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“Hidden Helderberg Gems” – Intimate, Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
(Private tour for 1–8 guests | Duration ±8–9 hours | Start 09h00 from your Cape Town/Stellenbosch/Somerset West accommodation)
This curated day focuses on the dramatic Helderberg slopes with breathtaking False Bay and mountain views, historic Cape heritage, and two intimate, acclaimed boutique wine farms that are rarely visited by large groups or mainstream tour buses. We deliberately avoid the big commercial names (Vergelegen, Lourensford, Waterkloof, etc.) and focus on hidden treasures where the winemaker or owner often hosts personally.
Core Itinerary (flexible based on your preferences)
| Time | Activity | Details & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 09h00–10h00 | Pick-up + Scenic drive with Helderberg overview | Collected in luxury Hyundai Staria(up to 10 people) or Mercedes Benz CLS for groups of 3 or less, (leather seats, air-con, Wi-Fi). Unlimited bottled water & snacks. |
| 10h00–11h30 | Heritage & history stop: Vergelegen Estate (Somerset West) | Guided walk through the 320-year-old Camphor forests, octagonal garden, and Cape Dutch homestead (founded 1700 by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel). One of the Cape’s most important historical sites – tranquil and rarely crowded early morning. Entry & guided heritage tour included. |
| 11h45–13h15 | Wine Farm 1 – Tutored tasting + private vineyard/cellar tour | See farm options below. Private, seated tutored tasting (often hosted by the winemaker), plus behind-the-scenes vineyard walk or cellar tour. Stunning panoramic views. |
| 13h30–15h30 | Lunch at your chosen wine farm | Relaxed à la carte lunch on a beautiful terrace overlooking vineyards & False Bay (superb farm-to-table cuisine). Lunch on guest account – expect R350–R750 pp for 2–3 courses + wine pairing (optional). |
| 15h45–17h15 | Wine Farm 2 – Tutored tasting + private vineyard/cellar tour | Second intimate boutique farm (different style & varietals). Again private & personal. |
| 17h30–18h30 | Optional extra activity (choose one or none) | See options below – short hike in Helderberg Nature Reserve, clay-pigeon shooting, or extended private tasting. |
| ±18h30 | Drop-off | Back at your accommodation. |
Wine Farm Options (choose any 2 – all intimate, acclaimed, low-key gems)
You tell me your preference, or I recommend based on the latest availability and your wine tastes.
- Rust en Vrede (Annandale Rd) – Legendary red-only estate (est. 1694). World-famous for full-bodied Shiraz & Cabernet. Very private tastings in the barrel room or deck. Superb farm restaurant with dramatic Helderberg views.
- Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards – High-altitude (up to 620 m), breathtaking 360° views. Award-winning Chardonnay & reds. Intimate terrace tastings, often with the owner. Feels like the top of the world – almost never bus groups.
- Hidden Valley Wines – Tucked away in a secret valley with olive groves. Outstanding Bordeaux blends & Shiraz. Personal cellar tours and superb contemporary restaurant overlooking the dam.
- Post House Vineyards (Winery Road area) – Tiny production garagiste-style winery. Cult following for characterful Rhône-style reds. Extremely personal – the winemaker Nick Gebers usually pours himself. Excellent casual food pairings.
All four are stunningly beautiful, produce acclaimed wines (regular Platter 5★ & Tim Atkin 95+), have superb restaurants, and see very few large groups.
Possible Extras (add one if time/energy allows – price per person)
- Short scenic hike in Helderberg Nature Reserve (30–60 min easy trail with False Bay & mountain views) – R90 pp entry
- Clay-pigeon shooting (25 clays + instruction, safe & fun – at a private venue near the farms) – ±R650 pp
- Extended private vineyard safari/drive at one of the farms – usually complimentary or ±R150–R250 pp
- Olive oil or chocolate & wine pairing instead of standard tasting – ±R100–R200 pp supplement
Sample Quote for our guests:
Exclusive Private 1-Day Helderberg Wine Route Tour Date flexible – valid for 2025/2026 season Private tour for your group only (1–8 guests) in luxury Hyundai Staria
| Item | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Full-day professional private guide | Included |
| Luxury Hyundai Staria vehicle with driver, fuel & tolls | Included |
| Unlimited bottled water & light snacks in vehicle | Included |
| Vergelegen heritage estate entry & guided historical tour | Included |
| Two private tutored wine tastings with private cellar/vineyard tours at two boutique farms of your choice (Rust en Vrede, Uva Mira, Hidden Valley or Post House) | Included |
| All booking fees, coordination and concierge service | Included |
| 10% contingency for parking, permits etc. | Included |
Tour price per person (lunch and any optional extras excluded):
| Group size | Price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | R 5 200 |
| 3 guests | R 3 900 |
| 4 guests | R 3 150 |
| 5 guests | R 2 850 |
| 6 guests | R 2 650 |
| 7–8 guests | R 2 450 |
Excluded
- Lunch at the wine farm (expect R 350 – R 750 pp depending on choice) – paid directly by guests
- Wine purchases
- Optional extras (e.g. clay-pigeon shooting ±R 650 pp, Helderberg Nature Reserve hike R 90 pp entry, extended pairings, gratuity for guide)
50% deposit secures the date, balance 14 days prior.
