Study Tours

2025 CAPE WINELANDS WINE TOURISM & TERROIR STUDY TOUR

WHO IS THE STUDY TOUR FOR?

Winery owner/operators; winemakers; viticulturists; cellar door and tourism personnel; brand, sales, marketing managers; travel agents; tour operators; wine business students and anyone interested in learning more about the wine, vineyards, tourism and history of the Cape Winelands.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TOUR?

This tour provides a deep dive into South African wine and tourism, offering participants insights into the history of the Cape Winelands, its viticultural and winemaking practices, tourism and experiences, food and culture and its special place in global wine production. Representatives of regional and national wine and tourism act as hosts throughout the tour and we go behind the scenes with winemakers and owners who willingly share their stories and best practices.

WHAT IS THE TOUR GROUP SIZE?

The minimum group size is 6 and maximum is 10 to ensure we have private access to some of the best winemakers in the Cape.

WHICH REGIONS DO WE VISIT?

The final itinerary is determined by the composition of the group to ensure selected venues are relevant to all participants. We will visit at least six of the key regions, which may include Constantia, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Breedekloof, Swartland, Robertson, Paarl and Hemel-en-Aarde.

WHO IS THE TOUR GUIDE?

Robin Shaw is your primary host throughout the trip, having visited the Cape Winelands regularly for 20 years, during which time she has established strong relationships with all major wine routes. A certified local guide drives the bus and offers additional insights during our travels between regions.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE TOUR?

The tour itself is 10 full days of visits + Arrival and Departure days. Optional pre- or post-tour leisure packages to Kruger National Park, Cape Town or any other destinations are available on request.

WHEN IS THE 2025 TOUR?

TBC – The tour is expected to begin on Thursday 8 May and conclude on Tuesday 20 May. The South Africa Wine Tourism Conference is scheduled for Thursday 8 May in Stellenbosch and forms part of the tour. (You can opt out and spend the day touring the town instead if you wish). More information is available at www.winetourism.co.za

WHAT TYPE OF WINERIES DO WE VISIT AND WHO DO WE MEET?

South African wine farms (as they’re known) offer an incredibly diverse range of experiences. We observe best practice across a range of factors, including:

Innovative wine tourism experiences for different target audiences.
Contemporary, heritage, botanic and sustainable wine tourism.
Multi-faceted estates (wine, food, shopping, accommodation, lifestyle).
Wine and food experiences at wineries and regional signature restaurants.
Innovative winemaking and viticulture, inc. sustainable/regenerative practices.
Estates featuring arts, cultural and music elements.
Opportunities to discuss DTC channel activation practices.
Meeting regional representatives, winemakers, viticulturalists, owners and SA Wine industry personnel.
View a sample itinerary HERE

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?

All ground arrangements are covered:
Accommodation^ (hotel, wine farm or guesthouse)
Airport transfers
Transport (minibus with driver + trailer)
All daily meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tour guides, hosted visits, including introductions to wine farm owners and key wine industry personnel
All winery experiences and evaluation materials
Regular debriefing sessions.

^ Single rooms are booked for each guest unless twin-share is requested.

WHAT ABOUT FLIGHTS TO CAPE TOWN?

You are welcome to book your own flights, or you can choose our licensed travel partner, Karen, at Food & Wine Travel who can coordinate your arrival times efficiently from any Australian city. Karen can also organise any of your pre/post leisure activities or onward travel to other destinations.
Payment for flights and additional activities will be invoiced by Food & Wine Travel.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Incidentals such as laundry, mini bar, etc. are payable by guests on departure from accommodation.
Personal items such as medicines, etc.
Travel insurance (which must be arranged prior to travel and evidence provided)
Optional pre- and post-tour leisure activities
Any accommodation / meals / activities outside the itinerary

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONDITIONS?

For the comfort of all guests, this tour is strictly non-smoking. No exceptions.
The tour is fully hosted and changes to the itinerary cannot be made once the tour begins.
Guests must observe standard safety protocols and always remain with the group.
Any special arrangements for visits or meetings must be made through your host, Robin Shaw.

INTERESTED?

Contact Robin to register your interest!

robin@winetourismaustralia.com.au

GUEST TESTIMONIALS?

Best’s Wines, Victoria

“I loved the trip to South Africa and exploring regions that are unknown to most of us in the wine industry. Travelling with Robin provided valuable insights and introductions that would not have been possible otherwise. The quality of food and accommodation was exceptional from the day we arrived, and I was surprised by the depth of history and quality of the wines. I returned with plenty of information and stories to share with my staff and built some lovely relationships with the other participants. Our tour guide was funny, knowledgeable and very interested in what we all did. I would highly recommend travelling with Robin Shaw’s tours and I will happily travel with her again.”

Nicole Thomson – Co-owner/Wine Club Manager, Best’s Wines Great Western (2024)

Drinks Insider, Germany

“It was my pleasure to join the Wine Tourism Australia immersion in South African wine tourism in 2024. Organised by Robin Shaw, the tour took a group of Australian wine professionals to a wide range of South African wineries and wine regions, and put us in front of owners, winemakers and executives, who were happy to answer all of our questions. Not only that, but the accommodation was top notch.

Thanks to her considerable network, we were able to go places and meet people who are normally off limits to tourists, including cult winemakers. The result was a comprehensive overview of what South Africa wineries have to offer, and how they make it happen.

South Africa offers some of the best wine tourism experiences in the world, and this tour is a must-do for anybody who wants to understand hospitality — especially considering it’s a fraction of the price of other guided wine tours of this nature. I highly recommend it to wine professionals.”

Felicity Carter, Drinks Insider – Germany (2024)

Fowles Wines, Victoria

“I absolutely believe it when I say this was the most important trip of my wine industry career. We have only just started in our new skin (May 2019) and we are trading in the third year of our business plan. I don’t think this level of performance would have happened without the experience of the South Africa study tour and Robin’s insightful guidance.”

Matt Fowles – Owner, Fowles Wines, Strathbogie Ranges

Golding Wines, South Australia

“When Darren and I booked our trip to South Africa with Robin in 2015 I don’t think either of us realised how significant the experiences we encountered would be in shaping the future of our own wine tourism and hospitality business. This trip, curated and expertly guided by Robin, gave us the opportunity to enjoy world class food and wine experiences, but what we found invaluable was the ability to meet with the owners and operators of the business we visited and learn from their experiences while exchanging ideas. Robin’s facilitation of this was invaluable. South Africa is a world leader in wine tourism and the natural beauty of the country will take your breath away. If you can join Robin on a trip, do it, you will not be disappointed!”

Lucy & Darren Golding – Proprietors, Golding Wines, Adelaide Hills

Buller Wines, Victoria

‘An unforgettable journey through South Africa’s diverse wine regions! Stimulating, eye-opening experiences at every winery and venue, blending landscapes with stories. Jam-packed but so incredibly worth it. One of the most valuable components was seeing the multiple regions, and their different approaches. As I work in both Rutherglen and King Valley, it really helped me understand that each region has their own unique value proposition, but you can make them work to your benefit.’

Ellie Murtagh – Brand Director, Buller Wines, Rutherglen

D’Arenberg

“If you are involved with wine tourism in any capacity you need to visit the Western Cape wine regions, which, for a long time, have been the benchmark in experiential tourism. Our tour with Robin and Wine Tourism Australia was eye opening to say the least. Well organized and expertly curated to the interests of the group, every day was rewarding and insightful. For me it was a perfect way to step away from the noise of business and have the space to imagine it through the eyes of the customer against the backdrop of world leading customer experiences. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough; you will come away with insights and new perspectives that will last a lifetime. And it’s a whole lot of fun.”

Christian Burvill-Holmes – Brand Manager, d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale Grape Wine Tourism Association, SA

“This tour provided exceptional access to winemakers and exclusive experiences I never would have had access to otherwise. The trip is a deep dive into the unique character of South Africa’s varied wine regions – so different from those of Australia – and the personal stories and passion of its winemakers. Highlights included meeting renowned winemakers, such as Eben Sadie, Ken Forrester and the Mullineuxs, and exclusive opportunities like private tastings, jeep rides through vineyards and meals at winery owners’ homes. The experiences emphasized storytelling, sustainability, and regional identity, offering insights into vineyard practices, varietal innovation, and bespoke hospitality. The accommodation offered a mix of high-end luxury and authentic local charm, and the exceptional dining experiences ranged from fine dining with carefully curated wine pairings to casual, rustic meals that emphasized regional flavours.”

Erin Leggat – CEO, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association

Seppeltsfield, South Australia

“Working with Robin from Wine Tourism Australia on our study trip to South Africa, in particular Franschhoek and Paarl, provided us with tangible outcomes in our final design for the new cellar door and destination restaurant at Seppeltsfield. It has continued to impact on the services offered, which has led to our significant growth. I would highly recommend Robin’s services and her expertise in Wine Tourism is invaluable!”

Nicole Hodgson, Tourism & Events Manager, Seppeltsfield, Barossa

Previous participants also include team members from: