Vine Hopper: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour – Southern Route

Discovering the renowned wineries of Stellenbosch’s Southern Route has never been easier than with Vine Hopper’s hop-on hop-off wine tour. This flexible and convenient option allows visitors to explore six acclaimed estates at their own pace, hopping on and off the tour bus as they please. From the iconic Spier to the lesser-known gems, the tour caters to diverse preferences, offering wine tastings and insights into the region’s renowned varietals. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, this tour presents a valuable opportunity to learn about the heart of Stellenbosch’s vibrant wine culture. But the true allure lies in the discoveries yet to unfold.

This experience made our list of the The Top 25 Wine Tours In Stellenbosch.

Key Points

• This hop-on hop-off wine tour along Stellenbosch’s Southern Route visits six renowned wineries, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
• The tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with hotel pickup and drop-off for a convenient and hassle-free experience.
• The tour showcases a diverse range of wineries, including Spier, Bilton, Alto, Neethlingshof, Kleine Zalze, and Van Ryn Brandy Distillery.
• Wine tastings at the wineries are payable separately, typically ranging from R25-R50 per tasting.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for traveling with young children.

Tour Overview

This hop-on hop-off wine tour allows visitors to relax and enjoy a leisurely exploration of the wineries along Stellenbosch’s Southern Route.

The circuit stops at six renowned wineries, including Spier, Bilton, Alto, Neethlingshof, Kleine Zalze, and Van Ryn Brandy Distillery.

Guests can choose to disembark at any winery for wine tasting and then rejoin the tour on the next Vine Hopper minivan.

The tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing flexibility for visitors to customize their experience.

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour offers a convenient and hassle-free way to discover the flavors and charm of the Stellenbosch wine region.

Stops Along the Route

The Vine Hopper tour makes stops at six renowned wineries along Stellenbosch’s Southern Route, allowing visitors to explore the region’s diverse offerings. Spier, Bilton, Alto, Neethlingshof, Kleine Zalze, and Van Ryn Brandy Distillery are the featured estates on the circuit. Each winery offers its own unique wine tasting experience, with prices ranging from approximately R25-R50 per farm.

Winery	Highlights
Spier	Award-winning wines, historic architecture
Bilton	Family-owned boutique winery, scenic views
Alto	Renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon

Visitors can choose to disembark at any of these stops, spend as much time as they desire, and then re-board the Vine Hopper to continue their journey.

Tour Schedules

Vine Hopper offers three scheduled tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, allowing visitors to conveniently explore the Southern Route wineries.

These hop-on hop-off tours provide guests the flexibility to spend as much time as they’d like at each winery along the circuit.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day of wine tasting, wanting to learn about the region’s unique varietals, hoping to discover hidden gems at lesser-known estates, or craving an indulgent brandy experience at the Van Ryn Distillery, Vine Hopper’s schedule ensures there’s an option to suit every wine enthusiast’s preference.

With pickup and drop-off in the Stellenbosch area, the tour logistics are seamless, making it an effortless way to savor the area’s renowned vintages.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Vine Hopper’s tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Stellenbosch area, as well as the hop-on hop-off tour in a minivan, allowing visitors to explore the wineries at their own pace.

The tastings at each of the six wineries along the route – Spier, Bilton, Alto, Neethlingshof, Kleine Zalze, and Van Ryn Brandy Distillery – are payable separately at the farms, typically ranging from R25-R50 per tasting.

The tour is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. While children are welcome, they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.

Booking and Confirmation

Travelers can secure a spot on the Vine Hopper tour by booking their reservation at the time of their choosing, and they’ll receive confirmation of their booking details shortly after. The tour offers convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in the Stellenbosch area, making it easy for guests to join the experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Visitors can look forward to an engaging and memorable day exploring the Southern Route’s charming wineries:

• Savor the region’s renowned wines
• Discover the rich history and architecture of each estate
• Enjoy the scenic countryside views
• Relax and unwind at a leisurely pace

Accessibility and Accommodations

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. This means guests must be able to enter and exit the minivan on their own.

While the wineries themselves may offer some accessibility, the transportation component of the tour isn’t designed for those requiring mobility assistance.

However, the tour does accommodate families with young children by providing infant seats. This allows parents to enjoy the wine tastings while ensuring their little ones are safely secured during the hop-on hop-off journey through Stellenbosch’s Southern Route.

Customer Reviews

Customers have largely praised the Vine Hopper tour, with the experience earning a Badge of Excellence from 59 reviews in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Reviewers frequently highlight the tour’s convenience, flexibility, and value.

The hop-on hop-off format allows you to explore the wineries at your own pace.

The included hotel pickup and drop-off is a game-changer, making the tour so much more relaxing.

The range of wineries on the route offers something for all, from boutique estates to renowned producers.

Excellent value, with reasonable tasting fees and no hidden costs.

Getting to the Tour

Since the Vine Hopper tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in the Stellenbosch area, participants can conveniently access the starting point. The tour departs from the Stellenbosch Tourism Information Centre, making it easily accessible for those staying in the region.

Alternatively, guests can arrange to be picked up directly from their accommodations, ensuring a hassle-free start to the wine tasting adventure.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available upon request.

With efficient logistics and a straightforward meeting point, the Vine Hopper makes it simple for wine enthusiasts to enjoy the delights of the Southern Route without worrying about transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. However, it’s generally recommended to enjoy the wine tastings provided at the wineries along the route. Consuming outside food and beverages may not be encouraged during the tour.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Wine Tastings?

There’s generally no strict limit on the number of wine tastings. However, visitors are encouraged to drink responsibly and pace themselves, as the tour give you an enjoyable and safe experience.

What Happens if I Miss the Last Pickup at a Winery?

If you miss the last pickup at a winery, you’ll need to make your own way to the next stop or back to your starting point. The tour operates on a set schedule, so you’re responsible for ensuring you return to the van in time.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Wine Tasting?

Visitors can request specific wine tastings at each winery, though the available options may vary. The Vine Hopper tour provides flexibility to explore different wineries and tailor the experience to individual preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups?

Discounts for large groups are often available on wine tours. Operators may offer group rates or package deals for parties of 6 or more. It’s best to inquire about group pricing when booking to get the best deal.

Recap

The Vine Hopper’s hop-on hop-off wine tour along Stellenbosch’s Southern Route offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the region’s renowned wineries.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, visitors can tailor their experience to their preferences, whether it’s wine tasting, learning about varietals, or discovering lesser-known estates.

The tour’s comprehensive itinerary and customer-friendly policies make it an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy the Stellenbosch wine country.