PWMC Paula Wilson Media Consulting

August 2009

Special interest guided tours go beyond the conventional wine tasting experience.

The newly launched special-interest guided Farm Tours of Franschhoek Valley wine estate Solms-Delta expose visitors to more than just award-winning wines. Led by farm residents, the tours offer rare personal insight into the vineyards, farmworkers, and cultural and musical heritage of this estate and the surrounding winelands.

“Our vineyards are beautiful and our wines speak for themselves, but the real value of this place is the people,” said Mark Solms. “The powerful stories behind the wines are best told by the people themselves, many of whom are from families that have lived here for generations.”

All these guided tours include wine tastings, and range in price from R35 to R75 per person:

1. Vineyards, Cellar and Wines
   Surrounded by spectacular forests, mountains and river scenery, guides share the unusual methods by which the Solms-Delta’s vines are tended and the wines made, as well as colourful stories from the past.
2. Social History and Wine
   Solms-Delta has been at the forefront of redressing the social and economic legacy of South Africa’s past. This moving tour, led by the farm’s social worker and resident farmworkers, highlights how the farm is improving quality of life for its residents.
3. Natural Heritage and Wine
   A wholesome walk through vineyards and indigenous forest along the Dwars River. Learn about our bird-life, historic trees and the farm’s developing culinary fynbos and renosterveld garden as well as its interesting viticultural practises.
4. Cape Music and Wine
   Learn about the development of Cape rural and vernacular music and experience demonstrations by the farm’s resident musicians of the beat, rhythm and dances that make it so unique.
5. Archaeology and Wine
   Solms-Delta’s rich and bittersweet history is brought to life on this tour of archaeological sites, artefacts and gracious Cape Dutch buildings, led by the farm’s resident archaeologist.
6. Cape Food and Wine Pairing
   A guided food and wine experience at Fyndraai, the farm’s restaurant in the old wine cellar. Experience the diverse culinary traditions of the Cape paired with eight Solms-Delta wines.

Tour bookings can be made via the farm’s Museum van de Caab, at 021 874-3937 or museum@solms-delta.co.za. Minimum three days advance booking is required.