WINE WALKS

Description of trails in no specific order:

GOUDMYN WALK: 13kms

After a scrumptious breakfast, we depart from Excelsior Manor and follow the Cogmanskloof river down to its confluence with the Breede River. Our first stop is the grandiose House of Chardonnay, the tasting room at DeWetshof Estate, for an early morning wine tasting. From here it is a short walk to the Van Loveren Family Vineyards. The lush gardens, which have been lovingly cultivated over generations, create the perfect setting for their tantalising range of Christina’s wines /Cap Classique’s paired with delightful nibbles!

From Van Loveren the walk ambles through vineyards and crosses over the Breede River were the hikers can enjoy the coolness and birdlife. The trail continues along the foothills of the Elandsberg Mountains, with a panoramic view over the Goudmyn area. Down to the river once again, hikers will be picked up by the Viljoensdrift river barge for a well-earned picnic lunch on board the boat! Washed down, of course, with a variety of Viljoensdrift’s fine wines. Leaving Viljoensdrift it is a leisurely 3.5 km walk back to Excelsior.

ZANDVLIET WALK: 9 or 11kms (your choice!)

After another hearty breakfast we depart Excelsior, walking through vineyards and orchards, gradually ascending the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. The climb offers a rewarding panoramic view of the valley below. As you pause to catch your breath, you’ll be treated to our range of Excelsior Reserve wines, enjoyed by a variety of snacks. A further 5 km walk leads you to the next wine tasting of the day at Zandvliet Estate, renowned for its exceptional Shiraz and the birthplace of the famous racehorse Pocket Power.

You will be treated to award winning wines in their beautiful Kalkveld Lounge. Hopping on the bus, we drive to Kleinhoekkloof, our last destination of the day: a family-owned boutique wine estate known for both its excellent wines and homemade charcuteries. Here, you’ll indulge in delectable lunch platters paired with the estate’s wines, followed by an optional 2km hike on the Estate and a refreshing swim in the farm dam. For those not wanting to walk further, the garden offers a peaceful spot to unwind before the bus ride back to Excelsior.

Your day does not end here though… in the afternoon, head over to our tasting room, and you’ll have the unique opportunity to blend and bottle your own wine. Once your masterpiece is complete, it’s time to bottle and seal it, making for a special keepsake from the day. This hands-on experience adds a personal touch to your wine journey, capping off an unforgettable day of exploration and indulgence.

KLAASVOOGDS WALK: 9kms

This day starts with a quick bus ride to our starting point in the Klaasvoogds valley: a walk through the Sheilam Cactus Gardens. Boasting approximately 2000 species of plants, the nursery is recognised by authorities as one of the finest collections of specimen plants! 2.5 kms away is our first official stop of the day: Owls Rest Lavender & Olive Farm.

A short introduction to Lavender farming is explained, including the many uses and healing properties it has! A refreshing drink will be served, but alas, no wine yet! Don’t worry, only another 2 kms away is our first wine tasting stop of the day, Kranskop. Here, an exquisite and informative tasting of their award winning wines is offered. Panoramic views over the Klaasvoogds valley will entice you to linger longer… But, just across the road, at a newly built venue, awaits a sensory delight: A lunch of homemade ravioli with a variety of fillings and toppings, using only the freshest ingredients from the valley will be enjoyed with a selection of top quality wines from a neighbouring Wine Estate, Rietvallei.

A final 4.5 km walk along rolling vineyards and citrus orchards, followed by a sampling of a local farmers’ homemade “Pere de Poort” liqueur, concludes the day, before heading back to the guesthouse by bus.

PROPOSED ITINERARY:

Every walk starts at 08:15 and ends around 15:30/16:00 each day! There will be a talk each day explaining the next days’ itinerary so that you know what to expect. We do recommend staying an additional night in the nearby vicinity so that you can enjoy the last day’s tour and tastings to the fullest! Alternatively the 4-night package can be reserved on certain tour dates.

Arrival Day: (no walking)
Arrival – check in between 14:00 & 18:00 18:30: A short introduction by the owner before dinner – depending on availability 3 course set Dinner including Excelsior wines

Day 1:
Continental & cooked breakfast buffet Meet your tour guide that will walk with you for the next 3 days. First day of walking and tasting begins Lunch at one of the Estates with wine Walk/transported back to Excelsior Leisure time Excelsior Reserve Wine Tasting & Blending Experience 3 course set Dinner including Excelsior wines.

Day 2:
Continental & cooked breakfast buffet Day 2 of walking and tastings begin Lunch at one of the Estates with wine Walk/transported back to Excelsior Leisure time 3 course set Dinner including Excelsior wines.

Day 3: (for 3-night package)
Continental & cooked breakfast buffet Bags need to be packed and rooms vacated in morning before tour so that we can clean rooms Last day of walking and tastings begin Lunch at one of the Estates with wine Walk/ transported back to Excelsior Departure around 15:30 / 16:00.

Day 3: (for 4-night package only)
Continental & cooked breakfast buffet
Last day of walking and tastings begin
Lunch at one of the Estates with wine
Walk/ transported back to Excelsior
Leisure time
3 course set Dinner including Excelsior wines

Day 4: (for 4-night package only)
Continental & cooked breakfast
Departure by 10:00