Tour Overview
Discover the highly acclaimed Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, located next to the beautiful town of Hermanus. Spend a memorable day driving along the picture-perfect coastal route towards Hermanus, looking out for the majestic creatures of the deep, the Southern Right Whale, and taste amazing wines with this full-day whale and wine tour.
The Hemel-en-Aarde region is also home to the first vineyards planted in the area.
Start the day with a beautiful drive along the picturesque Cape coastline, passing through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay en route to Hermanus. This famous drive is aptly named the “Whale Route” because it is known to have the best land-based whale watching in the world.
It is not guaranteed you’ll see a whale in the ocean but you’ll surely see one on the label at Southern Right boutique winery, where you’ll taste their well known Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc.
Head into the historical town of Hermanus, which was once one of the most prominent whaling stations in South Africa. As one of the top destinations for whale-watching, Hermanus is perfectly positioned to offer the best viewing directly from the shore. You will be able to watch as these giants of the deep frolic in the waves, and launch out of the water to breach. Stroll through this quaint seaside town and enjoy lunch at your own discretion.
Once you’ve enjoyed some great food and coffee, it’s off to a wine tasting at Hamilton Russell in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as some of the best in South Africa and among the best in the New World.
The next stop will be Southern Right, founded by Anthony Hamilton Russell in 1994. Southern Right’s aim is to produce a serious, age-worthy Pinotage, and with each bottle sold, they make a contribution to the conservation of these majestic mammals that are now on the endangered species list.
Your last stop will be to the Whalehaven boutique winery. Named after the protective bay that shelters breeding Southern Right whales in the cool Cape winter months, Whalehaven creates a delightful array of hand-crafted wines that tantalise the palate and has gained a strong reputation for its French-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Please note: The majestic Southern Right whale can be spotted year round but they are seen in abundance between June and November when they come to breed and calve.
What’s included
- 3 wine tastings
- Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation
- Private guide/driver
- Hermanus town orientation
- Visits to three boutique wineries
- Drive down Whale Route
- Lunch
Meeting point
Cancellation Policy
If a tour is cancelled by a Guest or an Affiliate acting on behalf of a Guest, more than 24 hours prior to its scheduled start time, Guests will remain liable to pay a cancellation fee equal to 10% of the total tour fees and charges. Guests will be entitled to be refunded the balance of any fees and charges paid in advance of the tour.
If a tour is cancelled, within 24 hours of the scheduled start time, Guests will be liable for the full cost of the tour and no refunds will be issued.
No refunds, including partial refunds, will be given after the commencement of tour for any reason other than where a tour is abated or terminated through the fault of an Operator in which event a reasonable refund will be allocated to you based on the circumstances of the matter and the duration of the tour.
No Shows
If a Guest is not available to start your tour on time, the Operator will make an attempt to contact the Guests using the email address provided at the time of making the booking. If a Guest is not contactable or is thereafter not available to start a tour within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, the Guest’s tour will be cancelled but no refund will be due to the Guest and all fees and charges will be retained as liquidated damages. Exceptions to this policy may be considered in certain circumstances but Operators will be free to exercise their discretion in this regard as they see fit.
