A 50-minute Helicopter Tour of the Franschhoek Wine Region

Soaring high above the Franschhoek Wine Region, a 50-minute helicopter tour offers an unparalleled perspective of this picturesque South African destination. Departing from Cape Town, the exhilarating flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the lush vineyards, rolling hills, and Drakenstein Mountains that characterize the area. Live commentary enriches the journey, sharing insights into the region’s renowned wineries and vibrant history. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seek a unique sightseeing experience, this helicopter tour promises to elevate your appreciation of the Franschhoek Valley in a way that might just leave you yearning for more.

Good To Know

• A 50-minute private helicopter tour departing from Cape Town, providing scenic views of the Franschhoek Wine Region.
• Flight time of 25 minutes each way, with a guided tour and wine tasting experience at the historic Rickety Bridge Winery.
• Opportunity to explore the 17th-century estate and enjoy award-winning wines paired with bistro-style dishes.
• Comprehensive transportation package including hotel pickup, private air-conditioned vehicle, and return helicopter flights.
• Additional considerations such as weight restrictions and gratuities should be reviewed prior to booking.

Overview of the Tour Experience

The private helicopter tour of the Franschhoek Wine Region takes passengers on a 50-minute aerial journey, departing from the Onyx Apartment Hotel in Cape Town.

The 5-hour experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour of Cape Town’s city center and V&A Waterfront, and approximately 2.5-3 hours at the historic Rickety Bridge Winery.

At the winery, visitors can enjoy wine tastings, a bistro-style lunch, and sightseeing.

The tour includes private transportation, a return helicopter ticket, live commentary, and complimentary water.

Extra charges may apply for overweight participants or excess luggage. Gratuities are optional, and guests should check availability through the booking system.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The helicopter tour begins with a 25-minute flight from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to the historic Rickety Bridge Winery in the Franschhoek Valley.

Along the way, passengers can admire the stunning vistas of the Cape Winelands.

Upon arrival, guests have approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to explore the winery, including:

1. A guided tour of the 17th-century estate and its modern winery facilities.
2. Wine tastings on the terrace or by the cozy fireplace, accompanied by elegant bistro-style dishes.
3. Ample time to wander the picturesque property and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

The tour concludes with a 25-minute return flight back to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Exploring the Rickety Bridge Winery

Stepping onto the historic grounds of Rickety Bridge Winery, visitors are immersed in the captivating narrative of this 17th-century estate.

Founded as part of the renowned La Provence, the winery boasts a modern facility with a bistro-style restaurant and a Wine Tasting Centre.

Guests can enjoy wine tastings on the terraces or by a cozy fireplace, savoring the award-winning vintages.

The menu features elegant bistro-style dishes expertly paired with the winery’s offerings.

While all tastings, pairings, refreshments, and luncheons are at the participants’ expense, the opportunity to explore this iconic Franschhoek institution is a highlight of the helicopter tour.

Winery History and Offerings

Rickety Bridge Winery dates back to 1694, when it was established as part of the renowned La Provence, one of the first French Huguenot farms in the region.

Today, the winery features a modern facility, a bistro-style restaurant, and a Wine Tasting Centre. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings on the terraces or by a cozy wood-burning fireplace.

The winery’s offerings include:

1. Award-winning wines that can be paired with elegant bistro-style dishes.
2. A variety of wine tasting experiences to suit different preferences.
3. Stunning views of the surrounding Franschhoek countryside.

All tastings, pairings, refreshments, and luncheons are available at the participant’s expense.

Transportation and Inclusions

As a key part of the experience, the tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle to and from the starting point at The Onyx Apartment Hotel in Cape Town.

Guests will enjoy a private helicopter return ticket, with a minimum of 2 participants required. Live commentary is provided during the 25-minute flights to and from Rickety Bridge Winery.

Fuel surcharge and parking fees are included, along with a complimentary bottle of water on board.

Guests should note that extra charges apply for participants over 100kg and for excess luggage or weight. Gratuities are optional, and availability should be checked through the booking system.

Additional Considerations

Along With the included transportation and helicopter flight, there are a few other important factors to consider when booking this tour.

Customers over 100kg may incur extra charges, and excess luggage or weight could lead to additional fees.

Plus, gratuities for the staff are optional but appreciated for excellent service.

Finally, availability should be checked through the booking system to ensure the tour date and participant numbers align with the requirements.

These additional considerations provide a well-rounded understanding of what to expect for this immersive Franschhoek wine region helicopter experience.

1. Extra charges for participants over 100kg and excess luggage/weight.
2. Gratuities for staff are optional but appreciated for excellent service.
3. Check availability through the booking system for desired date and participants.

Booking and Availability

Booking the helicopter tour of the Franschhoek Wine Region is a straightforward process. Participants can reserve their spot online through the booking system, which displays available dates and times.

The tour requires a minimum of two passengers, and extra charges apply for those over 100kg or with excess luggage. Guests can opt for the "Reserve now & pay later" option, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour departs from The Onyx Apartment Hotel in Cape Town, with pickup and drop-off provided. Visitors should check availability through the booking platform to ensure their preferred date and time are still open.

Helicopter Flight Experience

The helicopter tour takes guests on a breathtaking journey over the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Region.

Soaring high above the vineyards and rolling hills, the private helicopter flight offers unparalleled views of the stunning landscape. The experience is enhanced by live commentary from the pilot, providing insider knowledge and insights about the region.

The highlights of the flight include:

1. Sweeping panoramic vistas of the verdant Franschhoek Valley, framed by the majestic Drakenstein Mountains.
2. A closer look at the historic Rickety Bridge Winery, one of the oldest farms in the area.
3. A bird’s-eye view of the charming town of Franschhoek, known for its vibrant food and wine scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for the Helicopter Tour?

For the helicopter tour, it’s best to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Layers are recommended as the temperature can change during the flight. Avoid anything bulky or loose that could interfere with the flight experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. All tastings, pairings, refreshments, and luncheons are at the participant’s expense and provided by the Rickety Bridge Winery experience as part of the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. All participants must be able to get in and out of the helicopter safely. Children under 2 years old may ride for free with a paying adult.

Do I Need a Pilot’s License to Fly the Helicopter?

No, a pilot’s license is not required to fly the helicopter during this tour. The helicopter is piloted by a professional and licensed helicopter pilot. Passengers do not need any special licenses or qualifications to participate.

Is the Helicopter Equipped With Emergency Landing Gear?

The helicopter is equipped with emergency landing gear for safety. This includes features like auto-rotating blades and reinforced airframes to allow for a controlled descent in the event of engine failure or other emergencies.

The Sum Up

Soaring over the Franschhoek Wine Region in a helicopter offers a unique and captivating way to experience the area’s breathtaking landscapes. With live commentary providing insights into the region’s history and renowned wineries, this 50-minute tour allows visitors to marvel at the stunning vineyards and mountains from an unparalleled aerial perspective. It’s an exhilarating adventure that’s perfect for wine lovers seeking a memorable and elevated experience in one of South Africa’s premier wine destinations.