Schedule Bus Wine Tour - From Paarl

Paarl's Hidden Gem Wine Route

No stuffiness. No pretension. Just great Paarl wine, brilliant stories, and good company.

Paarl is South Africa's third-oldest town and home to some of the most exciting wine being made in the Cape today. Yet it's often overlooked in favour of its glamorous neighbours. We think that's a mistake — and we've made it our mission to prove it.

Paarl Valley Vine Hopper runs small-group tours through Paarl and Wellington most characterful estates: from the iconic slopes to the valley floors where Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage thrive in the Mediterranean climate. We handle the transport, the bookings, and the knowledge — you just bring the curiosity and the appetite.

"A good wine is the one you like. We'll help you find which ones those are."

The Route

Four Unforgettable Paarl Estates

We rotate estates seasonally to keep things fresh, but these are the pillars of every great Paarl Valley Vine Hopper day.

The Day

From First Pour to Last Drop

A full day in Paarl's finest estates, perfectly paced so you're never rushed and never bored.

08:30 – 09:00

Pickup & Welcome

We collect guests from in Paarl CBD, nearby guesthouses. Settle in with a light snack and introductions as we wind through the Drakenstein Valley. Don't skip breakfast — a long day of tasting awaits. 

Meeting place for guests not in the CBD area meeting place will be communicated once booking is confirmed.

09:30

Estate One — Fairview

Begin the day at one of South Africa's most beloved estates. After a guided walk through the vineyards and a look at the famed goat tower, we settle into a comprehensive wine and cheese pairing. Expect Viognier, Pinotage and their acclaimed Shiraz alongside house-made chèvre.

11:00

Estate Two — Ayama Wines

Home of South African VERMENTINO at Ayama introduces a new wine era to the South African Wine Industry.The exceptional terroir and the grapes cultivated in the area has been the source of various international wine awards. The mountain slopes of the Paardeberg, together with the soil composition and prevailing winds, create a specific quality in the grapes. The wines produced here have the potential to become part of the elite wines of the country.

Our territory is also dedicated to the production of extra-virgin olive oil of quality.

12:30 - 14h00

À La Carte Lunch (Ridgeback or Rhebokskloof)

A proper sit-down lunch at one of the estates' acclaimed restaurants, featuring the best of local seasonal produce. Think slow-braised Karoo lamb, bobotie, grilled linefish or hearty vegetable options — all paired with a glass of your new favourite Paarl discovery. Vegetarian, vegan and allergy needs catered. (own account)

14:30

Estate Three — Rhebokskloof

Our wines are a testament to the harmonious blend of our unique terroir, meticulous viticultural practices, and the passionate craftsmanship of our winemaking team. Each bottle reflects our commitment to excellence and deep-rooted connection to the land, capturing the essence of the Paarl region with every sip. The combination of agricultural land, indigenous fynbos, and rich granite and black marble soils impart unique characteristics to our wines, piquing your curiosity about the distinctiveness of Rhebokskloof’s wines. The cool mornings and warm afternoons, influenced by the mountain’s presence, encourage slow and even ripening, resulting in grapes of intense flavour and balanced acidity. This unique environment forms the foundation of our exceptional wines.

16:00

Estate Four — Dekkersvlei Wines

In 2007, Dekkersvlei Vineyards (previously Mellasat Vineyards) made history by releasing the world’s first White Pinotage. The idea was unconventional, some might say controversial. Pinotage is a red grape, and red grapes are typically fermented with their skins to extract colour and tannins. But what if the skins were removed before fermentation? Could the grape express itself in a completely different way? By pressing the Pinotage grapes gently and fermenting the juice without skin contact, the winemaking team created a wine that looked nothing like its traditional counterpart. The result was a crisp, elegant white wine with delicate aromas, lively acidity, and subtle hints of tropical fruit, citrus, and vanilla – all while retaining the underlying character of Pinotage.

17:00 – 17:30

Return Transfer

We drop guests back at their hotel or pickup points in the CBD, sated, happy, and probably carrying a bottle or two of something special.

What's Included

Return Transport

Air-conditioned minibus from your a centralised pickup point. No designated driver required — that's the whole point.

All Wine Tastings

Entry and tasting fees at all four estates are included. 15+ wines over the course of the day.

Expert Wine Guide

Your dedicated guide is a passionate Paarl local who knows the families, the farms, and the stories behind every bottle.

Cellar Tour

A guided cellar tour showing the winemaking process from vine to bottle — including barrel tastings where available.

Water & Snacks

Bottled water and light snacks on the bus throughout the day to keep you comfortable between pours.

Not Included

• Lunch and drinks
• Personal purchases

Pricing

Join a Group on a Scheduled Tour

R1,480 per person

• 4 estates, full day
• All wine tastings
• Cellar tour
• Pickup from central point, Paarl area
• Drop off at your hotel or central point
• Max 10 guests per tour

Important Information

• Booking Requirement: Due to high seasonal demand and limited vehicle capacity, booking is mandatory. We recommend securing your seat well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Age Restriction: In accordance with South African law, participants must be over the age of 18 to consume or taste alcohol.
• Winery Selection: To provide a fair rotation and a unique experience for returning guests, winery selection is randomized for each tour.

Contact us today to reserve your place or to inquire about a private group booking. We look forward to sharing the exceptional wines and landscapes of Paarl and Wellington with you.

Private & Customized Options

For those seeking a more tailored experience, we offer private customized tours. These are ideal for small groups or corporate outings, requiring a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 participants. Private tours allow for a flexible itinerary and a more intimate exploration of specific estates or wine styles.