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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.