A sequel to our popular Food & Wine Tour in 2024. Join us on a culinary journey through one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. Award-winning vineyards, exclusive tastings with wine makers and handpicked experiences – from Cape Town’s trendy restaurants to hidden gems along the West Coast.
ITINERARY
15 February
14h00: Departure from Oslo on Sunday 15 February with Emirates to Dubai. It takes about seven hours. Then there are four hours in Dubai in the middle of the night 🥺, so there is plenty of time to find the exit for the connecting flight. From Dubai to Cape Town it takes just under ten hours which means arrival at 11.40. Pernille is meeting the group at the airport. If you have your own travel arrangements the above will not apply.
16 February
11h40: Arrival in Cape Town. Drop off luggage and freshen up at the hotel before we head to urban wine cellar Minimalist Wines in Cape Town’s inner city. Wine tasting, charcuterie & cheese. Dinner at Culture Wine Bar / Grub & Vine.
17 February
Chapman’s Peak Drive to Noordhoek Beach – one of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches! Visit to Masiphumelele Creative Hub, a non profit organisation that builds food gardens and empower young people through soccer and extra-mural activities. We head back to Cape Town for a quintessential South African lunch, prepared by Tania Olivier at Ate.
18 February
Guided walking tour in Bo Kaap, followed by local lunch. Visit to Cape Town’s Waterfront area. Dinner at Urban Playground in Maitland.
19 February
We depart from Cape Town and drive to Wellington in the Cape Winelands for an unusual tasting experience. At the southern tip of Africa, where mountains meet sea and time slows to the rhythm of the wild, a rare and ancient botanical kingdom thrives – Fynbos. We are going to experience the essence of these botanicals in a Fynbos Tapas Masterclass.
After lunch, we arrive at the calm and beautiful Rijk Wine Estate and Guesthouse in the Tulbagh Valley. Being a relatively new wine farm, Rijk’s harvested their first grapes in 2000. Only three years later, they started receiving Gold and Double Gold awards and their wines were bought by wine enthusiasts from around the world. After experimenting with several cultivars, Rijk’s decided to focus solely on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.
20 February
February is wine harvest season in South Africa… but we managed to get an appointment with David & Nadia Wines. With studies in viticulture and oenology (David) and soil science and viticulture (Nadia) the couple produced their first wine in 2010. They focus on natural balance, different soil types, mountain terrain and mainly bush wines. After lunch in the charming village of Riebeek-Kasteel, we proceed to a groundbreaking Cape Syrah farm; Porseleinberg. This epic wine is produced by winemaker Callie Louw.
21 February
Tulbagh is the fourth oldest town in South Africa, dating back to the early 1700s. We start the day with a guided walk through the charming Church Street, the street in South Africa with largest number of Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian heritage buildings.
Wine tasting at Saronsberg Cellar, a landmark in the Tulbagh Valley. In addition to producing award-winning wines, Saronsberg houses a historic art collection and promotes contemporary South African artists.
Lunch at Montpellier Wine Estate, a classical Cape Dutch Homestead set in a tranquil haven. Montpellier has received awards for several of their cultivars, in addition to their Méthode Cap Classique (South Africa’s own Champagne).
22 February
One of the most iconic architectural masterpieces in South Africa is Bosjes, is situated in the Breedekloof Valley. In addition to their extraordinary chapel, this working farm offers a scrumptious lunch. We’re trying their famous Bosjes Kombuis (kombuis is the Afrikaans word for ‘kitchen’).
23 February
The history of the San is your story too. The San People were the first humans to inhabit Southern Africa. They represent a 100,000 year old culture and are our common ancestors. The guided tour at !Khwa ttu, teach visitors about the insightful way of the San and their respect for animals, birds, insects and plants.
No visit to South Africa is complete without a safari! We’re stopping at a game reserve on the West Coast to see antelopes, giraffe, zebra, gnu, ostrich and many smaller animals roam freely. Afterwards we head to the famous Langebaan lagoon and check in at The Farmhouse Hotel, where we spend three nights.
24 February
Minimal intervention is the motto for Testalonga Wines in the northern mountains of Swartland. We’re heading there to taste some of their applauded wines. Craig & Carla Hawkins are considered to be some of the most pioneering wine makers in South Africa.
February is one of the hottest months in South Africa. After wine tasting, we head back to the coast and enjoy lunch by the endless beach of Paternoster.
25 February
A visit to the West Coast is not complete without a long lunch at Die Strandloper. This iconic restaurant is located right on the lagoon, giving guests an opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters.
26 February
Check-out and departure after a relaxed breakfast. One last quick swim in the South Atlantic, perhaps? The bus ride from Langebaan to the airport takes about an hour and a half, but after leaving Langebaan, we stop for lunch at Groote Post Vineyards, a historic 18th century farm in a rural setting. Their award-winning wines reflect the cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills. We plant to arrive at the airport at about 16.00. The airport in Cape Town has good shops, both African artifacts and more.
18.25: Depart from Cape Town International Airport, via Dubai to Oslo. We fly all evening/night, about nine and a half hours to Dubai, where we will land at 05.55. One hour and thirty minutes of transit time before the flight departs for Oslo at 07.35 with arrival on Friday 27 February at 12.10 according to the timetable. Large aircrafts, the Airbus A350 to and from Oslo and the Boeing 777 between Dubai and Cape Town. At least that’s what the airline says now.
If you have your own travel arrangements, those will apply to you of course. Referring to the programme for the day above, it is adviced you do not have an early departure. If you are staying on for a day or so, the bus will take you to Cape Town after letting off the rest at the airport. Transport to the airport at a later stage at your own cost. Pernille is happy to arrange if so needed.