Despite being an author of great tragedies, Greek writer Euripides once said that “Where there is no wine, there is no love.”

How fitting to stumble across this quote as Valentine’s Day approaches. Here at Explore Sideways, we believe that every day should be a day for celebrating love and cherishing those who mean something to you.

The wine estates in the Cape Winelands are well known for their excellent wines, array of wine tasting options and incredible fine-dining experiences. But have you ever thought about enjoying a unique, private wine tasting and lunch amidst the vines? Just you, your loved ones & the vines?

What to Expect

There’s something quite exciting about a dirt road and where it will take you: often they’re a result of a GPS malfunction or bad co-piloting and you end up in a dead end. Fortunately, that’s not the case as you drive into this boutique estate. Travel around the bend and you are met with a beautiful scene of lush green trees, rustic buildings and a sea of vines.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a friendly team with a glass of bubbles to keep you hydrated during a tour of the estate vineyards. The work in the vineyards is the first and one of the most important steps of the production process.  Your next stop will be a visit to the cellar and if you’re lucky, you may even get to taste the wine straight from the barrel.

Then comes the time to relax: enjoy your privately catered lunch next to the vines, under the shade of a beautiful wild fig tree, overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Simonsberg Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch. This exclusive experience, created by Explore Sideways and Marianne Estate, is ideal for those who would like to experience the winelands away from the hustle and bustle, in a more private and serene setting.

The privately catered four-course meal is paired with five wines from the French-style estate. A special menu is arranged based on your preferences and the produce available on the estate. A large part of the produce used on the day is grown and gathered from the farm with all other ingredients sourced from nearby local farms. No matter what your dietary requirements and preferences, the perfect lunch can be created just for you.

This experience is as informative as it is personal, as you get to talk to a member of the winemaking team as well as the estate chef. Learn all about your meal and the ingredients used while the chef prepares the dishes in front of you at the villa nearby.

Who Should Book This Tour

This experience is well suited for all types of groups travelling together and is offered on a completely private basis. From a couple on honeymoon to a small corporate group or a family celebrating a special occasion, guests can tailor-make the experience with one of our experts to ensure that it’s a memorable one.