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Top tips with winemaker interaction tours
Winemaker interaction tours
Michael Broughton of Terroir at Kleine Zalze
Did you know?
South African wine has a history dating back to 1659.
Winemaker interaction tours are the answer for wine loving travelers seeking an inside track to the glories of the Cape winelands. So if a scheduled day-tripper tour of the winelands isn’t for you, and you prefer to interact with the winemaker, consider the following options.
Fiona MacDonald is a former editor of Wine Magazine and an international wine taster. Her tours are aimed at those with an existing knowledge of wine - so don’t expect a crash course in how wine is made. Rather, Fiona will arrange a behind the scenes tours and one-on-one visits with winemakers of note. She has the inside track on lesser-known, up and coming estates and winemakers. Barrel tastings with the winemaker are Fiona’s specialty.
John Ford at Adamastor and Bacchus is a legend in his own lunchtime. He offers gourmet wine tours which focus on those wine estates with the best restaurants and/or culinary experiences. Tours are individually designed but expect visits to the likes of Buitenverwachting and Klein Constantia. And do come hungry!
Vineyard Ventures are the oldest and most established wine tour company in the Cape. They tailor make meet the winemaker tours and private cellar tours and tastings at private premier wine producers are always on the menu.
Winemaker interaction tours offer but one aspect of the workings of a wine farm. The Pebbles Project/Wine Desk Wine Tour is aimed at the compassionate wine tourist who wants to experience more than just the fabulous wines of South Africa.
This tour introduces you to behind the scenes, a charity which supports children with special educational needs, or affected by alcohol, living in the winelands. The tour includes visits to 3 wine farms with traditional tasting sessions but also affords the traveller an opportunity to spend quality time visiting the crèches and after-school clubs on each farm.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Fiona McDonald
Mobile: +27 (0)82 5624 176
Email: feemac@telkomsa.net
Adamastor and Bacchus
Tel: +27 (0)21 439 5169
Email: johnford@iafrica.com
Vineyard Ventures
Tel +27 (0)21 434 8888
www.vineyardventures.co.za
Wine Desk at the Waterfront
Tel: +27 (0)21 405 4550
Email: waterfront@winedesk.co.za
email - feemac@telkomsa.net
How to get here
Unless otherwise stated, your guide will usually arrange transport to, and from, the various wine estates for you.
What will it cost
The price of a wine tour varies by operator and tour type. The tours do come at a premium due to the personalised service.
Length of stay
Most tours will take a half to full day
What to eat
Dining options depend on the area and/or wine estate you are visiting. Winelands fine dinging venues are often fully booked, so ask your guide to make a reservation.
What's happening
Annual wine shows like RMB WineX, held in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and the Juliet Cullinan wine show, are another way to meet and chat to local wine makers and their representatives.