Wine Flies

Wine Flies is a Cape Town-based company that runs guided tours of the winelands, mainly around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, about an hour's drive from the city. It says it aims to show the winelands in an authentic way, with tours designed to be fun and memorable, and with an emphasis on sharing a glass with local winemakers in their own cellars.

The main options are full-day and half-day tours. The Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Wine Tour begins with a guided drive through historic Stellenbosch, with its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture, before visiting estates for tastings, including a cellar tour with a wine and chocolate pairing and a second estate with a cheese and wine pairing. The Stellenbosch Wine Tour visits four estates in the Stellenbosch region, and the half-day tour has three stops, with chocolate and wine and cheese and wine pairings and lunch.

For groups or special occasions, private tours can be arranged, including a Meet the Winemaker experience that offers more time with the people behind the wines. The company also lists a helicopter tour option. Ask about the exact estates, timings and inclusions when booking, as they can vary from day to day.

A guided tour is the most relaxed way to visit the winelands, as it removes the need for a designated driver and takes care of tasting bookings. Tours suit couples, friends and solo travellers, and they are a good way to meet other visitors. Pick-up arrangements are not detailed on the website, so confirm them when you book. Bring sun protection and a hat in summer, eat a good breakfast, and drink plenty of water between tastings.

The Cape winelands are one of the main reasons to visit the Western Cape, and a day trip gives a taste of the scenery, history and wines of the region. If you prefer to stay closer to the city, the Constantia valley, home to Groot Constantia and other historic estates, is a shorter alternative, but Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer more variety and grander mountain scenery.

South African wine estates are known for good value tastings, beautiful grounds and restaurants that make the most of their mountain settings. Remember that tastings add up over a day, so pace yourself and use the spittoons if you want to try a wider range.