Wine Valley Adventures has a package to suit everyone.  There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour rides, with special wine tasting, sundowner, dinner and moonlight trails.  We operate 7 days a week and the trails are led by experienced and qualified guides.  Friends and family are welcome to spend time at “The Rhebok Restaurant” that offers bistro type food and the estate’s award winning wines.

Contact details: + (0) 83 226 8737 / info@horsetrails-sa.co.za

Booking details: bookings@horsetrails-sa.co.za

Friends and family are welcome to spend time at “The Rhebok Restaurant” that offers bistro type food and the estate’s award winning wines. For more information visit www.rhebokskloof.co.za

The rides begin on the beautiful Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and proceed up into the surrounding Paarl Nature Reserve.  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. 

Tailor made itineraries are our speciality.  Let our beautiful horses and carriages make your engagement or wedding a memorable one! The owner’s knowledge gained through operating for over 20 years in the Paarl Valley 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!

We run tailor made multiday trails from time to time where the public can join in (even if you bring your own horse).  Please request to be put on our mailing list for upcoming events!

The Hunt

During the annual hunt season, Wine Valley Adventures hire out horses to experienced riders who wish to enjoy the exciting drag hunts, which are organised by the Cape Hunt & Polo Club.   These run from April to September and are done in full traditional style with South African friendship and hospitality.  The hunt venues are all around the Western Cape and one get the opportunity to hunt on private properties that would normally not be open to public.  Please contact Michelle to get the new hunt card for the coming season.

Paarl Valley

Home of the third oldest European settlement in South Africa and in 1687, Governor Simon van der Stel granted the first farms to Dutch settlers on the banks of the Berg River. Visitors to Paarl will still find many vineyards in and around the residential neighbourhoods, adding to the unique character of the town. The departure point of the trails is based on Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, in magical historical buildings dating from the 1800’s.

Important Information – 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 (can get down to 5’C and less at night in June and July).

About The Riding

Riding Ability: We accept groups of up to 20 people. 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 breathtaking 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 but 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.

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 in 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
• As soon as we dismount 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 rideablility!

Occasionally some of these precious steeds are for sale too.

PS: you might be riding a movie star too – many of our horses work regularly on movie and photo shoots.

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.

Weight Limit: Maximum weight is 120kg (18stone).

Guide and Safety on Trail: Rides are usually lead by a FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) qualified guide and followed by a back-up rider.  A full safety briefing will be held before and riders asked to sign an indemnity before going the trail.

Size of Group: Up to a maximum of 20 guests.

Children: We do accept children above the age of 12 years and if they are competent riders. We do give discounted rates for children as indicated under activities.

Medical: A first aid kit is carried on each ride. Guides are professional first aiders. The nearest hospital is 10 minutes away.

The wearing of long shirts and trousers are advised in summer months as well as sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Quad Bike Trails

1 & 1½ hour Rides – (R450 & R650 excl.) 05QB / 1QB / 15QB

The hourly rides depart from Wine Valley Adventures on Rhebokskloof Wine Farm, Paarl.   These rides are especially designed for the less experienced or for those with time constraints. Taken at a leisurely pace, according to the capabilities of the riders, the trail will showcase the breathtaking view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop.  Wine farming activities and grape cultivars can be pointed out and explained by our well trained guides as we decent down the valley through the vineyards.

Group size limited to 20 riders.

2 Hour trails – (R800 excl.) 2QB

The hourly rides depart from Wine Valley Adventures on Rhebokskloof Wine Farm, Paarl.   Taken at a leisurely pace, according to the capabilities of the riders, the trail will showcase the breathtaking view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop.  Wine farming activities and grape cultivars can be pointed out and explained by our well trained guides as we decent down the valley through the vineyards. This trail is similar as the shorter rides but it takes you to the lookout point at the top of Paarl Mountain with a breathtaking view of the area. Group size limited to 20 riders.

Corporates & Functions – (by arrangement)

Please enquire about the tailor made packages we offer.

Wacky Wine Wagon Trails (4 to 14 pax)

1 & 1½ hour Rides – (R450 & R650 excl.)

The hourly rides depart from a number of carefully chosen, highly acclaimed wine farms in the region.  Bring your whole family to enjoy the ride along the scenic routes and vineyards.  Tailor made trips are our speciality – order a picnic or share a bottle of  ice cold bubbly at one of the picnic spots along the route.

Daily Horse Trails

1 & 1½ hour Rides – (R450 & R650 excl.) 1HT / 15HT

The hourly rides depart from Wine Valley Adventures on Rhebokskloof Wine Farm, Paarl.   These rides are especially designed for the less experienced or for those with time constraints. Taken at a leisurely pace, according to the capabilities of the riders, the trail will showcase the breathtaking view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop.  Wine farming activities and grape cultivars can be pointed out and explained by our well trained guides as we decent down the valley through the vineyards.

Group size limited to 20 riders.

2 Hour trails – (R800 excl.)

The hourly rides depart from Wine Valley Adventures on Rhebokskloof Wine Farm, Paarl.   These rides are especially designed for the less experienced or for those with time constraints. Taken at a leisurely pace, according to the capabilities of the riders, the trail will showcase the breathtaking view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop.  Wine farming activities and grape cultivars can be pointed out and explained by our well trained guides as we decent down the valley through the vineyards.  This trail is similar as the shorter rides but it takes you to the lookout point at the top of Paarl Mountain with a breathtaking view of the area.

½ day Wine Tasting Trail – (R1300 per adult, R800 per child excl.)

A little more time and energy is well spent on this half-day ride (3-4 hours). The rides normally depart from Wine Valley Adventures on Rhebokskloof Wine Farm, Paarl.   Taken at a pace, according to the capabilities of the riders, the trail will showcase the two top wine estates in the valley.  You also enjoy the view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop while you are trekking over the mountains between the wine farms.

Wine tasting strictly for persons over 18.

Overnight Trail – (R1800 per adult, R1000 per child excl.)

During the year we plan special packages that vary in length and location.  There are so many exquisite settings to explore on horseback in the Winelands.  Give us your email and we will keep you posted on all upcoming overnight trails or we can tailor a package for a special occasion!

Full day Trail – (R2500 per adult, R2000 per child excl.)

For regular riders with lots of energy!  This full day ride (6 – 8 hours) normally depart from Wine Valley Adventures on Rhebokskloof Wine Farm in Paarl or La Folie in Wellington.   The trails will showcase the breathtaking views of either valleys and provide wine tastings and/or pairings depending on the season and availability at the various farms that are visited.

Alcohol strictly for persons over 18.

Sundowner & Moonlight Trail – (R950 excl.)

This 2 hour ride starts off at Wine Valley Adventures and the trail will showcase the breathtaking view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop.   This trail takes you to the lookout point at the top of Paarl Mountain with a breathtaking view of the area.  Here you can enjoy sundowners & snacks.  Alcohol strictly for persons over 18.

Dinner Trail – (R1800 per adult, R1000 per child excl.) HTD

This 2 hour ride starts off at Wine Valley Adventures and the trail will showcase the breathtaking view of the valley with the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range as backdrop.   This trail takes you to the lookout point at the top of Paarl Mountain with a breathtaking view of the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain range.  When we reach the stables, a healthy, hearty dinner is served on the 18th century Manor House’s patio under the bougainvillaea pergola.  Estate wine included with dinner.  Alcohol strictly for persons over 18.