A morning in Stellenbosch turns into a full wine education day. This private tour is led by former winemaker Martin Stevens, with tastings at three wineries chosen around your style. I love the custom fit based on what you like, and I love that transport and tasting fees are built in. One drawback to note is lunch is extra, so you will want a budget for that midday stop.

Here is what makes this experience work: you are not just bouncing between vineyards. You start with an early pickup, taste at two wineries in the morning, and then continue to a third after lunch, with time to ask questions as you go. Also, you might feel pretty ready for a relaxed evening after the final tasting, since the day can add up to a lot of pours.

Key highlights

• Former winemaker guide (Martin Stevens) with hands-on wine-making insight, not just facts on a brochure
• Private, customized route where the wineries are picked to match your varietals and tastes
• Three winery tastings in one day, typically two in the morning and one after lunch
• Transport from your Stellenbosch hotel, plus entrance and tasting fees included
• Flexible lunch option where you can choose what fits your appetite and pace

Stellenbosch wine tastings with former winemaker Martin Stevens

If your idea of a good wine day is clear explanations and real conversation, this is a strong match. You get Martin Stevens as your host, and he is a former winemaker, which matters. Instead of sounding like a script, the day is built around how wine is actually made and how style connects to place.

I also like the tone of the experience. It is not just stand, sip, and move on. You get guided tastings at each stop, plus discussion time so you can ask about what you taste and why it behaves the way it does. That can be especially helpful if you are not a formal wine expert but still want to understand what you are experiencing.

A small consideration: you are in wine-country for about 7.5 hours, and lunch is not included. That means you should plan for a midday meal cost, and you should also plan your pace so you can enjoy the day instead of rushing through it.

Price and logistics: what $143.78 really buys you

At $143.78 per person for about 7 hours 30 minutes, the headline price is just one piece. The bigger value is what is bundled in. You get round-trip transport from your Stellenbosch accommodation, and you do not have to worry about paying entrance fees or tasting fees on the spot.

That is a practical win, because wine trips can quietly get expensive when you add up tickets, tastings, and transfers. Here, your day is set up so the wine stops are the focus, not the checkout line at each entrance.

One more useful detail: this is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. In plain terms, you can take your time with questions, and Martin can steer the day based on what you care about most.

How the 3-winery day works (two mornings, one afternoon)

The structure is simple and effective. You start with pickup from your accommodation in the morning, usually between 9 and 10 AM, based on what works for your schedule. Then you visit two wineries in the morning for guided tastings, and you add a third winery after lunch.

That two-plus-one rhythm helps you compare styles while they are still fresh in your mind. If the first stop leans one direction, the next one can show you another approach. By the time you reach the final tasting, you are not just collecting experiences, you are building a clearer picture of what you like and why.

Also, because it is private, the route can be adjusted to match your preferences. The day is designed so you do not just get any random set of vineyards, you get vineyards that fit your wine interests.

Morning tastings chosen for your varietals and style

Before the day starts, Martin plans around your preferences in wines and styles. The goal is that the morning tastings are not a surprise in a bad way. They should help you answer questions like: Do I prefer crisp whites or deeper reds? Am I chasing fruit-forward flavors, or do I want something more structured?

At each of the two morning wineries, you receive a guided tasting. You are taken through the wine-related basics that matter on the ground, like varieties, styles, terroir, and winemaking techniques. The pacing is important here. You get the explanation while you are still tasting, so the concepts do not float off into trivia.

One detail I especially like is the idea that the wineries are often less obvious to visitors. Instead of forcing you into the biggest-name spots, the day can land at wineries you might not find on your own. That can make the day feel more personal, because you are not just doing the most famous checklist.

Lunch on your own, then a third winery stop

Lunch is optional and on your own account. If you want, Martin can arrange a lunch stop that fits the flow of the afternoon. Practically, this gives you some control over what you eat and how long you want to linger before the final winery.

After lunch, you head to the third winery. This is where the day can feel like it “clicks” for a lot of people, because you have already started comparing wines in the morning. If you focused on certain flavors early, you can go into the last tasting with better instincts for what you are looking for.

And since the tour is built for conversation, the third stop can also become the place where you ask your best questions. By then, you have tasted enough to know what to ask, which makes the guided part far more useful.

What you learn beyond the glass in Stellenbosch

A wine tour should teach you something you can actually use. This one does that in a few ways.

First, you learn how winemaking connects to what you taste. With Martin as a former winemaker, the conversation can stay grounded in real process rather than vague generalities. You get talk on techniques and how those choices show up in the glass.

Second, the day includes context about the region. You are not stuck inside tasting rooms all day, and you gain knowledge about Stellenbosch winemaking, history, culture, and language. Even if you only catch pieces, that cultural layer makes the tastings feel less random. You start understanding why certain styles fit this area.

Third, the private format matters for learning. Because the plan allows discussions around your interests, you are more likely to get the explanations you actually want. If you care about reds, you can steer toward those. If whites are your thing, you can keep the day aligned.

And yes, the day can add up. One highlight from past experiences is that the tastings can reach at least 20 different wines. That does not mean you should sprint through every pour. It does mean you should expect a long, sensory day and plan to stay relaxed about how you feel by the end.

Transport, tickets, and pacing for a smooth day

This tour is built around convenience. Pickup is offered from your Stellenbosch hotel, and you are dropped back at your accommodation at the end. You also get a mobile ticket, so you are not hunting for paperwork.

The day lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes, so pace is part of the plan. You have the morning tastings, lunch time, and the final tasting, which helps you avoid the chaos of an all-day bus tour where everything feels rushed. The private nature also usually keeps waiting time reasonable, since you are not coordinating multiple independent groups.

A practical tip: bring something to help you stay comfortable. Wine country days can involve warm sun between stops, and you will likely be walking on uneven ground around vineyards. Comfortable shoes and sun protection go a long way.

Who should book this private tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits you best if you want a wine-focused day with real explanations and you like the idea of tailoring the wineries to your tastes. It is also ideal if you want to ask questions without worrying you are slowing down a bigger group.

It is a smart pick if you are the kind of person who thinks, I do not just want to taste, I want to understand. Having a former winemaker as the guide is a major advantage if that is your style of travel.

You might want to consider another option if you are on a tight schedule for the day, since this is roughly a half-day plus. Also, if you are not planning to spend anything on lunch, you will need to account for that extra cost since lunch is not included.

Should you book Exclusive Wine and Cape Town Tours by Martin Stevens?

If you are choosing between a generic tasting hop and a more thoughtful, customized day, I would book this. The value is strong because transport and tasting/entrance fees are included, and the whole day is guided by a former winemaker. Add in the private format and your ability to steer the wineries based on your preferences, and it becomes less like a fixed itinerary and more like a wine education you can actually shape.

Book it especially if you like the idea of visiting three wineries in one day, with time for conversation at each. You are also likely to appreciate the regional context, because it turns tastings into a bigger understanding of Stellenbosch.

One last planning note. The tour is often booked about 58 days in advance on average, which suggests it is a popular option. If your trip dates are firm, locking it in early can help.

FAQ

How many wineries does the tour visit?

The tour visits three different wineries. Typically, you start with two wineries in the morning and then visit another winery after lunch.

How does Martin choose which wineries to visit?

The wineries are chosen based on your wine preferences and the styles you like. Martin plans the route around what you tell him, so the day can feel tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.

What is the usual pickup time in Stellenbosch?

Pickup is usually between 9 and 10 AM. The exact time is arranged to suit your schedule.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes private transportation, tasting fees, entrance fees, and a guiding fee. In other words, you should not have to pay for tastings or winery entry separately during the tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is for your own account, though a suitable lunch stop can be arranged if you wish.

How long is the wine tour?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is this tour private or shared?

It is private. Only your group participates.

Do I need to print a ticket?

You get a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do it up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid will not be refunded.