An Intimate Journey
South Africa’s Cape Winelands
A MORRELL WINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Journey Experience - 13 Days
PRICE: $6,295 plus airfare per person
Featuring: CAPE TOWN - HERMANUS - STELLENBOSCH
Captivating history intersects with life’s finest pleasures on this
vibrant journey that captures the essence of South Africa. Explore
idyllic Cape Town and its rich historical attractions.
Then journey into the fertile valleys to South Africa’s finest and
oldest wine estates, as recommended by America’s premier wine
merchant, Morrell & Company. Tour the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, the wonderful Penguin Colony and enchanting Seal Island.
From the delectable red and white wines to the beautiful starlit skies, South Africa beckons the explorer to savor its contrasts and premium flavors.
DAY 1
Cape Town, South Africa
Arrive in Cape Town where you are transferred to your luxury hotel located at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a working harbor and entertainment district. Explore the Waterfront complex on your own and take some time to visit the Wine Shop of Vaughn Johnson where you’ll find a collection of vintage and other South African wines. The impressive variety of entertainment options includes a boat cruise, Imax theater, boutiques, arts and crafts and a number of great restaurants.
You’ll explore the natural beauty that surrounds you from the vantage point of your hotel. With Table Mountain in the foreground, you’ll gain greater understanding of the emotions of Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers who looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain and compared it to an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The splendor of Table Mountain still invokes this kind of emotion. Cape Town's name originated from the term “Cape of Good Hope” in deference to the sight of Table Mountain and its impact on the travelers of yesteryear.
Largely due to its inspiring location, Cape Town is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers.
The present-day cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town offers a multitude of experiences in a bustling and beautiful waterfront setting.
Cape Grace Hotel
DAY 2
Cape Town
Enjoy a morning tour of the city of Cape Town. Start at the lower cableway station on the slopes of Table Mountain and ascend to a height of 1067 meters by aerial cable car. Here, you’ll view the city, the Atlantic Seaboard, the spectacular Cape Peninsula, Table Bay and Robben Island—formerly a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.
During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning the prison into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity.
Head down into the Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and colorful Mosques and drive by the Grande Parade and Castle. The "Bo Kaap" or "Cape Malay Quarter" belongs to the culturally and historically most interesting parts of Cape Town. Many of the inhabitants are descendants of the people from Indonesia (Batavia), Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia, who were captured in the 17th- and 18th-century and enslaved by the Dutch-East Indian Trading Company. Many were Muslims and others were converted to Islam by the Cape Muslim community.
The Cape Malays and their religious leaders played an important role in the development of the language and culture of the Cape colony. The Afrikaans language evolved as a language of its own through a simplification of Dutch in order for the slaves to be able to communicate with the Dutch and amongst each other, since they all came from different countries and cultures.
Motor through the fertile Constantia Valley to Buitenverwachting for a light lunch on a wine estate. Your first wine tasting will be at Klein Constantia, which was established in 1823. Savor a special tasting of some of the older wines in their cellar before your short drive to South Africa’s oldest original wine estate—Groot Constantia. Established in 1685 by then Dutch Governor Simon van der Stel, this enchanting farm also boasts a 16th-century manor house which is a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture.
Weather permitting, you’ll fly by helicopter from the farm back to the Cape Town waterfront on a breathtaking 30-minute flight that will give you an unforgettable view of the entire region. (B, L)
Cape Grace Hotel
DAY 3
Cape Town
Today you’ll spend the whole day touring the remarkable Cape
Peninsula. Your first stop will be the world-renowned Kirstenbosch
Botanic Gardens, thriving in the shadow of Table Mountain, and home
to over 5000 indigenous plants. Here you’ll discover an explosion of
color along with the unique Fynbos floral biome, the world’s smallest
and richest floral kingdom. There are more plant species found in the
Table Mountain range than in the entire continent of North America.
Pass through Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Simonstown before arriving at Boulders Beach and the incredible Penguin Colony, home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat.
From there you’ll enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve where
indigenous flora and fauna are conserved in this priceless
wilderness area. The reserve is home to baboons, several species
of antelope, smaller mammals, birds and reptiles. Here, you’ll see
the most powerful lighthouse in the world beaming an electric
light of 19-million candlepower across the ocean. A monument
to Vasco da Gama commemorates his historic voyage around
the Cape in 1497.
After lunch at a restaurant overlooking False Bay, proceed to Hout Bay via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Pass, a narrow pass that was etched into the mountainside between 1915 and 1922. This is one of South Africa’s most spectacular roads. Starting in the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay, the road winds its way up to Chapman’s Point before heading back down to the idyllic looking Noordhoek. With numerous parking bays, viewpoints and picnic spots, the seaside road is well traveled by both visitors and Cape locals for the spectacular, uninterrupted views that it affords.
Explore Hout, one of the most beautiful and popular places on the
Cape Peninsula and a highlight of any visit to Cape Town. The town sits picturesquely in a wind-protected bay, surrounded in the west by the Karbonkel Mountain—the famous Mount Sentinel as the outpost in the sea—and in the east by the Constantia Mountains and Chapman's Peak.
The name "Hout Bay" (Wood Bay) was given by Jan van Riebeeck, who, after his landing in Table Bay in the year 1652, found dense forests
providing the timber needed for the construction of ships and of the
Castle.
Take a short boat ride to Seal Island for a close encounter
with seals in False Bay. This area is also notorious for the
sharks that prey on the playful seals.
Travel through the suburbs of Llandudno, Bantry Bay
Clifton and Sea Point on your journey back to the
Waterfront along the scenic Atlantic coastline. (B, L)
Cape Grace Hotel
DAY 4
Hermanus
Travel along the False Bay coastline toward the holiday town of Hermanus. En route you’ll pass small but fascinating towns like Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. This unique area is known as the place "Where Whales Play & Wild Flowers Bloom."
Just before Hermanus, you’ll travel north for a visit to Hemel and the Aarde Valley, where the cool maritime climate and the right soil composition combine to make this the ideal location for the fussy Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines—all available at the Wine Village, the largest wine shop in South Africa. The elegant displays boast wines from more than 310 estates and cellars.
You’ll enjoy a selection of wine opened daily for the tasting room at Hamilton Russell Vineyards, the oldest winery in the valley. At Bouchard Finlayson you are a stone’s throw from the sea, where the frost free weather and rugged vineyard soils produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines of great complexity and finesse.
Enjoy lunch in Hermanus, which is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern tip of Africa. The Magnificent Mountains tower over this town, which attracts nature lovers from all over the world coming to view the splendid Southern Right Whales from the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world.
As an interesting side note: Hermanus is said to be the only place in the world to have its own whale crier. The odd looking feather in his hat is actually a whale tail, and he patrols the streets blowing a kelp horn
alerting the town to the whereabouts of the whales. Morse code refers
to the different points along the coastline where whales have been
spotted. The key to these codes, as well as the number of whales
spotted at each location, are noted on the sandwich board he proudly
wears.
Next you’ll travel over Sir Lowery’s Pass to the historic Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West. Delight in wine tasting in the 1200-ton French-designed octagon cellar, which is sunk into the hilltop. Then tour the manor house and gaze out at the beautiful gardens and oak and Camfer trees.
You'll travel north through the University City of Stellenbosch to your lovely hotel where you’ll stay for the next four nights. Nestled in the fertile Paarl Valley, the exquisite Grande Roche Hotel reflects the history and influence of
European culture. The lovingly restored original Manor
House is still the centerpiece of a thriving vineyard, where
export grapes are grown to plump perfection. This gem of
South Africa is set on a gentle slope overlooking vineyards
and rugged mountains. (B, L)
Grand Roche Hotel/Winelands Hotel & Wellness Center
DAY 5
Hermanus, Stellenbosch & Paarl
Today you’ll explore the vineyards surrounding Paarl and Franschhoek Valley. After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Fairview, a name well known in the United States for “Goats Do Roam” wines. A special wine tasting has been arranged for you in their cellar where you’ll have the opportunity to also taste the special cheeses produced on this farm.
Take the road to Franschhoek Valley and en route you’ll pass the infamous Victor Verster Prison where former President Nelson Mandela was held until 1991. Visit the Huguenot Monument erected in memory of the French Huguenots who settled here about 150 years ago and planted the first grapes in the valley. Your next stop takes you to Boekenhouts Kloof for your second tasting of the day. This farm has received numerous awards for its Shiraz, Merlot and Semillon.
Your lunch is served in the wine cellar at Haute Cabriere at the Cabriere Estate. Experience the elegance of a South African "méthode Champenoise" from the "Pierre Jourdan" range, named in honor of the first vintner, as well as the Haute Cabrière white and Burgundy style red wine. This is the ideal place for “getting a feel” for the 300-year-old wine history of South Africa.
Drive along the Berg River to Plasir De Merle, nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg, and recognized as the flagship estate of the Distel Corporation. Plaisir de Merle dates back to the days of the French Huguenots and has been touched through the ages by the hands of the Marais, Hugo, Retief, Van Zyl, De Villiers and De Wet winemaking families.
The newest cellar at Plaisir de Merle was opened on December 1, 1993, to commemorate the signing of the original land grant by Simon van der Stel 300 years before to the day. It harmoniously combines aesthetics and functionalism. Featuring a moat and millstream to enhance the rural atmosphere of the setting, the new cellar features classical moldings and friezes to reflect the rich and fascinating history of the farm over the years. A wonderful variety of deep-rooted symbols on the Plaisir de Merle blazon embellishes the entrance.
From here, you’ll make stops at the Rupert and Rothschild Vignerons for your last tasting of the day. Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons is a partnership in wine production on the historic French Huguenot farm Fredericksburg, between the Rupert Family of South Africa and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, son of the late Baron Edmond de Rothschild of France. Situated on the slopes of the picturesque Simonsberg Mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, the farm was founded in 1690 by the brothers Jean and Daniel Nortier. (B, L)
Grande Roche/ Winelands Hotel & Wellness Center
DAY 6
Stellenbosch
Today you’ll be on your own for a full day of leisure. Your vehicle and guide will be available to take you shopping or for nearby sightseeing if you wish. Or you may choose to relax and enjoy the wonderful amenities of your hotel including two outdoor swimming pools and two tennis courts.
Nearby attractions (not included in tour) feature the 27-hole Paarl golf club, two squash courts, horse riding, ballooning and fishing. Other attractions
include airplane and helicopter trips (helipad on site), wine
estates and spectacular sightseeing routes. Bosman’s
Restaurant serves gourmet global cuisine and offers a terrace
and patio for outside seating.
The vibrant University Town of Stellenbosch is the oldest
town in South Africa after Cape Town, and it is probably
the most scenic and historically preserved town in Southern
Africa. Oak-lined streets next to water furrows compliment the many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture – all part of this unique "Town of Oaks." Ideally situated in a magnificent mountain valley, Stellenbosch offers a mild Mediterranean climate and is proud to be the home to the world-renowned Maties' University. Many national and international industries have their headquarters here.
Described as a town for all seasons, Stellenbosch is known for lively events and activities that take place throughout the year from music, street, wine and art festivals to international sporting events. (B, L)
Grande Roche/ Winelands Hotel & Wellness Center
DAY 7
Stellenbosch
Visit a few of the distinguished wine estates in the Stellenbosch area. At Kanonkop, you’ll discover one of the leading red wine estates in the country. Here they have produced many award-winning wines over the last three decades. Outside of Stellenbosch, you’ll visit the beautiful Rustenberg wine estate for your next wine tasting. Rustenberg has a wine-growing history dating back to 1682, when Roelof Pasman from Meurs, near the Rhine, recognized its wine-growing potential.
From Rustenberg, return to Stellenbosch to see its many fine examples of charming Dutch architecture. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Jonkershuis at Spier where a feast of traditional food is served. After lunch, you’ll visit the House of J.C. le Roux—South Africa’s Champagne House where close to six million bottles of bubbly are produced each year.
During the time of religious persecution in France, a large number of French Huguenots made their way to the Cape of Good Hope to start a new life. The fertile valleys and the Mediterranean climate reminded them of their homeland and their influence on life at the Cape proved to be indelible, as they brought with them their considerable skills and knowledge of viticulture.
Among them was the prominent Huguenot, Jean le Roux, who left his home in Normandy to settle in the heart of the Stellenbosch area in 1704. He planted 8000 vines in total in the Stellenbosch district and continued the tradition of viticulture in Devon Valley. Today, the House of J.C. Le Roux nestles on part of the historic farm, and it bears testimony to the contribution made to Devon Valley by this illustrious family.
Your last tasting of the day is at the nearby Overgaaw wineries, a well-established estate that has been in the Van Velden family since 1784. Your tastings will include their specialty reds, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (B, L) Grande Roche/ Winelands Hotel & Wellness Center
DAY 8
Depart Cape Town
Transfer to the Cape Town airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (B)
DETAILS
PRICE: $6,295 plus airfare per person / Single Supplement $1,980
Best Time of Year: All year
