One of our most exciting Experiences of the year will surely be
this adventure-of-a-lifetime journey to South Africa.
May 1-10, 2025
SOUTH AFRICA
Safari & Winelands
Scouting Trip
Scouting Trip
Where the rugged landscapes of the savannah merge seamlessly with the lush vineyards of the Winelands. Our days will be filled with the thrill of safari excursions, encountering majestic wildlife in their natural habitat and stunning sunsets as we sip local wine by the campfire. We’ll then transition to the tranquil beauty of Franschhoek, nestled amidst rolling hills and vine-covered valleys. We’ll use it as a base to explore the country’s unique Winelands, indulging in the finer things in life while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1 - THURSDAY, MAY 1
WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA
Arrivals in Johannesburg and check in to the serene Saxon Hotel, an urban oasis offering luxury and tranquility in the heart of the city. Enjoy the evening at your leisure and explore the hotel’s amenities or the local dining scene for dinner on your own.
DAY 2 - FRIDAY, MAY 2
JOURNEY TO THE WILD
Board a private plane for a scenic transfer to Timbavati Wildlife Reserve. Check into your luxurious suite at Tanda Tula Safari Camp, where the beauty of the African wilderness surrounds you. After settling in, eat a delicious lunch, followed by a relaxing high tea. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, capped off with a delightful dinner on the property.
DAYS 3-4 - SATURDAY MAY 3 - MONDAY MAY 5
SAFARI ADVENTURE
Embark on daily thrilling game drives led by expert guides who bring the magic of the African bush to life. Discover diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes while indulging in exceptional cuisine paired with an impressive selection of South African wines.
DAY 5 - TUESDAY, MAY 6
FROM THE BUSH TO THE VINES
Check out and transfer to Hoedspruit Airport to catch a commercial plane to Cape Town. From there, transfer to the charming wine town of Franschhoek and check in to the luxurious La Clé property. Spend the afternoon unwinding in your elegant villa or strolling the beautiful grounds.
Rest and relaxation
Take time to rejuvenate – relax by the pool, enjoy a nap, or explore the tranquil property.
Orientation wine tasting led by a local expert
Join multi-award-winning sommelier Joseph Dhafana for a captivating tasting experience. Explore South Africa’s renowned and lesser-known wine regions through six of Joseph’s handpicked wines, paired with fascinating stories of his personal journey and impressively deep wine knowledge.
Dinner at Reuben’s
Dine at this beloved local gem known for its fine yet unfussy cuisine. The young chef’s passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients shines through in every dish, complemented by one of the best wine lists in the region.
DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
SWARTLAND DISCOVERY
Private Vineyard Visit and Tasting at Mullineux
Visit this acclaimed estate in the Swartland region, hosted by owners Andrea and Chris Mullineux. Experience their passion for the region’s ancient terroir and taste their expressive Chenin Blanc and Syrah wines.
Tasting and lunch at AA Badenhirst winery
Explore this storied estate with the charismatic cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst. Discover their commitment to traditional winemaking practices as you tour the historic revitalized cellar. Enjoy a relaxed lunch among the vines, paired with their remarkable wines.
Rest and relaxation
Take a refreshing dip in the pool or read in the sun to recharge for the night’s activities.
Dinner in the private room at La Petit Colombe
Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience at the sister restaurant to the renowned La Colombe at the Constantia Winery. Chef Peter Duncan will craft a special menu for us, expertly paired with wines from their extensive cellar.
DAY 7 - THURSDAY, MAY 8
STELLENBOSCH & FRANSCHHOEK EXPLORATION
Private tour and tasting at Thelema
We’ll begin the day at one of Stellenbosch’s most respected wineries, whose vineyards have been described as “one of the most beautiful places on earth.” Taste through their hand crafted lineup of whites, reds and even a sparkling and port-style wine. And they’ve promised to open up some of their oldest bottles just for our group.
Lunch and wine experience at Remhooogte Wine Estate
Back in Franschhoek, we’ll have what promises to be one of the trip’s most memorable experiences. Sample their wines and those from the neighboring Kappzicht Wine Farm, then join the estate’s chef (dubbed the “Francis Mallmann of South Africa”) as he prepares a traditional South African braai for us.
Return to La Clé for rest and relaxation
Relax and unwind before our evening’s festivities.
Dinner at creative Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant Oku
Enjoy a lighter dinner at Oku, a modern, Southeast Asian-inspired eatery. The creative dishes and relaxed atmosphere provide the perfect balance after a hearty lunch.
DAY 8 - FRIDAY, MAY 9
THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY
Private tour and tasting at Restless River
Travel by helicopter to the breathtaking Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. We’ll begin in the Hermanus area with a tasting at cult winery Restless River, known for its Burgundian-style Chardonnay and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Owners Craig and Anne Wessels will guide you through their extraordinary limited-production wines.
Vineyard stroll, tasting and lunch at Hasher Family Estate
In the upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley sits this tiny family winery with a breathtaking view. The family will personally take us through the cool climate vineyards and explain their unique philosophy, and then we will sit down for a lunch prepared for us by a private chef in the vineyard (weather permitting) – paired with their elegant Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinotage.
Private tour and tasting at Hamilton Russell Vineyards
After lunch we’ll head just across the valley to taste through the legendary Pinots of this pioneering producer. Today the estate is run by the original founder’s son, Anthony, and his wife Olive, along with winemaker Emul Ross. We will taste their elegant, world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this maritime-influenced region.
Return to La Clé for rest and relaxation
Unwind and prepare for our celebratory final dinner.
Farewell dinner at La Clé
The hotel will pull out all the stops to ensure a spectacular final dinner, bringing in a local chef to prepare a traditional braai for us in one of the luxury villas. And of course, the wines will be among the highlights of the trip.
DAY 9 - SATURDAY, MAY 10
Check out of La Clé and transfer to Cape Town for your departing flight, or extend your stay to further explore this enchanting region
**Please note that we will not be doing a blending session on this trip. Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
THE DETAILS
How to arrive
Guests should fly into Johannesburg airport, where we can help arrange transfers to the Saxon hotel. We can also help arrange your transfers on the day of departure from La Clé to the Cape Town airport for your return flights. If you’d like to fly out of Johannesburg for your international flight home, we recommend a flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
Accommodations
Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg – a five-star luxury hotel situated on ten acres of magnificent indigenous gardens, providing a private and peaceful retreat in the midst of the City of Gold.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Kruger National Park – a luxurious safari camp on over 55,000 hectares of land within the world famous park.
La Clé Lodge, Franschhoek – a stunning hotel allowing you to experience the splendor of an active wine farm within the borders of a characterful French Huguenot village, all surrounded by vineyards and nature, with art, food, and wine on your doorstep.
Maximum number of guests
10


PRICING INFORMATION
The trip cost includes all accommodations, meals, wines, local transportation and group activities. Guests are responsible for the cost of their flights and airport transfers to the hotel.
Please note that Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.