Ideal for those with limited time, but unlimited enthusiasm for wine, for vineyards, cellars and the unrivaled natural beauty of the historic Constantia Valley.

The tour begins at our beginnings, with a visit to Groot Constantia, oldest of all New-World wineries. Governor van der Stel’s impressive Cape Dutch homestead, built in 1685, is still surrounded by vineyards producing outstanding vintages. After a quick tour of the house with its impressive Old Masters and Batavian furniture, we repair to the tasting cellar to sample the red and white varietals, which have made this estate so famous.

The tour then proceeds to another venerable valley estate, high up on the slopes of Tokai Mountain. Steenberg was established in 1682, and here we sample the cellar master’s award-winning wines. John Loubser (born after 1682) has long been recognised within the industry, and his wines continue to attract international awards.

The half day wine tours end with a drop-off in the city at about 13h00.

Full-day tours of the Constantia wine valley available on request.

The Drakenstein Valley became known as the “Valley of the Huguenots” when several families from Bordeaux, Burgundy and other famous wine regions settled here in 1688, bringing with them the age-old secrets of the French vintners.

The charming village of Franschhoek is a must-see on any Cape wine excursion, and this tour centres on the features that have made it so memorable to visitors.

We begin with a visit to La Motte, perhaps the most elegant of the wineries in the valley. Well-informed hosts pour for our enjoyment some of South Africa’s top red and white wines.

The tour moves on to the village itself, where we call a short stop in the high street. This is our opportunity to discover the quaint coffee shops, art galleries, bookshops and chocolate sellers that give the town its distinctive ambience.

Our second tasting is at Stony Brook boutique winery where every vineyard is in fact a selected block, giving all these wines a “Reserve” quality. The wines are hand-crafted by the McNaught family who are justifiably proud of their flagship “Ghost Gum” wines.

The half day wine tours end with a drop-off in the city at about 13h00.