Although it is assumed that South Africa has been producing wine for thousands of years, it is undeniably our “own” Jan Van Riebeeck who is the founder of viticulture in South Africa. In 1656, as Governor of the Cape, he planted the first vines in the garden of the Dutch East India Company. This year again, we are organizing a fantastic and educational trip to South Africa for our students.
This trip focuses on visiting wineries, tastings, and workshops. But we also enjoy two days of safari in an acclaimed private game reserve. In short, we enjoy culture, nature, and good food. There is ample free time allocated for personal activities. During the visits to the wineries, you will be received as much as possible by the owner or winemaker of the respective winery. 10 PE points SVH register Vinologist/sommelier (Cat: A)
Sunday, March 15 2026 Stellenbosch
00:05: Arrival at Hotel
09:00: Reception and introduction in the hotel lounge.
09:30: Departure to Boschendal
10:00: Farm tour Boschendal Wine Estate
12:30: Werf Picnic Lunch
14:30: Premium Wine Tasting
17:00: Return to hotel in Stellenbosch
19:00: Evening free time
Monday, March 16, 2026 Stellenbosch/Wellington
08:45: Departure to WoSa
09:00: WoSa Presentation
10:45: Departure to Wellington, visit Bosman Wines
11:30: Tour & tasting
13:30: Departure to Nederburg Wines
13:45: Tour, tasting & lunch at Nederburg
17:00: Return to hotel in Stellenbosch
19:00: Evening free time
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Stellenbosch/Constantia
09:00: Departure to Constantia
10:00: Tasting, tour Wine estate Buitenverwachting
13:00: Lunch Wine estate Buitenverwachting
14:30: Departure to Wine Estate ‘Rust en Vrede’
15:30: Visit Wine Estate ‘Rust en Vrede’
18:30: Evening free time
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Robertson
09:45: Departure to Aaldering
10:00: Visit Wine Estate Aaldering
13:00: Departure to Springfield Estate
15:00: Tasting, tour Springfield Estate
19:30: Wine and Food dinner at restaurant Hermanus.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 Safari
09:30: Departure to Botlierskop private game drive reserve
12:00: A la carte lunch Botlierskop (own expense)
14:30: Safari reception
15:00: Game drive Safari (Drinks & snacks included)
18:30: Evening free time
Friday, March 20, 2026
10:45: Departure to Newton Johnson Family Vineyard
11:00: Reception at Newton Johnson Family Vineyard
13:00: Lunch at Newton Johnson Family Vineyard
15:15: Tasting and tour Newton Johnson
17:30: Return to hotel
18:00: Evening free time.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 Hermanus
09:00: Explore Hermanus at your leisure
16:30: Wine tasting at “The Wineglass”
18:00: Dinner at “The Wineglass”
Sunday, March 22, 2026 Hermanus Hemel en Aarde valley.
10:45: Departure to Creations Wines
11:00: Reception at Creations Wines
13:00: Lunch at Creations Wines private home!
15:00: Tour and visit Bosman Hermanus.
17:30: Return to hotel
18:00: Evening free time.
Monday, March 23, 2026
10:45: Departure to Hamilton Russell
11:00: Reception at Hamilton Russell
13:00: Lunch at Hamilton Russell private home!
17:30: Return to hotel
18:00: Evening free time.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Elgin Valley / Constantia / Cape Town
09:00: Check out from hotel
10:30: Visit Iona winery in Elgin Valley
13:00: Lunch at Wine Estate Iona
14:00: Departure to Constantia
15:00: Tasting at Steenberg Estate
17:30: Departure to Cape Town airport
00:30: Flight KL 0598 Cape Town – Amsterdam
Cost: € 2,750
The following program components are included.
√ Stay in Luxury Hotel Stellenbosch
√ Tastings with top winemakers.
√ Professional attention to wine development in South Africa.
√ Visit to an experimental vineyard with different clone selections.
√ Two days Safari in an acclaimed private game reserve.
√ Transportation in luxury bus for all program components with private driver.
√ Ample free time for personal activities.
√ Included are group lunches and/or dinners. (often with the winemaker)
√ 10 nights in luxury hotel. (Price based on double room)
√ Single room supplement € 750.00. The number of single rooms is limited.
√ The trip is guided by Ruud Weterings.
√ Please note you book the flight yourself!
NOT INCLUDED
√ flight with KLM (KL0597)- Amsterdam – Cape Town March 15 10:05 – 21:20
√ flight with KLM (KL0598) – Cape Town – Amsterdam March 25 00:20 – 10:50.
√ free lunches and dinners.
√ personal expenses.
√ travel and cancellation insurance
√ you can of course arrive earlier and/or depart later.
GENERAL
- – Our general terms and conditions apply to this study trip.
- – You are advised to take out your own travel and cancellation insurance. WTOL Academy disclaims all liability in this regard.
- – WTOL Academy is not liable for special circumstances over which it has no influence, such as delays, business closures, road closures, political unrest, weather conditions, etc.
- – WTOL Academy has carefully put together this program. Unfortunately, it is not possible to finalize everything at this stage. This gives us the freedom to deviate from the program if necessary.
- – Remember to get your own travel and cancellation insurance.
Sign up directly below.