The Vine Hopper offers a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the captivating northern wine route of Stellenbosch. Running on select days, this hop-on hop-off tour provides a seamless and immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover a curated selection of wineries at their own pace. With convenient hotel pickups, air-conditioned transportation, and a range of tastings available, the Vine Hopper caters to both seasoned oenophiles and those simply seeking a delightful introduction to the region’s renowned vintages. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this tour promises to elevate your appreciation for the rich winemaking heritage of Stellenbosch.
Key Points
- The Vine Hopper offers a hop-on hop-off wine tour along the northern wine route of Stellenbosch, running on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and wine tastings at six renowned wineries along the northern wine route.
- Guests can explore the wineries at their own pace and tailor their wine tasting experience to their preferences.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but allows for strollers and infant seats, catering to families and parents with young children.
- The tour has received highly positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, praised for its amazing experience and knowledgeable, friendly guides.
Overview of the Tour
The Vine Hopper offers a hop-on hop-off wine tour along the northern wine route of Stellenbosch, allowing visitors to explore several local wineries at their own pace.
The tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, stopping at six wineries: Simonsig, Beyerskloof, Bergkelder, Delheim Warwick, and Marianne Wine Estate.
Guests can hop on and off the air-conditioned minivan as they please, enjoying wine tastings that typically cost between R25-R50 per farm.
Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Stellenbosch area are included, making the experience convenient and hassle-free.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to explore the region, the Vine Hopper offers an enjoyable and flexible way to discover the flavors of Stellenbosch’s northern wine route.
Inclusions and Highlights
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Stellenbosch area, allowing for a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Guests can hop on and off the air-conditioned minivan as they explore the northern wine route, enjoying wine tastings that typically cost between R25-R50 per farm.
The tour stops at six renowned wineries: Simonsig, Beyerskloof, Bergkelder, Delheim, Warwick, and Marianne Wine Estate. This gives visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of wines and learn about the region’s winemaking heritage.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a day of tasting, the Vine Hopper tour provides a delightful and immersive experience along the northern wine route of Stellenbosch.
Meeting Point and Pickup
Guests can depart from any of the listed stops or the Tourism Information Centre at 47 Church Street in Stellenbosch, with confirmation provided at booking.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted and infant seats are available.
The tour’s departure point flexibility allows guests to select the most convenient location for them. This accessibility, along with the clear confirmation process, ensures a smooth start to the Vine Hopper experience.
The inability to accommodate wheelchairs is a limitation, but the stroller and infant seat options cater to families.
Tour Schedule and Frequency
The Vine Hopper tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, providing guests with a hop-on hop-off experience along the northern wine route of Stellenbosch.
This schedule allows visitors to explore the area’s renowned wineries at their own pace, hopping on and off the air-conditioned minivan as they please.
The tour visits six wineries: Simonsig, Beyerskloof, Bergkelder, Delheim, Warwick, and Marianne Wine Estate.
With this convenient and flexible setup, guests can tailor their wine tasting experience to their preferences, making the most of their time in the beautiful Stellenbosch region.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
A full refund is available if the tour is cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time, but no refund is provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance. This policy is in place to ensure the tour operator can adequately plan and prepare for the experience.
Guests are encouraged to review the cancellation policy carefully before booking to avoid any unexpected charges. While the wine tour is generally well-received, unforeseen circumstances can arise, and the operator wants to be fair to both customers and the business.
Reviews and Ratings
Customers have awarded the Vine Hopper tour a Badge of Excellence, reflecting its 56 highly positive reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s exceptional value, with one noting it provides ‘an amazing experience for the price.’
Many highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who offer insights into the region’s history and winemaking. Guests also appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the flexibility to hop on and off at the various winery stops.
Accessibility and Strollers
While the Vine Hopper tour is not wheelchair accessible, it does accommodate strollers and provides infant seats for families. This makes the experience more inclusive and allows parents to bring along their little ones. The tour’s air-conditioned minivans have ample space to store strollers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey. Here’s a breakdown of the accessibility features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Not available |
| Stroller Accessibility | Allowed |
| Infant Seats | Provided |
Whether you’re exploring the region with a little one or prefer to have your stroller on hand, the Vine Hopper tour is well-equipped to cater to your needs and make your wine-tasting experience as seamless as possible.
Additional Information
The Vine Hopper tour offers several additional conveniences for visitors. Travelers can be picked up and dropped off at their Stellenbosch-area hotels, ensuring a seamless start and end to their wine-tasting experience.
The tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, providing flexibility for guests’ schedules. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, with infant seats available.
Travelers should note the cancellation policy – a full refund is provided if the tour is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, but no refund is given for last-minute cancellations.
With excellent reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the Vine Hopper Northern Route tour is a hassle-free way to explore Stellenbosch’s renowned wineries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Wine on the Tour?
No, you cannot bring your own wine on the tour. The wine tastings at each winery are included in the tour price, so bringing your own wine would not be permitted. Participants must consume the wines provided by the wineries during the tour.
Are the Wineries Open for Lunch or Dinner?
The wineries on the tour generally operate during standard business hours, typically offering wine tastings and sales during the day. However, dining options may be limited, as most wineries do not have full-service restaurants open for lunch or dinner.
Can I Purchase Wine on the Tour?
Yes, visitors can purchase wine during the tour. The wine tastings at each winery provide an opportunity to sample and purchase wines to take home. Visitors are able to carry any purchased wines with them on the hop-on hop-off tour.
How Long Do I Have at Each Winery?
The tour allows guests to spend about 1 hour at each winery, giving them time to explore the facilities, taste wines, and make purchases if they wish. The duration at each stop is flexible to accommodate visitors’ preferences.
Is Photography Allowed at the Wineries?
Photography is generally allowed at the wineries on the tour, though visitors should check with each winery for any specific policies. Most wineries welcome photos, but may have restrictions in certain areas for safety or privacy reasons.
Recap
The Vine Hopper offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the northern wine route of Stellenbosch.
With hotel pickup, comfortable transportation, and the ability to visit multiple wineries at your own pace, it’s an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts and families alike.
The tour’s accessibility for strollers and its range of wine tasting options make it a well-rounded experience along the scenic northern wine route.
