Meet the New Faces of Bikes ‘n Wines: Our 2025 Internship Program is Underway!

What Is the Bikes ‘n Wines Internship Program?

• Our internship program is designed to train passionate locals in the art of guiding unforgettable cycling, hiking, and wine tours in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Winelands. Through hands-on experience and expert mentorship, interns gain the skills needed to lead guests through the breathtaking landscapes, historic vineyards, and captivating stories of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. This is more than just a job, it’s a stepping stone to a rewarding career in sustainable tourism, combining outdoor adventure with cultural education.

Meet Our 2025 Interns

• Kyle Arends
  Hailing from Ida’s Valley, Kyle brings a unique background as a fire reservist for the Cape Winelands fire department. Outside work, he enjoys football, cricket, Formula 1, running, and hiking. Kyle’s highlight so far has been diving deep into the history of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, along with learning about the diverse wines grown in the region.
  
  Kyle’s goals? To build confidence in public speaking, deepen his wine knowledge, and learn from seasoned guides so he can one day lead his own tours.
  
  Houston Wareley
  Houston’s journey began after high school with a short plumbing course, but now he’s fully focused on becoming a cycling and hiking tour guide. He’s adapting quickly to life at Bikes ‘n Wines and already excelling in his tasks. Houston is particularly excited to improve his communication skills with tourists and soak up all the knowledge he can about the history and wines of our tour regions.
  
  When he’s not learning or guiding, Houston loves exploring new places, playing soccer, and walking his dogs.
  
  Keanan Smith
  At just 20 years old, Keanan recently completed a tourism qualification at Boland College. A rugby player and fitness enthusiast, he’s loving the internship experience - especially watching tourists’ amazed reactions when they discover South Africa’s rich history, stunning scenery, and fine wines.
  
  Keanan looks forward to the day he can lead tours himself and share his passion for our country’s heritage.

Comprehensive Training & Certification Support

• At Bikes ‘n Wines, we believe in equipping our interns with not only practical experience but also professional qualifications that set them apart in the tourism industry.
  
  - Hands-on Training & Mentorship: Interns work closely with our experienced guides, learning everything from bicycle maintenance to storytelling techniques.
  
  - First Aid Certification: To ensure safety on every tour, we cover the cost and arrange for all interns to complete a Level One First Aid course.
  
  - Formal Tour Guide Certification: Upon successful completion of the internship assessments, Bikes ‘n Wines pays for and supports our interns in obtaining their official tour guide certification and badge - an essential credential for a career in guiding.
  
  This combination of practical skills, safety knowledge, and formal accreditation prepares our interns for professional success in South Africa’s competitive tourism sector.

Why Our Internship Program Works

• The Bikes ‘n Wines Internship Programme is about more than just technical skills. It’s about nurturing confidence, professionalism, and a love for storytelling in tourism. Our interns learn from a supportive team of senior guides who share their knowledge and experience openly, creating a collaborative learning environment.
  
  As they develop, interns become part of a vibrant community dedicated to sustainable travel and authentic Cape experiences.

Looking Back: Last Year’s Success Story

• We’re proud to highlight the journey of last year’s intern Kyle, who has grown from a newcomer to a standout guide. From his early days learning the ropes, to now leading tours with confidence, Kyle’s story exemplifies what our internship can achieve.
  
  Read more about Kyle’s inspiring path here: Internship Success Story

Join us on This Journey

• Our 2025 interns are just getting started. Watch this space for more updates as Kyle, Keanan, and Houston develop their skills, gain unforgettable experiences, and grow into top-class Bikes ‘n Wines guides.
  
  If you’re passionate about cycling, hiking, wine, and storytelling and want to build a career in tourism, keep an eye out for future internship opportunities with Bikes ‘n Wines.