Taste the adventure: Take a hike and sip on some fine wine at these farms
Head into the hills for hike followed by tasting some of the Cape’s finest wines on these fantastic hiking-and-wine-tasting experiences.
The Western Cape is home to some of the beautiful landscapes in the world, as well as some of the world’s top wine farms.
So why not combine the best of both worlds and enjoy a fantastic hike through the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom followed by tasting award-winning wines at a local estate?
Here are a few wine estates in and around the Western Cape that have great hiking trails around their properties and produce world-class wines.
La Motte
Nestled in the Franschhoek Valley and surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, La Motte is set on a magnificent property that runs up into the mountainside.
The estate is dedicated to maintaining the highest conservation and biodiversity standards and the protection of precious indigenous flora and fauna’ which is evident around the spectacular property.
The estate’s hiking route starts at the La Motte Tasting Room and continues for more than 5km, with the hiking trail section covering 2km.
The circular route winds around the farm and offering breathtaking vistas of the valley, as well as plenty of opportunities to take in an abundance of birdlife and resident mammals and reptiles. You’ll also pass a beautifully manicured protea garden, sustainably farmed vineyards, and a wealth of local flora along the way. It should take about two hours when walking and three hours when strolling.
The hiking trail has a Grade 1B rating and requires a fair degree of fitness. It is therefore not recommended for children under the age of 10. Dogs and mountain bikes are not permitted and a maximum group size of 10 is allowed on the trail at one time. Safe convenient parking is available.
Guided hikes are offered on Tuesday mornings when a well-informed and passionate guide shares information on the flora and fauna and the Franschhoek valley. Hikers receive a hiking trail map, bottle of water and will be treated to light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa.
Advanced online booking is essential for both guided and self-guided hikes.
La Motte is home to some of South Africa’s finest wines and is recognized internationally for its exceptional quality. The estate has also ventured into flower cultivation and the production of ethereal oils, all of which can be enjoyed at the tasting room after the hike.
Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Situated at the top of the Helshoogte Pass, Thelema Mountain Vineyards is a beautiful family-owned and managed wine estate that is surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Simonsberg Mountain range in Stellenbosch.
Ranging between 370m to 640m above sea level, the estate has a challenging hike six-hour hike that begins at Thelema and makes its way up the Simonsberg mountain.
Hikers pass the vineyards en route to the estate’s large dam, as well as a diverse array of endemic fynbos, kloofs with waterfalls, and staggering views of Pniel, the vineyards, and distant Cape Point, Table Mountain, and the Franschhoek mountains.
On reaching the summit, you are rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range in the region. Head back down the mountain after your hike to the tasting room so sample some of Thelema’s finest wines.
Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Resting on the slopes of the Rheebokrand Hills on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Zevenwacht Wine Estate is a historic wine farm with deep viticultural roots in the rich past of South Africa.
Meaning “Seven Expectations,” Zevenwacht has beautiful natural scenery from it’s perfectly manicured vineyards to a large dam that is perfect for a picnic after your hike.
There is a 14-kilometre hike around the property that can be enjoyed on foot or mountain bike. The trail winds through the vineyards and the Rheebokrand Hills, which are home to rare and protected Renosterveld fynbos.
You can also take a leisurely stroll through a forest before heading back to the farm to sample some of the estate’s world-class wines.
Lourensford Wine Estate
Spread across 4, 000 hectares of pristine forest, fynbos, fruit orchards, and vineyards, Lourensford Estate is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates in the country.
Resting on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, the estate was established in 1709 and is still going strong with a historic winemaking tradition that produces world-class wines.
The estate has several hiking and mountain biking trails that wind their way through the Helderberg Mountains and cross the Lourens River and boast beautiful sea and mountain views.
There are a selection of mountain bike and trail running routes and one-day experiences for all fitness levels and the estate’s fine wines can be enjoyed at the modern tasting room or the restaurant after your adventures.
The Wellington Wine Walk
The Wellington Wine Walk is a fantastic experience that includes hiking through the beautiful Wellington Valley’s wine and buchu farms and tasting some of the region’s finest wines.
The wine walk offers a selection of walks ranging from one to four days of walking led by local guides that are fully accredited and well versed in the history and culture of the area.
Walks wind through indigenous fynbos, vineyards, fruit orchards, and olive groves, and you can stop and taste the wines, olives, and olive oil produced in this fertile valley.
You’ll also meet the winemakers and learn more about their award-winning wines, as well as the local characters of the valley and hear their interesting stories. If you love the outdoors, wine-tasting, and scenic walking/hiking trails – this is the perfect walking holiday for you.