Bikes 'n Wines FAQS
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Making A Booking
Yes. All Bikes 'n Wines tours require advance booking. Our tours often sell out, particularly during the summer season and holiday periods. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date.
For small groups and individuals, booking a few days to a few weeks ahead is usually sufficient. For private groups, corporate events, and peak-season travel, we recommend booking several weeks or months in advance.
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome to join any of our scheduled tours that already have confirmed bookings. Please note that we require a minimum of two guests for a tour to operate. If your preferred date does not already have existing bookings, you are welcome to secure the tour by booking for two guests. Feel free to contact us and we’ll gladly assist with available options.
Yes. Most of our tours can be arranged as private experiences for couples, families, corporate groups, and special occasions. Please note that a private tour supplement will apply in addition to the standard tour rate. Contact us for availability and pricing.
Inclusions vary by tour but typically include a bicycle, helmet, tour guide, tastings, and any meals or refreshments specifically listed on the tour page.
Our cancellation policy varies depending on the tour and booking type. Full details can be found in our Terms & Conditions. Upon receipt of your booking request and subsequent full payment of the invoice, cancellations are subject to the following refund conditions: A) Cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled tour: No refund. B) Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled tour: 50% refund. C) Cancellations more than 72 hours prior to the tour: 90% refund. D) Tours cancelled by Bikes ‘n Wines due to inclement weather: 95% refund of the total tour fee. If you have questions before booking, please contact us.
Absolutely. Our tours operate throughout the year, giving guests the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Cape Winelands in every season. We are operational almost every day of the year, with closures only on 25 and 26 December, 1 and 2 January, and over the Easter Weekend.
On Tour
No. Our tours are designed for recreational riders and you do not need to be an experienced cyclist to join. However, guests should be reasonably fit and comfortable cycling at least 10km, including riding on gravel roads where applicable. More information about distance, terrain, and difficulty can be found on each individual tour page to help you choose the right experience.
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable riding a bicycle for the duration and terrain described on your chosen tour. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll gladly recommend the most suitable option.
Many of our tours are beginner-friendly. We recommend reviewing the tour description or contacting us for guidance on selecting the best option for your cycling experience level.
Depending on the tour, we use quality mountain bikes, EBikes, road bikes, or hybrid bikes. The specific bicycle type is listed on each tour page.
Yes. Bikes 'n Wines offers dedicated electric bike (EBike) tours in selected destinations using pedal-assist electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs), ideal for guests looking for extra support while still enjoying an active outdoor experience. EBikes can also be arranged on many of our other cycling tours, subject to availability and route suitability. If you would like to use an EBike on a tour that is not specifically marketed as an e-bike tour, please let us know when making your booking and we’ll advise on the available options.
Yes. If you prefer to ride your own bicycle, you are welcome to do so on our tours. To ensure a smooth and fully supported experience, we will still carry one of our own bicycles as a standby option during the tour. Please note that using your own bicycle does not affect the tour rate.
Wine tastings vary by estate and tour. The experience focuses on quality tastings rather than large quantities of wine. Guests are encouraged to taste responsibly.
Yes. Non-drinkers are welcome on all Bikes 'n Wines tours. Please let us know when making your booking so we can arrange non-alcoholic alternatives during the wine tasting stops.
Many wineries can accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions with advance notice. Please let us know when booking.
We carefully select our winery partners to showcase the best of each region and create a memorable cycling and wine experience. Please note that winery visits may occasionally vary depending on availability and the operating schedules of individual estates on specific days. More information about the wineries and stops included can be found on the relevant tour page.
Absolutely. Bikes ’n Wines offers dedicated family tours in both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with specialised children’s equipment available for little ones from 12 months old. Please note that all other scheduled and group tours carry a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. If you are travelling with children, contact us and we’ll gladly help you choose the best experience for your family.
No. Our guides are professional cycling guides and do not consume alcohol while leading tours.
Preparations
We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and appropriate for the season, along with closed shoes and sunglasses. For your comfort and safety, please avoid loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses, as these can become caught in the moving parts of the bicycle during the ride.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera or phone, and any personal items you may need during the tour. If you would like to carry additional belongings during the ride, a small backpack or lightweight bag is recommended for your convenience. Helmets and all required cycling equipment are provided as part of the experience.
Yes. Helmets are provided and are compulsory on all tours.
Absolutely. A small backpack or lightweight bag is recommended for carrying any personal belongings you may need during the tour. To ensure a safe and comfortable ride, we advise against handbags or bags with long handles or loose straps that may become uncomfortable or interfere with the cycling experience.
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers both travel disruptions and outdoor activities.
For first-time visitors to Stellenbosch, our EBike tours are often a fantastic option, offering the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. The pedal-assist electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) make the ride more accessible, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery, wine tastings, and overall experience with less physical effort while still experiencing the outdoors in an active and memorable way.
While both regions are famous for exceptional wine and spectacular scenery, the riding experience differs. Stellenbosch generally offers more varied terrain and a slightly more active cycling experience, while Franschhoek is typically gentler and more relaxed, with a stronger emphasis on its charming village atmosphere, food culture, and boutique wineries. More information about each tour's terrain and difficulty can be found on the relevant tour page, and our tour destination pages.
Weather
Tours generally operate in light rain. In cases of severe weather that may affect safety or enjoyment, we will communicate available options in accordance with our weather policy.
Safety is our top priority. All tours are led by experienced guides, include a safety briefing, and use carefully selected routes appropriate to the tour type.