La Rochelle Tours - Wine & Gourmet

15/12/2024

It's astonishing how quickly time flies!

It's already been a week since our delightful family day out to the picturesque Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
The morning began with a scrumptious breakfast, accompanied by a glass of bubbly to set the tone for a wonderful day ahead.

A visit to Lanzerac will not be complete without a La Rochelle Tours - Wine & Gourmet "research tasting"...Thank you Amy for the friendly service.

If you ❤️ scones, then you MUST visit Lanzerac!

The true highlight of our day was the quality time spent with our precious little one, Mia.
Watching her explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings was an absolute joy.

That special day at Lanzerac Wine Estate was a reminder to cherish these moments with our loved ones and make the most of our time together. Here's to creating many more unforgettable memories with our little family!

www.larochelletours.com

02/12/2024

This morning, I'm taking a moment to breathe and try to appreciate the peacefulness of the early morning after my calm was disrupted by a disheartening situation with a client.

Despite confirming a Private Tour collection in Cape Town, they failed to notify us of their cancellation, leaving us with no payment and a loss of valuable work.

I had risen at 5h00, ready to depart early to then sit in traffic for 1h30 to possibly 2 hours.
Fortunately Johan sent an email before my departure to remind the client that he must kindly use the payment link provided for the payment for today's tour, only to receive an email stating they were stopped at emigration in their country of departure and never arrived in South Africa.
No prior warning, no consideration for our small family-run business!

This lack of regard and respect has a significant impact on us, and it's heartbreaking to think that our dedication and hard work can be so easily disregarded. I'm taking a moment to process and move forward, but it's a tough start to the day.

I don't normally complain on social media, but this is not acceptable.
If we were to cancel hours prior to collecting clients, they will be VERY upset and slap us with a bad review on Tripadvisor.

Now I'm all dressed up and drinking coffee with a view...breathe!

26/11/2024

Planning a visit to Stellenbosch?
Stay at Rouana Guest Farm and explore the Stellenbosch Wine Routes with us!

Book your tour via [email protected]
Contact Johan at +27(0)833016774 if you have any questions.

As you explore this stunning region, you'll discover why Stellenbosch is renowned for its exceptional wine and breathtaking scenery. Rouana Guest Farm is situated in the oldest wine region in South Africa, with a rich history dating back to 1679.

Stellenbosch is home to some of the world's most prestigious wine estates, offering a diverse range of wine styles and varieties. Take a scenic drive through the rolling vineyards, indulge in wine tastings, and experience the warm hospitality of our wine community.

Explore the Stellenbosch wine region with La Rochelle Tours - Wine & Gourmet Tours. Contact your hostess, Elretha for more information on a Guided Wine Tour or a private Non-Guided Private Driver Experience.

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes was established in 1971 (view wineroute.co.za to learn more).

The following wineries are located less than a 15 minute's drive from Rouana:

- Simonsig Family Vineyards | 2.4km | Known for Cap Classique (we deliver grapes to them)

- Beyerskloof | 3.3km | Known for Pinotage - Serve Reds

- Kanu Wines | 3.5km | Serve | Serve Whites & Reds

- Koelenhof Wine Cellar | 3.8km | Serve Cap Classique, Whites & Reds

- Villiera Wines | 4km | Known for Cap Classique

- Quoin Rock Wine Estate | 6.8km | Serve White & Red

- Kanonkop Wine Estate | 7km | Known for Pinotage, Serve Red

- L'Avenir Wine Estate & Country Lodge | 7.3km | Known for Chenin Blanc & Pinotage, Serve White & Red

- Muratie Wine Estate | 7.8km | Serve White & Red

- Warwick Wine Estate | 8.2km | Serve White & Red

- Bellevue Wine Estate | 6.3km | Known for Pinotage, Serve Whites & Reds

- Kaapzicht Wine Estate | 12km | Known for Chenin Blanc & Pinotage, Serve White & Red

- Hazendal Wine Estate | 13km | Serve White & Red

Beyond wine, Stellenbosch offers a treasure trove of experiences:

- Explore the historic town center with its charming oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture

- Visit the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, a tranquil oasis

- Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding through the picturesque countryside

At Rouana Guest Farm, we're passionate about sharing the beauty and bounty of Stellenbosch with you. Let us help you plan your stay and create unforgettable memories in this incredible region!

BOOK your stay at Rouana Guest Farm via www.rouanaguestfarm.com

19/11/2024

As the day's final moments unfold, the Franschhoek Wine Valley is set aflame with a kaleidoscope of color, as sunset's warm embrace paints the sky with tender hues of pink and purple.

Nature's canvas is alive with color, a breathtaking masterpiece that whispers secrets of serenity and tranquility.

www.larochelletours.com

14/11/2024

Good night from the breathtaking Franschhoek Wine Valley.

I captured this stunning photo (📸) at 21h38 from our balcony using my Samsung Mobile Phone on "Night Mode".
We feel incredibly lucky to call this valley home, where the minimal air pollution allows us to gaze up at the stars in all their twinkling glory.

It's a reminder of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.

www.larochelletours.com

10/11/2024

La Cotte Inn Wine Sales is a Franschhoek Wine Valley gem.

09/11/2024

Today's "wine research" spotlight shines on this exceptional wine, crafted to delight your senses.

A delicate blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (a blend of these cultivars are also known as a White Bordeaux in France) by Wade Bales Wine Co. ...awarded 4 ½ ⭐️ by the Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide.

This wine will pair perfectly with Asian food...now if only we has some 🍲 🫢

Thank you Wine Gourmet Travel for the introduction to this wine.

www.larochelletours.com

08/11/2024

Cheers to a stellar launch! 🥂
Congratulations, Rouana Guest Farm on unveiling your brand-new website!

Our La Rochelle Tours team is over the moon to collaborate with you and cater to the needs of your discerning guests.
We're thrilled to be a part of your online journey and can't wait to provide exceptional experiences that match the excellence of your new digital presence.

Here's to a bright future and countless opportunities! 🥂

www.larochelletours.com

07/11/2024

Thank you to the Stony Brook Vineyards team for hosting our guests!

www.larochelletours.com

Julia and Sasker from the Netherlands ended their day in the winelands sampling some of our special wines and enjoyed a walk in the vines with their tour guide, Aylmer.

26/10/2024

If only one could bottle the sweet essence of these freshly bloomed roses at Boschendal, their fragrance would be a treasured keepsake.

But alas, it's a fleeting pleasure, much like the warmth of today, which will soon give way to tomorrow's rain.

Let us bask in the beauty of this moment, and hold it close, for the scent of these roses and the warmth of this day will soon be but a memory.

www.larochelletours.com

24/10/2024

Thank you Guy Kedian for sharing this delicious Chamonix Estate Franschhoek Chardonnay with us!

www.larochelletours.com

17/10/2024

17/10/2024

🐾Mia was on a mission yesterday, dragging us to Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate to ensure that this pet-friendly wine estate was still up to her refined standards.

And by 'refined standards', I mean she wanted to make sure the art was still exceptional and the gardens were still ludicrously lush and manicured. Because, priorities!
And by 'dragging us', I mean she gave us the puppy dog eyes and we couldn't resist.

Spoiler alert: the estate passed with flying colours...and Mia gave it two paws up!


Follow Mia on Instagram:
www.larochelletours.com

09/10/2024

After a sweltering stretch of days, we're thrilled to emerge into a morning of revitalizing crispness, courtesy of the overnight showers.

The air is now alive with the sweet scent of renewal.
And Mia, our curious companion, is already immersed in her favorite pastime - tenderly inspecting the vine buds as they swell with promise, their delicate beauty a testament to nature's cyclical magic.

If you wish to tour with Danélle and Mia on a Private Half-Day Wine Tour, contact Johan to book a Mia&Me Tour.

📧 [email protected]
www.larochelletours.com

30/09/2024

Spring has sprung... or so they said!

Meanwhile, the mountains are all like, 'Nah, we're good with snow, thanks!'
Who needs flowers and sunshine when you can have frosty peaks and a winter wonderland?

Guess the mountains didn't get the memo that spring is supposed to be, well, springing!"

www.larochelletours.com

16/09/2024

We are taking a moment today to process some difficult news.

We've lost one of our beloved regular past clients, Lorraine, who was more than just a guest to us - she was a Friend.

We cherish the connections we make with our clients, and Lorraine's passing has touched our hearts deeply.

May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who know her.

15/09/2024

Add some sparkle to your spring! 🌸🥂

Join us on a Half-Day Cap Classique Tour and indulge in a morning of luxury and laughter.

Book your tour now and get ready to toast to a brighter season!

Visit 2 Cap Classique producers.

Ladies, it's time for a Bubbles & Bi***es trip 🤭.
Min 2 pax - max of 13.

📧 [email protected]
📲083 301 6774

07/09/2024

Gooooo Bokke!!! All the best bokke!

Springboks vs All Blacks 🏉 in the City of Cape Town.

www.larochelletours.com


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