WINE WALKS

Description of trails in no specific order:

GOUDMYN WALK: 14kms

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 a tantalising MCC tasting and pairing.

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, where 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 km walk back to Excelsior.

ZANDVLIET WALK: 9 or 12kms (your choice!)

After another hearty breakfast we depart Excelsior, walking through vineyards and orchards, and up the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. Your climb will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the sweeping valley below. Whilst you take the time in catching your breath, our range of Excelsior Reserve wines will be introduced and enjoyed with a variety of snacks.

A further 5km walk brings you to the next wine tasting of the day: Zandvliet Estate – birth place of the famous race horse Pocket Power and well known for their exceptional Shiraz. 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 that also specialise in handmade charcuteries. Here you will be spoiled with lunch platters and their excellent wine, followed by an optional 3km hike on the farm. Those that don’t feel up to more walking, can relax in the garden, before heading back to Excelsior by bus.

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 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 3 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… However, you won’t want to miss out on the final stop of the day, where Clive and Briony captivate you by their passion and knowledge for all things olive at Marbrin Olive Farm! Enjoy olive oil and olive tastings, whilst a vegetarian lunch is being prepared, and will be paired with a local Estate’s wines. A final 2.5km walk wraps up the day, and the Excelsior bus will transport you back to Excelsior.

PROPOSED ITINERARY:

Every walk starts at 08:15 and ends around 15:30 each day! There will be a talk each evening 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.

Day 1:

– Arrival – check in between 14:00 & 18:00
– A short introduction by the owner before dinner – depending on availability.
– 3 course set Dinner including Excelsior wines

Day 2:

– 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 3:

– 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 4: (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

Day 4: (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 5: (for 4 night package only):

– Continental & cooked breakfast
– Departure by 10:00