Cape Winelands & South African Art

A small-group wine tour with a twist... Discover the lavish Cape Winelands alongside South Africa's vibrant art culture sweeping across the country!

We know South Africa for its award-winning wines, but how much do you know about its budding contemporary art scene? In the last decade, there has been a significant development in South Africa’s modern artistic sphere, particularly in the capital city.

This 5-day tour will see us blend wine* with music, poetry, art, cheese, chocolates, and even 'biltong', a popular South African dried meat snack. You will stroll through vineyards while listening to incredible stories of how seeds are planted that grow into vineyards. And, you can attempt the ancient art of 'sabrage', which involves opening champagne bottles with a sword (with the assistance of a wine ambassador)!

From the city to the countryside, Cape Town possesses hidden gems within the vineyards of heritage farms. The wonderful Winelands has stories to share and gardens to show!

This tour combines these two exceptional sectors of art and wine in a way that's enjoyable for everyone, from novices to keen-eyed experts. If you love traveling with a creative mindset, this tour was made with you in mind!

*Non-alcoholic wine and other alcohol-free alternatives are available if you prefer.

• Explore the hidden gems & picturesque scenery of the Cape Winelands
• Visit vineyards in the finest wine valley, & savor two winetasting sessions
• Learn the art of winemaking by one of South Africa's first female winemakers
• Experience winemaking's magic by crafting your own 1.5L magnum blend!
• Visit a vibrant Cape Town gallery & a wine farm that showcase South African art
• Admire Street, Contemporary, Sculpture, and Indigenous art
• Discover the Cape Winelands towns of Wellington, Stellenbosch, & Franschhoek

Away from the crowds, and within the beautiful Cape Winelands, sit historic old farms that have evolved into stunning vineyard estates. But it is more than their wines that we want you to taste, blend, and drink. The selected wine farms we visit offer more experiences to curious tourists, combining wine with art, poetry, and music.

South Africa's arts sector has flourished rapidly, especially after the inauguration of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in 2017. This vibrant mother city has been a major epicenter for African art, Indigenous art, and artists. The expression of its rich and complex political and cultural history is evident in the work of some of the most exciting emerging artists of the region. With the exponential growth of art galleries as well as public and private institutions, matched with rising demand for African art around the globe, there is an endless amount of art to explore in the bustling, picturesque city of Cape Town.

The food scene in the Cape Winelands will also be a treat as travelers are spoiled for choice! From local eats to budget-friendly bites to fine dining, your tastebuds will be surprised and delighted. This tour celebrates traditional, exquisite South African meals paired with beautiful blends. 

South Africa enjoys mild winters and long summers, making it a popular year-round destination. Remember: in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are flipped!

• December to March: Summer is the best time for all those seeking the sun. Harvest time in the wine industry is between February - March. The weather is typically warm and dry. Temperatures average from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C). It's the peak tourist season, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, so popular attractions and wineries can get crowded.
• April to September: This is considered the best time to visit with cooler weather. From March to May, autumn extends, with mild weather and temperatures ranging from 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C). From late June to late September, when winter sets in, the weather becomes cool and wet, so the country is less crowded with tourists.
• October to November: October marks the beginning of the wine harvest season in the Cape Winelands, making it a great opportunity to visit the region. October is also the month for Pinotage, a signature South African grape varietal that is the cross-pollination product of two grape cultivars: Pinot Noir and Cinsault. (Cinsault grapes were formerly called Hermitage, making the name 'Pinotage' a blend of the names 'Pinot Noir' and 'Hermitage'.) Wineries are bustling with activity and the spring blooms create a picturesque backdrop. The weather starts to warm, with temperatures ranging from 63°F to 82°F (17°C to 28°C).

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do. Our focus is on local culture, the people, the environment, and making a positive impact. We believe a collective consciousness is necessary for the traveler, locals, and environment to grow.

Therefore, we intentionally collaborate with those who want to be part of rebuilding an inclusive, more sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry. All our tours/trips are a combination of celebrating all cultures, connecting travelers to local community experiences, and bringing awareness about conservation. Travelers will enjoy the heart of the country through colorful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower.

Conscious of our impact on people and the planet, we provide travelers with a Pre-Trip Guide to familiarize themselves with the culture, customs, traditions, and how to minimize their carbon footprint on the destination.

Environmental Initiatives

Our tour takes place in the Cape Winelands. The towns are small and community-driven with many of the wineries, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions operating with reduced environmental footprints. We are conscious of our footprint on the environment and the accommodation we have chosen is an example of this supporting our sustainability journey. The 5 days are spent at one property that operates sustainable practices and policies. They ensure that geysers are switched off when not in use. Light bulbs have been replaced by LED energy-saving bulbs.

The on-site restaurant uses glass water bottles and biodegradable straws. They utilize compostable cardboard for takeaway containers, and they also create their own compost on-site for the gardens. Their commitment to sustainability is put into practice when the entire estate and homeowners endeavor to recycle and have a dedicated service that only collects recyclable items. Management also regularly communicates educational information to encourage recycling. Eco-friendly pesticides are used to control rodents which do not harm other animals. The estate also partners with Cape Nature for the rehabilitation of tortoises to be released on the wine estate.

Sociocultural Initiatives

We also invest up to 5% of the tour fee into one of the women-owned farms which runs a foundation that teaches women entrepreneurial skills that can be applied to the benefit of themselves, their families, their communities, and society at large. The foundation will help create a source of income for its beneficiaries. By providing shelter for women who are abused, mentally or physically, they offer a safe place to turn to as well as the necessary emotional support.

Economic Initiatives

The owners of the establishments for this unique tour are all community champions. They promote the conservation and protection of local nature and wildlife, and their engagement with the local community is respectful, positive, and mutually beneficial.

The wine farms we visit are properties owned by women from marginalized communities and are a true example of transformation in the South African context. The tour has been designed with the local people in mind and our supply chain, including tour guides, transport, and accommodation is owned by local women entrepreneurs who are community builders.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

All health and safety guidance will be provided to the guests on tour. The Pre-Trip Guide also gives tips on how to travel safely. The wine estates visited in this tour have combined their wines with other art expressions through interlinked gardens and walkways that are safe and secure for guests to enjoy.

South Africa is considered a meat-consuming country, but it has a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and most eateries cater to all.

Travelers do not need to be vaccinated for South Africa.