The Cape Gourmet Wine Trail. Experience the Cape winelands from a different perspective.
Each year demand for this famed trail grows. Next trails are planned for 09.02-14.02.25 and
20.04-25.04.25 . Book early!
We’ve invested a great deal of time in putting together a perfect trail package, finding routes slightly more off the beaten track to give our guests an exclusive experience. The Cape Gourmet Wine Trail is not just about the best scenery for the season, but also about the best local hospitality and dining, and of course, the best trail horses.
This trail is adapted each year to include the most interesting and “hidden” venues as well as the best and scenic routes. For some venues and estates, it’s the first time they are allowing access on horseback and we’re excited to share this experience on the Cape Gourmet Wine Trail with you.
Sample itinerary
Below is a guide of what can be expected on The Cape Gourmet Wine Trail. Please note that this is a sample itinerary and not exact activities or times.
Day 1
To make the most of your adventure, please arrive after lunch but no later than 2pm on the first day, ready to ride. Our trail typically begins on a Sunday, so you can fly from Europe or the UK on Saturday night, arriving in Cape Town in time for the excitement. Transfers can be arranged for your convenience, and if you arrive early, early check-in is available.
At around 3pm, we’ll kick off with a welcome ride. This initial excursion is designed to familiarize you with the terrain, our friendly horses, tack, and riding procedures. It also allows us to pair you with the perfect horse based on your riding ability, personality, and preferences. The first ride helps us ensure that each rider is matched with the most suitable horse for the journey.
Over the next 4 days, you’ll likely ride two different horses as we swap them to enrich your experience. The first ride gives us a chance to select these horses thoughtfully.
The welcome ride is a scenic 2-hour adventure through the picturesque wine farms and orchards surrounding our base. It’s a great introduction to the week ahead. After the ride, enjoy refreshing drinks back at the yard before heading to your accommodation.
Dinner features traditional fare and offers a chance to get to know fellow travelers while we provide more details about the upcoming days.
On your first night, you’ll stay in a charming cottage on a local wine farm, offering you privacy and comfort.
Day 2
After a relaxed breakfast at the cottage, leave your packed bags behind and walk to our nearby paddock where your horse awaits, tacked up and ready for the day’s adventure. The ride starts around 9:30am.
The morning’s ride will take us through the renowned vineyards of Plaisir De Merle Wine Estate, then following into the hills and eucalyptus forests. You’ll enjoy wine tasting and lunch at Babylonstoren, celebrated for its exceptional wines, stunning botanical gardens, and farm shop. Delight in a spread of cold meats, cheeses, preserves, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, accompanied by homemade bread drizzled with olive oil.
Post-lunch, you’re free to explore the gardens or browse the farm shop. The afternoon trail leads to our Cape Winelands farm, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over the Franschhoek and Paarl Valleys.
As the day’s accommodations are on our farm, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with our 55+ horses, cuddle our foals, or play with our adorable mini bull, Bleu. Enjoy sunset drinks by our plunge pool or from the “coffee shop” with panoramic valley views.
Tonight, you’ll dine at one of the finest restaurants in the region, renowned for its exceptional cuisine. Indulge in a selection of game steaks, exquisite fish, or delectable vegetarian dishes. Exclusively for Gourmet Trail guests, a skilled sommelier will be on hand to reveal the secrets of wine pairing, enhancing your dining experience with expert insights.
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast and with your bags packed, we set off at 9:30am for an unforgettable day. Our trail winds through the scenic mountainside of Simonsberg, traversing pine and eucalyptus forest paths. The ride culminates in a breathtaking view of the iconic Paarl Rock.
Following a thrilling 2 ½ hour ride, we’ll take a special detour for a wine stop and a delightful lunch at a hidden gem in our valley. Niel Joubert Wines, renowned for their exclusivity, doesn’t offer public wine tastings—making this a rare opportunity to visit their main farm. Nestled in the woods, their secluded gazebo provides a private setting for wine tasting and a meal featuring local specialties. If the weather is less than ideal, you’ll enjoy a cozy experience in their wine cellar, adding a unique touch to your visit.
After lunch, we continue our journey through picturesque wine farms and orchards, including Marianne and Anura. Our ride ends at the expansive paddock at the Anura vineyard, where you’ll dismount and transfer to our next charming accommodation.
Tonight, you’ll experience the charm of a traditional Cape manor house on a family-owned wine farm Mitre’s Edge. Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring either traditional meat or venison dishes, prepared by the winemaker and his wife. Before dinner, you’ll be treated to a fascinating wine cellar tour, where the owner will share insights into the art of winemaking and answer any questions you may have.
Day 4
Prepare for a memorable adventure with a 9:00 a.m. departure. We’ll set off on a thrilling ride over Klapmuts Koppie (hillock), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views that extend across the flatlands, framed by the iconic Table Mountain in the background. Our journey will take us to Warwick Wine Estate for a delightful picnic lunch and a tasting of their exceptional wines.
After lunch, we’ll continue to Knorhoek Wine Estate, where you will settle in for the night.
As the sun sets, enjoy sundowners and a glass of fine wine while the horses are comfortably settled into their paddocks.
Following some relaxing refreshments, we’ll stroll to our charming new accommodation for the evening. Dinner will be a delightful feast featuring authentic South African home cooking, paired with exquisite wines from the farm, lovingly prepared by the farm owners.
Day 5
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation and have your bags packed for a 9:30am departure. Today’s ride promises a mix of breathtaking views, enchanting forest trails, and renowned wine estates. We’ll stop at Anura Wine Estate for a delightful wine tasting and lunch. Nestled beside a serene pond, this hidden gem offers a chance to savor more of South Africa’s warm hospitality and exquisite wines.
After a leisurely lunch, we’ll embark on the afternoon’s ride, which takes us on the final stretch of our trail. This is likely the longest ride of the week, featuring scenic inclines and declines. Rest assured, our sure-footed horses are experts at navigating these trails and will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Depending on the season, you might need to dismount for short walks with your horse.
Upon arriving at the yard, you’ll have the chance to change out of your dusty riding gear and freshen up at your final accommodation. If the weather is favorable, you might enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner. This evening’s farewell dinner is set to be a memorable experience, promising a fitting end to your adventure.
Day 6
You can sleep late this morning before enjoying breakfast in the scenic surroundings of their lodge before check-out. If you have time, you can enjoy a spa treatment. Chat to us if you need help with transport to the airport or anywhere nearby.
Accommodation venues
Our list of accommodation venues includes: Cape Winelands Riding Farm accommodation, Plaisir Wine Estate Cottage, Knorhoek farm guest house, Mitre’s Edge.
We have an extensive list of alternate accommodation venues equally suited for this trail if needed. Although it is highly unlikely that venues will change, final venues will only be confirmed on final confirmation of number of guests booked on the Cape Gourmet Wine Trail.
Should these accommodation options be unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, guests will be accommodated in similar accommodation of equal standard.
Wine Estates visited
Plasire De Merle, Donkerhoek, Vrede and Lust, Drakensig, Uitkomst, Keunenburg, Bloemendal, Le Bonheur, Babylonstoren, Neil Joubert, Anura, Marianne, Mitre’s Edge, Arra, Warwick, Leibach, Kanonkop, Uitkyk, Remhoogte, Morgenhof, Knorhoek, and many more.
Special date requests
Although we have only two dates for 2025 published, we can also arrange the full itinerary for a group of four or more on request and subject to availability.
Group size
This package is limited to six guests maximum but we also reserve the right to increase this to eight riders. Trails won’t go ahead if the group is less than four people.
Dietary requirements
Limited dietary restrictions can be accommodated, however this is a gourmet wine trail so it is more suited to guests who enjoy all foods and appreciate wine. Guests do not have to be food and wine fanatics to enjoy the riding on offer. Please note that wine tastings en-route (spittoons available) and good food are part and parcel of this trail.
Price
Prices for the Gourmet Trail in 2025 start from R65 900 per person sharing.
Included / excluded in the package
- 5 nights accommodation in mid-range venues is included. Accommodation is true to local traditions and style to ensure a truly authentic horse riding holiday.
- Accommodation is full board. Dinners consist of a set menu of three-course meals, with wine, water and soft drinks / beer / cider, as well as tea or coffee, with meals, throughout the day. All wine tastings en-route are included. Lunches vary from à la carte menus to fresh cheese, meat and preserves to picnic platters.
- Premium drinks, dessert wines and any drinks not offered during meals or rides are not included.
- Airport transfers are not included.
- Staff gratuities / tips are not included. Your guides and all staff are passionate about what they do. They will always go the extra mile to create the holiday of a lifetime and, while they do not expect gratuities, they are still greatly appreciated. Should you wish to leave a gratuity, 10% is customary in the local service industry but this is at your discretion.
The next Cape Gourmet Riding Trail
Book well in advance!
Looking for a more flexible riding holiday?
Our centre-based riding holidays are a fantastic way to enjoy our valley and surrounds from local trails, visiting wine estates and other venues, returning to the same accommodation each night.
