Hermanus Wine Hoppers is a new and uniquely fun and easy way to experience fine wine in the coastal Overberg village of Hermanus.
I recently visited Hermanus for a weekend and even though I was only on the road for a short time, I couldn’t help but notice several safari-style vehicles driving around. I caught the name, Hermanus Wine Hoppers and had a chat with the owners, Johan and Michelle van Deventer to find out more about the new, first and only hop-on-hop-off wine tour service in Hermanus.
How does it work?
We’ve got a fleet of safari-style vehicles that follow a set route around some of best boutique wineries in the area. They depart every 30 minutes, and your unlimited ticket means you can hop on or off any of these vehicles at any time from any of our stops. It provides a flexible way to enjoy the vineyards at your own pace while enjoying the fresh coastal air and breathtaking views from the back of our open vehicles.
Why Hermanus?
The Hermanus Wine Route, along the R320, is earning global acclaim for its wineries. We have always enjoyed visiting these amazing vineyards ourselves, but struggled to take in more than one at a time or couldn’t really relax to sample all the wines on offer. We realised that having a ‘Designated Dave’ to drive for us would make it more fun.
When did you start operating and how has the response been; from the public and the wine farms?
This is our first full season and it’s really exciting. Everyone who hops on board loves the experience, and the wine estates are really supportive. Not having to worry about driving back after wine tasting is a clear advantage.
Wine tasting fees are currently excluded from the ticket price. What payment methods are accepted at the estates, and will you arrange a deal where tasting fees are included in future?
Many don’t charge for tastings, but if there is a fee, you can pay by cash or card. We’re in discussions about package deals but at the moment, our guests enjoy the flexibility of our service. They don’t feel they have to drink up quickly just because they’ve pre-paid for the pleasure. This is the relaxed way to wine tour – you take your time and quite literally, ‘go with the flow.’
How far apart are the farms you visit?
The furthest winery we visit is only 20 km away, along the R320 wine route. On our tours, you can visit up to six wineries, and you would only be in the vehicle for five or ten minutes between stops – for a blast of fresh air. Our first tour starts at 9 am and our last pick up is at 5 pm.
OF NOTE
When Ticket office is open 9 am – 5 pm Mondays to Fridays and 10 am – 3 pm Saturdays and Sundays
Where Hermanus Wine Hoppers ticket office, Mitchell Street, Hermanus
Cost R200 per adult, R110 per child (book online)
Contact +27 76 991 2498
Photography courtesy