: www.thelema.co.za

Zorgvliet

At Zorgvliet we believe in elegance in wine and that the consumer should be able to taste the unique terroir of the Banhoek valley in every sip of Zorgvliet’s wines! We offer family friendly experiences, as well as an informative wine tastings alongside cheese platters and some local venison biltong. We have an awesome picnic venue with a restaurant and a newly added jungle gym for the kiddies.  The tasting room has an absolute breath taking view of the Banhoek Valley situated at the foot of the Simonsberg mountain. Our focus is on the Bordeaux variaties(Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot). Come and enjoy a wine tasting in the relaxed atmosphere of Zorgvliet. More info:www.zorgvliet.com

Boschendal

Founded in 1685, Boschendal is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa,  surrounded by the dramatic mountainous landscape of the Drakenstein Valley.   At the centre of the estate is the Cape Dutch style Manor House, a historical monument which is open for visitors daily from 9.30 to 17h00. Boschendal also caters for different lunch options with the Werf Restaurant, a Deli and Picnic baskets. Gardens and play areas make this estate a great family destination. More info: www.boschendal.co.za

Note:

Please be advised that farms close at 17:00, so the later you start the less farms you will be able to see during the day.
We collect at the Tourism Information Office or at any Guesthouses in Stellenbosch Central, but please be ready for collection 15 minutes before above departure times for collection at your Guesthouse.
Cape Town collections can be done at an additional fee.https://www.quicket.co.za/events/14350-vine-hop-return-shuttle-cape-town-stellenbosch/