South Africa - The Cape Club Wine and Cookery Tour 2010
The Cape Club is a Sydney based Club and successfully organises Wine Estate Tours to South Africa
The Cape region of South Africa, with its spectacular mountain scenery and coastlands, is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. This year it celebrates its 350th anniversary as a 'new world' wine producer.
The Cape Club invites VisitVineyards.com Members and subscribers on an unforgettable tour of the Cape's winelands, as wine regions are known in South Africa, and to visit some of their best known 'wine farms', including Groote Post, Fairview Estate, Kloovenburg and Boschendal to name but a few. Please see the full itinerary below.
When making your enquiry to Jean Wethmar of The Cape Club, please quote the booking reference VV SA2010 for subscribers, or if you are a VisitVineyards.com Member, please quote code VV MA2010 to receive your free South African wine and a copy of the superb book Cape Winelands in Style by Wendy Torien, with stunning photography by David Rogers that will make you want to get on the plane immediately.
2010 ITINERARY PREPARED FOR THE CAPE CLUB GROUP. All prices are in Australian $ (AUD) and the tour is ex-Sydney.
SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning you will make your own way to Sydney International Airport for your South African Airways / Qantas Airways code share flight to Johannesburg.
IMPORTANT: SOUTH AFRICA REQUIREMENTS
Please note: South Africa passport control has become very strict to the point of deporting a number of guests due to their passport not complying with the control requirements. Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from the guests' return home date. We recommend a validity of nine months to prevent any problems in this regard. There must be at least three blank VISA pages in the passport (not endorsement pages). Guests have been deported due to not having sufficient Visa pages in their passports.
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS SA7701
DEPART: SYDNEY 1000 ARRIVE: JOHANNESBURG 1610
Please check in at least two hours prior to your departure time.
Upon arrival into O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg, you will make your own way to the Domestic Departure Terminal in time to check in for your South African Airways flight to Cape Town.
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS SA365
DEPART: JOHANNESBURG 1840 ARRIVE: CAPE TOWN 2050
Please check in at least one hour prior to your departure time.
Upon arrival into Cape Town Airport, you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to the Ikhaya Lodge for your five night stay including breakfast and dinner tonight at the Gold Restaurant.
Ikhaya Lodge is a unique African styled boutique hotel in the centre of Cape Town which has become world renowned for its stunning and authentic African design and its dramatic views of Table Mountain and the city bowl. Our unique and tranquil en-suite rooms provide a homely feeling with beautiful views of Table Mountain or Cape Town city. They are all comfortably furnished with natural materials, enclosed balcony, private bathroom, TV, radio, telephone, safe and 24 hours reception. The self-catering loft apartments have secure separate entrances and consist of a spacious double volume lounge with open plan kitchenette, dining room and balcony overlooking Table Mountain or with city views. The loft style main bedroom and single bedroom both have en-suite bathrooms. They are all comfortably furnished with natural materials, TV, radio, telephone, safe and 24 hours reception. Some have air-conditioning, hi-fi and video machines.
GOLD Restaurant is a vibrant, eclectic Pan-African experience in the heart of Cape Town. We offer a night of opulent feasting with a unique bouquet of live entertainment in a mystical African setting of trees and tents in an inner city courtyard steeped in ancient history and GOLD. A typical evening at GOLD Restaurant starts off with the drumbeat of the djembe drum. An interactive drum circle offers you the opportunity to join in and learn how to play the djembe. Soon you will be pounding your drum to the rhythms and sounds of Africa. After pounding the skins of the drums, we will soothe your hands in a traditional hand washing ceremony as you are led into the ancient courtyards. Cuisine from our Cape Malay and African kitchen which is served by the magnificently adorned staff bearing your banquet in baskets perched on their heads. While you enjoy the vast variety of different dishes, you will be captivated as the live extravaganza takes place around your table.
SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will be met at in the lobby of the Ikhaya by your Driver/Guide for your full day tour visiting Table Mountain and Groot Constantia including lunch at a local restaurant.
Table Mountain is a sandstone plateau rising up above the Cape Flats and will give you the most amazing view of the beautiful Cape Town area. The top is approximately 3km wide, and at its highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1,085m. Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain play home to a number of plants and animals. The mountain is home to approximately 1,470 species of plants; more than the entire British Isles! Complementing this vast array of flora is a stunning range of fauna, some, like the Table Mountain Ghost Frog, found in no other place in the world.
Groot Constantia Estate is the oldest wine estate in South Africa, and it is here that the country's thriving wine industry has its roots. Since it was developed by Simon Van der Stel in 1685 the estate has had an unbroken history of wine production. Groot Constantia produces a range of excellent wines, and has over the years won numerous awards for both reds and whites. The wines may be tasted and bought at the tasting cellar.
After your tour, your Representative/Driver will transfer you by road back the Ikhaya Lodge.
This evening, your Representative/Driver will transfer you by road to the Green House Restaurant for dinner.
The Greenhouse Restaurant at Cellars-Hohenort located in Constantia Western Cape overlooks the beautiful gardens of the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel and was carefully built around a giant 300 year old oak tree. The restaurant features a sun-drenched terrace for outdoor dining.
After your tour, you will be transferred back to the African Villa, where you will have the rest of the evening at leisure.
MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Bo-Kaap for your guided walking tour.
The Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town lies to the west of the city centre on the slopes of Signal Hill. The name Bo-Kaap translates into "Above Cape". The area was previously called the Malay Quarter and used to house the many slaves brought in, mainly from Java, in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Bo-Kaap is a multicultural area and is rich in history. Because the Bo-Kaap was never subject to forced removals, it has retained much of its picturesque character known for its romantic cobble stoned streets.
After your walking tour you will have an interactive cooking experience followed by lunch at Biesmiellah restaurant.
Biesmiellah is a Traditional Malay restaurant in the Bo-Kaap run by two generations of the Osman family. Biesmiellah has been serving the local Cape Muslim community and tourists for 2 decades.
Later today you will spend the afternoon in Clifton.
At the north-western tip of South Africa's Cape Peninsula, lies the beautiful coastal gem of Clifton Beach and consists of a series of four beaches, inventively named the First, Second, Third and Fourth Beaches. Clifton Beach is sprawling and clean and reflects the brilliant sunshine off white sand with a stunning view. A distinct vibe is felt at Clifton, owing in part to the mystique of Table Mountain in the background and in part to the glamorous pulse of the surrounding neighborhood.
Tonight you will enjoy a three course dinner at a Camps bay restaurant.
TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of the Ikhaya Lodge for your full day Cape Point Peninsula Tour.
Bring your camera and plenty of film as you are traveling to the Cape Point at the south western tip of the Cape Peninsula, and the most spectacular views in the world. The drive there is just as inspiring, passing steep mountains, secluded coves and sweeping beaches, as well as villages and fishing communities.
Experience some of the most spectacular views in the world. The tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast passing through the fishing village of Hout Bay. The tour then heads along Chapman's Peak Drive on to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. From there we travel to False Bay and return to Cape Town by way of the Simon's Town naval base where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach and dine at the Black Marlin restaurant for lunch. After lunch we then travel via Fishhoek fishing village and Muizenberg to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of these beautiful gardens.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways for easy walking. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and the sweeping views from the upper slopes are spectacular. Whether for a casual stroll, a more strenuous walk or a lazy picnic, the gardens are a must-see when visiting Cape Town.
After your tour, you will return to Cape Town late afternoon arriving back at the Ikhaya Lodge where you will have the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure.
Later this evening you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to and from a local restaurant for dinner.
WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast, your day will be at your own leisure from the Ikhaya Lodge.
THURSDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast, you will check-out of the Ikhaya Lodge, where you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Darling for your Groote Post Wine tasting experience.
Groote Post has established itself as one of the premier wine producers in the Darling appellation on the Cape's West Coast. Situated just 7 kilometers from the chilly Atlantic Ocean, the estate is favored with a consistently cool climate - one that is perfect for the cultivation of noble grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenic Blanc. After your wine tasting experience you will have lunch at Hilda's Kitchen.
Hilda's Kitchen is located on the beautiful Groote Post wine farm and is named after Hildagonda Duckitt, the doyenne of South African cooking who was born and raised on the farm. Currently the restaurant is housed in the historical Manor House dating back to 1790. Redolent with antiques and collectibles the restaurant serves modern country cuisine to the very highest standard and has been acclaimed as the best new restaurant on the West Coast.
After lunch you will continue along to Riebeek West for your overnight stay and cooking demonstration/dinner in the Riebeek Valley Hotel. The Riebeek Valley Hotel is a rare country getaway overlooking picturesque vineyards and the majestic Cedarberg Mountains. The Riebeek Valley Hotel houses the elegant Bishops Restaurant where the hotel's resident gourmet chef provides inspirational fusion cuisine and country classics in a fine dining room.
FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will check-out of the Riebeek Valley Hotel where you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Kloovenburg Wine Estate for another wine tasting experience.
The estate is situated in the Riebeek Valley, part of the Swartland. Kloovenburg vineyards and olive groves herald the entrance to the picturesque Riebeek Valley.
Your journey will continue to Bartholomeus Klip for your overnight stay. You will also embark on an evening and morning game drive/bird watch in the Bartholomeus Klip private reserve.
Situated on one of the biggest wheat and sheep farms in the Western Cape and a 4000 hectare private nature reserve, Batholomeus Klip is a Victorian farmhouse luxuriously renovated in true Victorian style, offering guests the opportunity of experiencing gracious country living and the thrill of evening game viewing from an open Landrover combined with the excitement of the daily operations of a large working farm.
Tonight you will have dinner at the Bartholomeus Klip.
SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning you will embark on your morning game drive/bird watch in the Bartholomeus private reserve. After your game drive you will return for brunch, before checking-out of Bartholomeus Klip and met by a Representative/Driver to transfer you to Paarl.
Upon arrival into Paarl you will visit the Fairview Wine Estate for wine and cheese tasting. The home of Fairview wines is a 300ha farm on the south-west facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, a granite rock outcrop in the heart of the Paarl wine district, viticulturally among the most historic and influential area of the Cape Winelands. Standing among the lavender beds in the terraced front garden of the winery, you'll look out acorss the rolling fields and see the distant flat-topped Table Mountain.
You will depart from the Fairview Wine Estate and enjoy a three course meal in a local restaurant.
After lunch your Representative/Driver will transfer you by road to the Diemersfontein for your two night stay.
Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate is set around the magnificent gardens. All rooms and cottages are furnished in a comfortable country style and are ideal for those preferring privacy and independence. Guests are welcome to enjoy the facilities available at this wonderful third generation family estate. From leisurely lazing around the swimming pool, to horse riding, mountain bike trails and walks for the more energetic and wine tastings, you are ensured of an enjoyable and relaxing time at Diemersfontein.
Tonight you will have dinner at the Diemersfontein.
SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will be met in the lobby by a Representative/Driver for your full day tour of Stellenbosch Wine Estates.
The Stellenbosch Wine route is the oldest, largest and probably the most visited of the Southwest Cape's wine routes. Many of the estates are very old, their gabled, whitewashed Cape Dutch Homesteads, rolling vineyards and shade-dappled grounds are lovely beyond measure. We visit two of these fine estates where the art of wine making in South Africa is experienced firsthand. A large variety of cultivars can be sampled and specific cultivars which appeals to your palette is sure to be found.
After your tour you will be transferred back to Diemersfontein in the late afternoon.
This evening you will be transferred to and from dinner to a local restaurant.
MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will check-out of Diemersfontein where you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Franschhoek.
Upon arrival into Franschhoek, you will visit Boschendal for wine tasting, a cellar tour and a buffet lunch.
Nestled in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Cape Winelands, one of south Africa's original wine farms eagerly awaits your arrival. With a winemaking tradition spanning over 300 years, Boschendal Wine Estate offers a veritable treat for wine lovers everywhere. This gracious national treasure is a familiar favourite to many and a glorious discovery for countless others. Part of the present Boschendal winery was originally the cellar for Le Rhone Manor House, built in 1795.
After lunch, your journey will continue to La Motte Wine Estate.
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in South Africa's Cape Winelands, La Motte is home to some of South Africa's finest wines, recognized internationally for their exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting, historic buildings and rural atmospheree, La Motte is an enchanting destination for visitors to the Winelands of the Cape.
After visiting La Motte Wine Estate, your Representative/Driver will transfer you by road to the Protea Hotel, Franschhoek for your two night stay.
The Protea Hotel Franschhoek overlooks the majestic mountains and vineyards of the historic village of Franschhoek which prides itself on its charming ambiance, gracious stuyle and attentive service. Although no two rooms or suites are idential at Protea Hotel Franschhoek, all are tastefully decorated to make your stay special, welcoming and comfortable.
Tonight you will enjoy dinner at the Protea Hotel. The cozy restaurant offers an elegant dining atmosphere and a superb blend of classical and contemporary cuisine.
TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will be met in the lobby by a Representative/Driver for your full day tour of Franschhoek Wine Estates followed by a visit to the Huguenot Chocolate factory.
Situated in one of the most picturesque valleys of the Cape, the town of Franschhoek owes its existence to the first French settlers who worked the Drakenstein Valley. Some time is devoted to exploring the town and its memorial to the French Huguenots which is set in a lovely garden. Thereafter a visit is organized to three of the fine wine estates in the Valley, renowned internationally for the exceptional quality of wines these fertile soils produce. All the noble cultivars and classic styles are on show here. From superb whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc to the rich reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
After your wine tour you will visit the Huguenot Chocolate Factory where you will be able to see the chocolate being made.
Your Representative/Driver will then transfer you by road to the Bread and Wine Restaurant on the Moreson Farm for lunch and bread making classes.
Bread and Wine displays an old world charm. It is a character-filled, rustic restaurant that has won numerous accolades for its honest food. Dining at Bread and Wine is a journey which because of its depth, soul and passion, becomes an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival at the Bread and Wine Restaurant you will participate in a bread making class followed by an enjoyable lunch.
After visiting the Bread and Wine Restaurant, your Representative/Driver will transfer you by road back to the Protea Hotel where you will have time to relax before being transferred to the Haute Cabriere Restaurant for your final dinner.
This Haute Cabriere cellar-style restaurant is built into the hill that overlooks the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. Inside the restaurant the view is just as exceptional. Guests are able to look into the Pinot Noir Maturation Cellar while they dine out on exquisite dishes.
WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 2010
This morning after breakfast you will check-out of the Protea Hotel Franschhoek where you will be met by your Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Cape Town Airport for your onward flight to Johanneburg.
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS SA338
DEPART: CAPE TOWN 1430 ARRIVE: JOHANNESBURG 1630
Please check in at least one hour prior to your departure time.
Upon arrival into O.R. Tambo Ingernational Airport Johannesburg, you will make your own way to the International Departure Terminal in time to check in for your South African Airways flight to Sydney.
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS SA7700
DEPART: JOHANNESBURG 1810
Please check in at least two hours prior to your departure time.
Please note: Effective on/after 08 September 2009, SA7700 from Johannesburg to Sydney will depart from Terminal A at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
There are strict luggage restrictions that apply for all departures from South African International Airports of 20 kilos per person in Economy Class. Anything over this will be charged at R280 per kilo.
THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
ARRIVE: SYDNEY 1355
Upon arrival at Sydney, your tour will end with The Africa Safari Co.
TOUR PRICE $ 6980.00 PER PERSON SHARING
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO SHAMWARI – $2995.00 PER PERSON SHARING
Day 1:
This morning after breakfast you will check-out of the Protea Hotel Franschhoek where you will be met by your Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Cape Town Airport for your onward flight to Port Elizabeth.
Upon arrival into Port Elizabeth Airport, you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Shamwari Long Lee Manor for your three night stay on a full board basis including scheduled game activities.
Shamwari Long Lee Manor, the malaria free private game reserve situated at the end of the Garden Route of South Africa and only 40 minutes by road from Port Elizabeth, has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for three consecutive years.
Long Lee Manor accommodates 38 guests in elegant en-suite rooms, all with air-conditioning and heating, as well as family suites for the children. Sumptuously prepared meals are enjoyed in the main dining room or around the open blazing fire at the Barn.
Day 2:
For the next two days you will participate in scheduled game activities offered by the Shamwari Long Lee Manor.
Shamwari Game Reserve is a big five, private game reserve and consists of 20 000 hectares (49000 acres) of malaria free, prime African bush land. Shamwari has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years. The reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. Activities include early morning and late afternoon game drives as well as guided bush walks.
All game activities are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Guests can expect to see lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, black and white rhinoceros, hippopotamus, kudu, springbok, bushbuck, grey duiker, black wildebeest, gemsbok and zebra. If guests are lucky they might spot cheetah, brown hyena, the elusive leopard as well as wild dog.
Day 3:
This morning after breakfast you will be met by a Representative/Driver and transferred by road to Port Elizabeth Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg and Australia.
As airline schedules are subject to change, it is important to reconfirm International flights at least 72 hours prior to departure and domestic flight At least 48 hours prior to departure. Check in times vary from airline to airline
But a broad guideline would be 90 minutes before your International flight and 45 minutes before your domestic flight.
Arrangements specified in your itinerary are correct at the time of issue
However, alterations may occur due to factors beyond our control.
TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK:
When making your enquiry to Jean Wethmar of The Cape Club, please quote the booking reference VV SA2010 for subscribers, or if you are a VisitVineyards.com Member, please quote code VV MA2010 to receive your free South african wine and a copy of the superb book Cape Winelands in Style by Wendy Torien, with stunning photography by David Rogers that will make you want to get on the plane immediately.
Regions
- South Africa - all (SAF)
Our Recommendations
To see our recommendations, ratings and reviews you must be a logged-in subscriber.
To subscribe please enter your email address in the "Subscribe Now - it's Free" box on the right and click the "Join" button, or fill in this form >
MEMBER BENEFIT: See the wine estates of South Africa in a tour like no other with The Cape Club. As Members you're journey will begin with complimentary South African ... Cape Winelands in Style »
Cape Winelands in Style takes you on an armchair safari of some of the most beautiful vineyards on the planet - the immaculate wine farms of South Africa's Cape region »
The Cape Club is a Sydney-based wine club and makes available South African Wines - imported from South Africa by Africape Wines - and select products for the benefit ... read more
The Cape Club presents their South African Iconic Wine Estate Tours (with a dash of cookery lessons). Thanks to their association with The Africa Safari Company, ... read more
As a VisitVineyards.com subscriber, you can get A Guide to Australian and New Zealand Olive Oils for the special price of just $10.50 plus postage. This guide will demystify the ever growing world of olive oils and give you some tasty recipes as well. And at this 
Consider yourself Tasmanian? Does this island state hold a special place in your heart? Or considering a visit? Wherever you are, just let us know your thoughts and you'll receive a stunning issue of Tasmania 40 Degrees South the journal that 
Tasmania's Table is a fabulous new book which showcases the best of the island state's fine food, drink and restaurants, with introduction by Tetsuya Wakuda. VisitVineyards.com subscribers can 
Le Figaro calls her "the undisputed mistress of the kingdom of wine". Get an an immediate A$40 discount on Jancis's exclusive Purple Pages. Or save A$60 - become a member of JancisRobinson.com and 
All VisitVineyards.com and Winepros.com.au subscribers and Members receive a 12.5% discount when you purchase via our book partners Seekbooks. Simply 
MEMBER BENEFIT: Discover the joys and intoxicating world of home winemaking and partake in an amateur's wine-making course 
MEMBER BENEFIT: The Smedley family of Mandala Wines invite VisitVineyards.com Members to book a 
Subscribers, if you'd like to get up close and personal with some of Tasmania's finest cool climate wines over four days and stay in style at Rosevears Vineyard Retreat, then enter now for your chance to 
Planning some overseas travel? Win this guided walking tour of Chianti in Tuscany with Gianni and you'll be sure to have an unforgettable Italian experience full of warmth, character and of course, fine wine and food. Enter now and you could be adding a 
Sip on award-winning Mudgee wines from Robert Stein, discover the best way to match your Wine and Food with Kate Lamont, find the best in the west with Ray Jordan's 2010 WA Wine Guide or get get the good oil with A Guide to Australian and NZ Olive Oils. Enter now and you could 
Celebrate the beginning of vintage in the Tamar Valley in Tasmania and the North East Valleys of Victoria with fabulous wine from Rosevears Estate and Brown Brothers. Head south for a sumptuous feast in Tasmania's Table, west to discover the best food in Perth, or delight in luscious Sunny Ridge Strawberries from the Mornington Peninsula. This month's prizes cover the country and represent the best of their regions. Enter now for your chance to 
Tell us your favourite Australian wine or food experience and you could win a copy of the new edition of Australian Traveller featuring their Top 100 list of the Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences. Enter before 
Will you be sipping on fine Delatite or Angullong wines? Cooking with the Tuscan Mammas or making a V/Line for Queen at Ballarat? Find out if you were one of our lucky Subscribers or Members to win one of our great prizes in February: 