Cape Town in 1 Days - Wine tasting at Fairview Wine & Cheese in the Paarl Winelands
In Collaboration with Pleiades du cape town. Updated on February 24, 2026.
Day trip from Cape Town by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water, wine tasting in the Paarl winelands and a game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Pickup is provided from Cape Town (pickups are conducted between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM; please be ready by 7:50 AM). Included: welcome drink, full buffet lunch, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle, and a small-group open-vehicle safari at Aqui
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Pleiades du cape town, inspired by the tour Big 5 Safari Aquila Game Tour wine tasting and Lunch . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Wine tasting at Fairview Wine & Cheese in the Paarl Winelands
- Small-group open-vehicle game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve (Big Five country)
- Welcome drink and full buffet lunch included
- Door-to-door pickup from Cape Town in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water
More than 37 itineraries in Cape Town.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided transfer from Cape Town with a wine tasting stop in Paarl and a game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Pickups occur between 08:00 and 08:30 (please be ready by 07:50). Total tour duration is approximately 9 hours from pickup to drop-off.
Paarl Wine & Cheese — Fairview Wine & Cheese tasting
Visit Fairview in the Paarl Winelands for a guided wine and cheese tasting. Guests will taste locally produced wines paired with artisan cheeses and can briefly explore the estate.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 45–60 minutes for the tasting and a quick visit to the cheese counter; arrive on time to keep the day's schedule.
- If you prefer to sit outside, bring a light layer and sun protection — outdoor seating is available on the estate.
- Tell the tasting staff about any dairy or alcohol allergies before the tasting so they can advise on suitable options.
Aquila Private Game Reserve — Game Drive & Lunch
Arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve for an open-vehicle small-group game drive to view wildlife, including species of the Big Five, followed by a welcome drink and full buffet lunch provided at the reserve.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Wear neutral, comfortable clothing and closed shoes for the game drive; mornings can be cool—bring a light jacket.
- Bring a small daypack with binoculars, a camera with extra battery, and a refillable water bottle (bottled water is provided on the vehicle).
- Mobile signal may be limited at the reserve; plan meeting points and inform your pickup contact if you expect delays.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 2 |
| Activities Types | Attraction |
Why this experience
Aquila Private Game Reserve puts you face-to-face with African wildlife—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo—without leaving the Western Cape. A professional guide drives you across open terrain in the early morning, the ideal time for game spotting when animals are active and the light is golden. You'll scan for movement, hear the sounds of the bush, and experience the tension and wonder of safari. Afterward, you return to the lodge for a hearty lunch where you debrief the morning's sightings, then shift gears entirely into wine and cheese tasting at Fairview in the Paarl Winelands, a completely different landscape and rhythm from the reserve.
What makes this combination work is contrast: the wildness and focus of safari, followed by the leisure and conviviality of wine country. It's a full sensory day that moves between two Cape regions, two ecosystems, two speeds.
This is for adventurers and wine lovers who want both in one day.
Before you go
- Best time: Autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) offer the best wildlife visibility with moderate temperatures. Early morning drives are essential—plan to wake early and stay energized for the afternoon wine tasting. Winter (June-August) is cooler but wildlife is still active; summer (December-February) is hot but possible.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Includes game drive with professional guide, reserve entry, lunch at lodge, and wine and cheese tastings at Fairview.
- Difficulty: Easy. The game drive involves sitting in a vehicle and observing. No hiking. Wine tasting is relaxed and social.
- What to bring: Neutral-colored clothing (earth tones, not bright colors—avoids disturbing animals), closed-toe shoes, hat, sunscreen, binoculars (ask your guide to provide if you don't have them), light layer for cool early mornings, camera with a zoom lens ideal.
- Getting there: Hotel pickup is standard. The drive to Aquila is about 45 minutes from Cape Town city center. The lodge organizes transport to Fairview afterward.
- Accessibility: Game drives accommodate most mobility levels, though the vehicle's terrain can be bumpy. Inform your guide of limitations beforehand so they can position you for optimal comfort and sightings.
Frequently asked questions
What if we don't see the Big 5? Wildlife spotting is never guaranteed, but Aquila has an excellent track record. Your guide knows where animals congregate and checks for activity before each morning's drive. Even without a full Big 5 sighting, you'll see antelope, zebra, and often predators.
How early do we start the game drive? Typically 5:30-6:00 AM departure. Animals are most active in early morning, and the light is spectacular. Yes, it's early—it's worth it.
Is the wine tasting formal or casual? Casual and educational. Fairview is known for approachable wine and cheese pairings. Your guide will explain what you're tasting without pretension. It's social and fun.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable tour includes early-morning Big 5 game drive with professional guide, Aquila Private Game Reserve entry, lunch at the reserve lodge, wine and cheese tasting at Fairview, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
Complete your trip in Cape Town
Safari and wine is a powerful combination. Extend your Cape Town experience with:
- Franschhoek Wine Tram Experience from Cape Town 8 Hour Tour — A second wine day with a different region and a scenic tram experience
- Full Day Best of Cape Town Private Tour Table Mountain and Constantia Wine Route — Combine mountain views with wine in a different format
- Table Mountain and Penguins Half Day Shared Group Tour — Return to nature with a morning focused on Cape Town's iconic landmarks
Browse all Cape Town itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
