If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore the winelands around Cape Town, then why not try an electric bike wine-tasting tour?
VineBikes, a company run by adventure buffs, offers guided tours through safe and scenic routes in Banhoek, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, where you can taste the delicious wines each farm has to offer while enjoying an easy pedal through greenery in the fresh air.
The beauty of an electric bike is that it makes riding a no-sweat excursion. The e-bikes are fitted with a motor and battery, handle like a normal bicycle, and are family-friendly (there are kids’ seats and half-wheelers).
Plus, there are saddlebags so you can take a bottle or two home. Each tour lasts 3.5 hours, and you spend about 30 to 45 minutes at each farm along the route.
In Banhoek, you’ll start your journey from the beautiful Banhoek Lodge and wind through the valley, surrounded by the impressive Drakenstein Mountains.
You’ll cycle to two or three excellent estates, including one that is tucked away at the end of the valley. Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Zorgvliet Wine Estate and Oldenburg Vineyards are just a few of the wineries you can visit on this tour.
Also read: Wine not? Explore Cape Town’s rich vineyards on these top tasting tours
The Franschhoek trip starts at the La Couronne Wine Estate in Franschhoek, a culturally rich town that your guide will give you insight on while cycling through backroads.
There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities – the area is famously pretty, surrounded by imposing mountain ranges. Cycling through working farms makes this an interesting and informative experience, plus these farms are beautiful.
Holden Manz Wine Estate and Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate are two of the farms you can visit on this tour.
In Stellenbosch, you’ll follow a track along the Eerste River past some historic buildings then on into the Jonkershoek Valley.
There you’ll visit Stark-Conde Wines and Lanzerac Wine Farm, one of the oldest wine farms in the country, established in 1692. Riding through this area is peaceful and uplifting, especially when you get to taste the fruits it produces.
Whether you’re a wine lover or just enjoy the great outdoors, an electric bike wine tasting tour is a must-try activity in Cape Town.
Details:
- Location: Lanzerac Rd, Simonswyk, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Every day 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5pm
- Website: vinebikes.co.za
Also read:
5 cosy wine farms near Cape Town to make the most of a rainy day
Picture: VineBikes