tours cape town south africa
Gems, chocolate, and wine are all connected. Like the tanzanite formed in Tanzania’s ancient earth and the diamonds shaped by millions of years of African geological forces, vineyards, grapes, and cocoa beans are pure expressions of African terrain. Each taste – whether it’s a white Pinotage born from South African soil or chocolate from Tanzanian cocoa beans – carries the signature of the continent’s unique climate and ancient volcanic history.
At The Diamond Works Institute in Cape Town, you can experience Africa’s gems, wine, and chocolate with a combined tour and tasting. Sip your way through three shades of Pinotage, South Africa’s famed varietal, from Deetlefs, an esteemed wine estate dating back to 1822 in the Western Cape.
You can also choose an Afrikoa chocolate tasting – this African-born brand uses cocoa beans from Tanzania, making it the perfect accompaniment to viewing and learning about the violet-blue gems found in the same earth as cacao trees – tanzanite.
Afrikoa is our chosen partner as they operate in direct trade. Direct Trade connects cocoa farmers with chocolate makers, without any middlemen, in a way that they become dependent on each other´s success, ethics, and professionalism. Direct Trade is so much more than Fair Trade as it does not depend on grants or fines, but rather on really sharing the value created by selling the chocolate.
By trading directly with cocoa farmers, they earn significantly more than they would if middlemen were involved. The farmers are able to support their families, they are invested in and rewarded for producing the finest-quality cocoa beans and you can enjoy our chocolate knowing that it isn’t at the expense of somebody else.
With appreciation to truly African and South African products and resources we share the story of the Pinotage grape.
Pinotage is special because it’s a uniquely South African grape variety, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (then called Hermitage). This homegrown cultivar combines the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir with the hardiness and bold fruit flavours of Cinsaut, resulting in wines that are distinctly rich, smoky, and full-bodied, often with notes of dark berries, plum, coffee, and chocolate. Pinotage thrives in South Africa’s diverse terroirs, producing styles ranging from robust reds to refreshing rosés and even Cape-style sparkling wines. Beyond its taste, it holds cultural pride as a symbol of South Africa’s winemaking ingenuity and resilience, representing a flavour profile found nowhere else in the world.
Origin Truffle Tasting – R100 pp
Chocolate with added Pinotage Experience – R150pp
Bookings are essential
FAQs
Are the tours family-friendly?
Yes, the tours are accessible to all ages (apart from the Deetlefs wine tasting). Tweens, teens, and young adults will especially enjoy the AR photo booth for dazzling selfies, and there is a safe relaxation corner with activity books, high-speed Wi-Fi, sofas, coffee, chocolate, and a laptop counter.
Do the experiences appeal to adults or kids?
The experiences are interesting for both kids and adults and are tweaked according to the audience. The exhibits are interactive, with elements like AR and VR experiences that appeal to younger ages and elements like fascinating information boards for adults.
Do I have to book, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in or book if you prefer. For bigger groups, booking is advised. Booking ahead also gives us a chance to better customise your experience.
Are the tours and experiences free?
The Signature Tanzanite and Diamond Tour, AR and VR experiences, and viewing the collections are all free (of all the free activities in Cape Town, these are the most sparkling!) Please enquire about the Deetlefs Wine Tasting and Afrikoa Chocolate Tasting, as the price is dependent on how many people and tastings are involved. Appointments with our master goldsmiths for custom jewellery design are free, and they will provide you with a quote for your pieces.
Do I have to tour the exhibits with a guide, or can I browse at my leisure?
You can browse at your leisure and/or book with one of our knowledgeable guides to show you around – they know all the fascinating stories and have in-depth knowledge about all things diamonds and tanzanite.
How do I book my tour/experience?
You can call 021 425 1970 or email [email protected]
Are you open seven days a week and on public holidays?
We are open every day from 9 am to 7 pm and on public holidays.