Wine Valley Adventures has a package to suit everyone! We find the adventure either on horseback, by quad bike or on a horse drawn carriage. To top that off we can add to your nature experience with special packages that include a wine tasting, sundowner, dinner or moonlight trails. We operate 7 days a week and the trails are led by experienced guides.

The owner’s knowledge gained through operating for over 30 years will ensure that the best kept secrets (and wines) of the three world-famous wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are shared with you!

You have the choice to book any of our products on offer at either Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl, or Vrede en Lust Wine Estate outside Franschhoek.

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate is situated in the historic Pearl Valley, nestled between the granite hills of the Paarl Rock mountains. The estate dates back to 1692, when Simon van der Stel, then governor of the Cape, awarded a free grant of land to Dirk van Schalkwyk. Riders are treated to spectacular views of the Du Toits Kloof Mountain range, the Swartberg farming areas to the West and the majestic Table Mountain to the South. Friends and family are welcome to spend time at “The Rhebok Restaurant” that offers bistro type food and the estate’s award-winning wines.
www.rhebokskloof.co.za.

Vrede en Lust origins back to 1688 when the then Governor of the Cape allocated this 66ha farm to the Flemish merchant, Jacques de Savoye, who fled Europe due to religious persecution. Today Vrede en Lust has a modern 750 ton wine cellar with a bustling tasting room, 100ha of vineyards, LUST Bistro & Bakery, a 21-room accommodation and conference facility as well as a historic wedding venue with beautiful gardens.
www.vnl.co.za

Our services include:

✓ Horseback Riding Trails
✓ Quad Bike Trails
✓ Horse Drawn Carriage Trails
✓ Tailor made itineraries are our speciality. Let our beautiful horses and carriages make your engagement or wedding a memorable one!
✓ A 3-hour beach ride on the coast of Cape Town is offered on special request. It features a gallop on the beach plus exciting rides through the sand dunes with spectacular views.

About the Horse Riding:

Riding Ability: We accommodate beginners but have well-schooled horses that advanced riders will enjoy. Different levels in one group are welcome, riders of similar experience are grouped together, and each group will do parts of the trail with their own guide.

The Riding Terrain: A variety of tractor routes, mountain climbs and open areas for a good canter. The mountain areas offer breath taking views so it is recommended to take the 2 hour ride to get to the top of Paarl Mountain for the best possible view.

Riding Style: Tack is matched up to give both the rider and the horse a comfortable ride. We mainly make use of McCllelan type trail saddles or Western saddles and English General-Purpose saddles are available on request. Hard hats are compulsory; you are welcome to bring your own although we do keep a supply in all sizes for those who prefer to travel light.

Gear: Jodhpurs and half or full chaps, comfortable riding boots; please bring whatever you usually wear to ride. For those without riding gear, tight long pants will do with a closed shoe that has a slight heel. The wearing of long shirts and trousers are advised in summer months as well as sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Weight Limit: For the sake of our horses and your safety, please be honest about your weight category. No persons over 90kg (14 stone / 198 pounds).
Horses are categorised as follows: <65 kg
65 – 75kg
75 – 90 kg

Age Limit: 8 – 75 years of age

How to Ride Our Horses:

✓ Please leave the reins long in walk so that your horse is able to stride out. Don’t hold the reins too short as it makes the horse stiff and uncomfortable and it won’t walk forward.
✓ Have your reins shorter over difficult terrain (such as going up or down hills).
✓ When there is enough space please ride next to each other in walk; only when the terrain doesn’t allow it ride in single file.

✓ Please take your reins shorter in canter and stay in single file. Don’t pass each other and never overtake the guide.
✓ Never let your horse run downhill, always try and keep it walking. Catch up with the rest of the group when it is safe and even ground.
✓ Horses should not eat during the ride.
✓ At no point is anyone allowed to dismount without the assistance from one of our guides. As soon as you have dismounted please be patient and hold your horse until we help you. Never tie the horse by the reins!
✓ Please note that each horse needs a different saddle and each saddle is fastened differently. Although we welcome any offers of help, we would appreciate it if you would leave the saddling of the horses to us to prevent any problems.
✓ We would also appreciate if you would use the mounting block to get on your horse. Please try to mount softly.

Type of Horses:

Our horses are a variety of cross breeds that suit all terrain as well as the different levels of riders that they come in contact with. They are schooled, well-tempered animals that are very much part of the family here. They are South African bred Boerperds, Friesian, Thoroughbred and Warmblood type crosses and suit almost everybody, from the beginner to the advanced rider.
The owner of Wine Valley Adventures bred most of the horses used in the trails so each of them has a full history and tales of their adolescent years as part of the different herds of almost 300 horses in total. The main focus of their breeding program is to have a sound minded, attentive, brave horse that has good work ethics and great rideability!
Occasionally some of these precious steeds are for sale too. You might be riding a movie star too – many of our horses work regularly on movie and photo shoots.

About the Quad Bikes:

✓ Our quad bike trails are perfect for the whole family; as well as a great activity for corporate events such as end year functions or team building.
✓ No prior experience is required, clients will receive a comprehensive briefing in which the use of the quad bike will be explained in detail.
✓ Our quad bikes trails are guided at a leisurely pace in order to admire nature and the beautiful surroundings.
✓ It is the responsibility of each client to make sure the he/she has the ability and physical fitness to take part in the quad bike riding activity.
✓ Responsible driving is required by all participants at all times.
✓ We reserve the right to disqualify any person whose conduct and/or actions jeopardizes the successful conclusion of the trail, his/her life and health and that of others. Persons are also subject to disqualification from the trail by repeated negligence or abuse of the quad bike, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No refund or reimbursement will be granted under these circumstances.

Guide and Safety on Trail:
Horse rides and Quad Bike trails are always led by our experienced guides. A full safety briefing will be held and all clients asked to sign an indemnity before going on the trail.

Size of Group: Horses - up to a maximum of 20 guests.
Quad Bikes - up to a maximum of 12 guests.
Larger groups can be accommodated upon request.

Children: We do accept children above the age of 8 years and if they are competent.

Medical: A first aid kit is carried on each trail. Guides are professional first aiders. The nearest hospital is 10 minutes away. Please ensure you carry your own insurance.
If you are pregnant, have had a recent operation or have a medical condition that may be deemed unsafe, you may not ride on any of our trails.

Language: For safety reasons you will have to speak and understand English.

Indemnity: All guests have to sign the Indemnity, Disclaimer & Waiver Agreement prior to starting any trail rides.

Weather
When Cape Town coastal areas are windy come to our valley for a calm sunny day! It can get rather hot in the summer months (October - March), averaging 32’C; Winter (April-August) is a rainy season of chilly early mornings to warm days (25’C) if the sun is out and cool to cold nights. It can get down to 5’C and less at night in June and July.

Bookings:
✓ Please book in advance to avoid disappointment and to secure your space.
✓ Bookings to be made directly from our website: www.winevalleyadventures.com
✓ Bookings are only confirmed on receipt of full payment.
✓ Arrival time is 30 minutes before actual time booked, so that we may Meet & Greet, sign Indemnities & Privacy document (look under “Forms” on our website), supply you with the correct equipment and do a Safety Briefing.
✓ All trails need to be a minimum of 2 people per booking. A single person may join a going group, please contact us to discuss and confirm booking.
✓ No alcohol, drugs or recreational drugs may be consumed before or during the ride.
✓ No refund if cancelled within 24 hours. See our Terms & Conditions (look under “Forms” on our website).
✓ We require a contact number where we may reach you if necessary, in case of bad weather.
✓ When you book for the Horse Trail, we need to have a clear understanding of your horse riding experience.

Novice = ridden less than 100 times Semi-experienced = ridden more than 100 times
Experienced = currently riding or have competed

Let the Adventure begin!