“The wines of the Waterford Estate near Stellenbosch are amongst our very favourites but recently wine maker Kevin Arnold has taken the wine tasting experience to a brand new level and he recently invited us to join him on his new “wine drive safari”.”

The wines of the Waterford Estate near Stellenbosch are amongst our very favourites but recently wine maker Kevin Arnold has taken the wine tasting experience to a brand new level and he recently invited us to join him on his new “wine drive safari”.

Based very much on the game drive experience (Kevin has even bought the proper game viewing Land Rover) this is a two hour journey into “wine outside the bottle” as Kevin describes it. The route winds through the 120 hectares of the estate, upward into the hills with regular stops to walk through the vineyards, taste the grapes, take in the spectacular scenery and learn about the history of the region. Through out Kevin provides a fantastic insight into how the land influences his own wine making philosophy. The highlight for us was sat on decking in the vineyards, high above the farm looking out at the vast wine lands spreading out into the distance, taking in the stillness of the surroundings and sipping on highly acclaimed wines. On this safari you won’t see any of South Africa’s renowned game but you will taste the “Big Five” wines of this internationally renowned winemaker and a taste of Kevin’s flagship red blend  “Waterford The Jem” gives you the same rush as seeing lions in the wild for the first time. It’s a real “wow” experience.

For wine lovers and enthusiastic amateurs alike we highly recommend the wine drive safari as a “must do”. Its two hours well spent and don’t forget you can still do the famous Waterford chocolate and wine pairing afterwards.