Wine and lunch pairings in Stellenbosch are among South Africa’s best travel experiences. My favorite tours combine excellent wine tastings with memorable meals. The Stellenbosch Full Day Tour stands out for its well-curated cheese pairings, while the Devon Valley bike excursion offers wonderfully fresh farm lunches in a relaxed setting. For something special, I love the E-Bike adventure to Franschhoek – the electric assist makes the journey easy, and you’re rewarded with a fantastic lunch at a premier wine estate.
Let’s look at these top food-and-wine experiences in more detail.
Key Points
- The Devon Valley Vineyards Bicycle Tour features a farm-fresh lunch as part of the 6-hour experience, providing a scenic and culinary exploration of the region.
- Many wine tasting tours, like the Stellenbosch Full Day Wine Tasting Tour, include cheese pairings that can serve as a light lunch option.
- The E-Bike Tour from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek includes a lunch stop at a Franschhoek wine estate, offering a unique dining experience amid the vineyards.
- Wineries like Delaire Graff provide high-quality lunch options, with the tasting fee including the opportunity to explore their wine cellars.
- Tour providers often highlight the quality of the lunch experiences as a key amenity, with positive customer feedback on the dining options.
Stellenbosch Full Day Wine Testing With Lunch
The Stellenbosch Full Day Wine Tasting with Lunch tour whisks visitors through the scenic wine regions surrounding Cape Town, offering an immersive experience into South Africa’s centuries-old wine culture.
Priced at Kč 1,962 per person, the tour is conducted by the renowned CONCIERGE RUNNERS, known for their professionalism and customization.
Highlights include visits to award-winning wineries in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, where guests can indulge in tastings of up to 8 wines paired with cheese at Fairview Wine and Cheese, Champagne tasting at Haute Cabrière Winery, and a R200 tasting fee at Delaire Graff.
The tour also includes a quick stop at the Victor Verster prison, where Nelson Mandela was released.
Complimentary amenities include a luxury vehicle, bottled water, and a professional guide with extensive experience in wine tourism.
Pickup is provided from hotels in Cape Town, and the tour starts at 9 am, reaching the first winery by 10:50 am.
Gratuity is generally expected at 10 percent in South Africa.
Read our full review: Stellenbosch Full Day Wine Testing With Lunch Review
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Stellenbosch: Devon Valley Vineyards Bicycle Tour W. Lunch
Priced from $198.00 per person, the Stellenbosch: Devon Valley Vineyards Bicycle Tour with Lunch provides an immersive experience exploring the scenic wine region surrounding Cape Town.
The 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, three wine tastings, a farm-fresh lunch, and the use of a bike, helmet, and all necessary equipment. Guests can marvel at the stunning countryside views as they cycle quiet lanes between renowned wine farms.
The tour highlights the unique character of each farm through informative tastings and allows participants to explore intriguing wine cellars. With a professional guide providing personalized service, the tour operates rain or shine, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for visitors.
Customer reviews praise the beautiful landscapes, great lunch, and fantastic views, indicating a high-quality experience. This bicycle tour offers an engaging and immersive way to discover the wine region of Stellenbosch.
Read our full review: Stellenbosch: Devon Valley Vineyards Bicycle Tour W. Lunch Review
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Franschhoek: E-Bike Tour With Wine Tasting and Lunch
This e-bike tour from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek offers an exciting way to explore the scenic Wineland landscapes. Priced from $141.92 per person, the 6-hour tour covers approximately 40 km, mostly on jeep tracks and mountain bike trails, with about 15 km of tar road.
Participants will cycle through the Banhoek Conservancy, with its mountain streams, and enjoy a lunch and wine tasting at a Franschhoek wine estate. The tour is led by an expert guide and includes transportation back to Stellenbosch.
With a maximum group size of 10, this tour provides a personalized experience. While not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, the tour is recommended for those with moderate fitness and previous mountain biking experience due to the rough terrain and sandy paths.
Read our full review: Franschhoek: E-Bike Tour With Wine Tasting and Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Lunch Experiences?
There’s generally no strict dress code for lunch experiences, though it’s best to dress in smart casual attire. Diners should avoid overly casual or formal wear to ensure they feel comfortable and fit in with the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Can Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?
Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary restrictions with advance notice. They’ll work to provide delicious, customized meals that meet your needs. Just be sure to let them know about any preferences or restrictions when making your reservation.
How Long Do the Lunch Experiences Typically Last?
Lunch experiences typically last 1-2 hours, allowing ample time for visitors to savor the meal and soak in the atmosphere. Most establishments accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs upon request.
Are the Lunch Venues Wheelchair Accessible?
Many lunch venues in the area offer wheelchair accessibility, though it’s best to check with individual establishments to confirm their specific accessibility features. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive dining experience for all guests.
Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Lunch Experiences?
You can’t bring your own wine to most lunch experiences as they typically have a license to serve alcohol. However, some venues may allow you to bring your own wine for a corkage fee. It’s best to check with the hotel beforehand.
Recap
Stellenbosch offers a variety of exceptional lunch experiences that allow visitors to indulge in the region’s renowned wine and cuisine. From guided wine tastings with lunch to e-bike tours with stops for wining and dining, there’s something to suit every palate and preference. Exploring Stellenbosch’s culinary scene is a must for those seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.