Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Wine Day

Stellenbosch is the capital of South African wine and the second-oldest town in the country, founded in 1679 by the Dutch governor Simon van der Stel on the banks of the Eerste River. It is known as the City of Oaks for the trees planted along its streets in the early years, and its historic centre of whitewashed Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings, many restored, is a pleasure to walk: Dorp Street, the old Braak village green, the Moederkerk church and the museum houses of the Village Museum show how the town grew over three centuries. It is also a lively university town, so its cafes and bars are full of students. Around it lie more than a hundred and fifty wine farms on the slopes of the Simonsberg, the Helderberg and the Jonkershoek and Banhoek valleys, producing everything from Chenin Blanc, the country's most planted white grape, to Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux-style blends and Pinotage, the South African cross created at Stellenbosch University in the 1920s. The day tour linked here is the simplest way to sample the region without driving. You are collected from your hotel or the Silo District in the morning, and a guide-driver takes you through Stellenbosch and over the mountain pass to Franschhoek, with tastings at four estates paired with local cheeses and biltong, and stories of the region's history on the way. Lunch is not included, which lets you choose a restaurant at one of the farms. It is a full day of about nine hours, shared with other travellers, and gives a broad introduction to the Winelands for first-time visitors who do not have the time or the inclination to plan their own route.

What to expect at the estates: Stellenbosch farms range from grand historic properties with Cape Dutch gables, oak avenues and art collections to modern cellars on the hillsides with views across False Bay to Table Mountain. Tastings are usually a flight of four to six wines, poured at a counter or a table, with an explanation of each; you are not expected to finish every glass, and spittoons are always available. Shared tours visit estates that can handle groups, so if you have a list of particular farms you want to see, a private tour or a hired driver is better. Wine is very good value in South Africa compared with most of the world, and estates can ship cases abroad.

Tour or self-drive? Stellenbosch is about forty-five minutes by car from Cape Town, and the town is easy to explore on foot. But drink-driving laws are strict and the roads can be busy, so for a tasting day it makes sense to let someone else drive. Shared tours like this one are the cheapest option; private tours cost more but let you choose your estates and pace. Another good option is to spend a night or two in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, with a hotel among the vines, and explore at leisure. The day pairs naturally with the Franschhoek Wine Tram on another day if you are a keen wine lover.

Who it suits: first-time visitors who want an overview of the Winelands, couples, and small groups of friends. Note that the operator's reviews are mixed, which is common with large shared day tours; the experience depends on the guide and the group size, so keep expectations realistic and consider a private tour for a special occasion. The best seasons are late spring and summer for green vines and long days, and the harvest from February to April for activity in the cellars. Whatever the season, eat a good breakfast, drink plenty of water between tastings, and keep a little space in your luggage, because the prices at the cellar door make it very hard to leave empty-handed.