Internship Catch-Up: How Our 2025 Interns Are Growing as Tour Guides

The Bikes ‘n Wines 2025 Internship Programme is well underway, and our three interns - Houston, Kyle, and Keanan - have been making big strides in their training. From learning guiding skills and wine knowledge to hands-on bike mechanics, they’re quickly becoming more confident in sharing the magic of Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands with our guests.

This catch-up highlights their progress so far, and the moments that stand out most for them.

Houston: From Learning the Routes to Leading Tours

For Houston, the past few weeks have been about stepping into the role of guide:

- He’s had the opportunity to lead parts of tours, learning the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Cape Town routes while engaging directly with guests.
- His wine knowledge has grown - from understanding how red and white wines are produced, to grape varieties like Pinotage, a uniquely South African cross between Pinot Noir and Hermitage created by Professor Abraham Perold.
- He’s also discovered the difference between wine farms, wine estates, and boutique estates, valuable context to share with visitors.
- On the practical side, Houston has gained confidence in bike mechanics - including fixing a snapped chain mid-tour.

His personal highlight? Learning and sharing more about the town he grew up in: Stellenbosch.

“The best tours for me are the Stellenbosch routes. I love sharing information with people about my hometown. The views, the vineyards, the wine, it all makes for a true South African experience.”

Kyle: Guiding Skills and Fascinating Wine Facts

Kyle has been focusing on developing his guiding presence:

- He’s learned how to check in on guests’ cycling pace, making sure everyone is comfortable throughout the ride.
- He now leads welcome briefings, bike briefings, and even full tours, enjoying the chance to interact and share his local knowledge.
- One wine fact that stuck with him? The reason a standard wine bottle is 750ml: it matches the lung capacity of glassblowers, who could only blow a bottle of that size in one breath.
- He’s also picked up practical vineyard knowledge, such as why grass grows between the vines and how it helps the soil.

When it comes to favourite tours, Kyle also points to Stellenbosch:

“The Stellenbosch route offers the most beautiful views through the vineyards and along the roads. I especially enjoy visiting Neethlingshof, not only for its wines but for the fascinating stories behind them - like how their wines are named after the animals found on the farm.”

Keanan: Reading Guests and Rediscovering Stellenbosch

Keanan’s growth has been about both guest interaction and deepening knowledge:

- He’s learned how to read guests’ body language, a vital guiding skill for ensuring comfort and connection on tours.
- He’s built up his understanding of South African history and wine culture, including the fact that guests may taste different flavours in the same wine, depending on their palate.
- Like his fellow interns, he’s practiced delivering welcoming briefings and tour introductions, building his confidence with groups.

As for his favourite routes? Stellenbosch wins again:

“Even though I’ve lived here my whole life, I keep discovering new things about the town. The Stellenbosch routes bring together everything - mountains, vineyards, and even views of the ocean.”

Why the Stellenbosch Routes Stand Out

It’s no surprise that all three interns highlighted Stellenbosch as their favourite. With its vineyard-lined trails, mountain backdrops, historic wine estates, and unique Cape Winelands culture, it’s the perfect setting for guests to enjoy cycling, wine tasting, and South African hospitality.

This is where theory turns into practice for our interns, they’re not only gaining knowledge but learning how to share stories, handle challenges, and give guests memorable experiences.

Looking Back and Ahead

This year’s interns are following in the footsteps of those who came before them. In fact, you can read more about their journeys here:

- Meet the New Faces of Bikes ‘n Wines: Our 2025 Internship Program is Underway
- Internship Success Story: Kicking Off a New Career with Kyle and Bikes ‘n Wines

The programme continues to be about real-world learning, mentorship, and professional growth, preparing young guides to earn their official certifications and lead tours with confidence.

Stay tuned for more updates as Houston, Kyle, and Keanan progress through the internship and take on even more guiding responsibilities.