As a family run business - Vineyard Ventures assures private, personalised journeys throughout South Africa. Our 16 years of experience ensures that you receive world-class attention and service in line with international standards. Having travelled the world ourselves we understand the needs of the international traveller and can advise you on any aspect of travel related enquiries.

We are accredited by top tourism associations such as Cape Town Tourism and SATSA amongst other important organisations. In addition we are also travel partners of Inspirational Places, a unique property marketing organisation.

S A T S A’s (South African Tourism & Safari Association) stringent membership requirements ensure that we are comprehensively insured, use only well maintained vehicles, and that all our guides have a high standard of qualification and experience.
Our Satour registered guides are all well travelled, offering an in-depth knowledge of South Africa with refreshingly broad views on all subjects. Of course, guides hold specific driving licences enabling them to drive fare-paying passengers.

WHO WE ARE

“Our business and the service we offer is a reflection of and very much an important part of who we are.” Partners - Gillian Stoltzman & Glen Christie
 

Glen Christie – Owner

“I believe that this brief resume is indicative of my diverse interests, varied life experiences, endless curiosity and interest in people. I’m passionate about South Africa, knowledgeable on all things South African, including wine, the people, politics and the economy.”

As a South African, Glen has spent 20 years living in Britain, Iran and the United States gathering extensive international experience in the hospitality industry. As an industry Senior Executive she brings a wealth of hospitality knowledge as well as high standards of operation to Vineyard Ventures here in South Africa.

Glen is an interesting person having traversed the continents of Britain, France, Australia and the United States breeding and racing horses, to operating in high-level hospitality environments in both the USA and here at home.

It comes as little surprise that her company, Vineyard Ventures, is now recommended by leading guide books such as Fodors.

Glen was born in Lesotho. Educated in South Africa. Holds a Social Science Degree. Is a state registered nurse & speaks four languages: English, Afrikaans, Sotho and some Farsi.

Gillian Stoltzman - Owner

“I have a passion for wine – a love of travel & South Africa, it’s flora, fauna and people – the richness of our rainbow nation fuels my pursuit of the unusual”.

Before returning to live in the Cape for the last 22 years, Gillian worked together with her Sister (Glen) in London and Iran, gathering expertise and international standards of operation and service in the hospitality industry.

Her connections in the Cape have opened doors for many making the journey to this part of South Africa, making Vineyard Ventures a tour operation of repute. She plays her role in the industry as a contributing wine editor for Conde Nast House and Garden magazine – and has contributed to Grape Magazine (our only independent wine publication, known for it’s cutting edge editorial it is a must read for anyone really interested in South African Wines).

Gillian Stoltzman is a 6th generation South African, born in Lesotho and educated in Kwa Zulu Natal.

Ernst Engelbrecht - Guide

As a music lecturer and a student of ancient civilisations, combined with his love of wine and culture, Ernst is a guide who is in great demand. Not only has he travelled extensively throughout the world, he is also a Cape wine fundi (FUNDI = a South African specialist).

Ernst was born in Cape Town. Educated at the universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch, he has been a lecturer in music and studied ancient civilisation.

Marge Vermaak

Marge has obtained valuable firsthand experience of the political and cultural diversity of South Africa teaching in one of the so-called “Coloured” schools and, more recently, in one of the previous “homelands”. She has been a guide for eight years.

Super experienced, efficient and enthusiastically well informed. People who travel with Marge, particularly in the Garden Route which is her great love, have written glowing references - requesting her as a guide over and over again.

Marge grew up in Zimbabwe then moved to Cape Town where she attended university, graduating with a BSC.

Mervyn Davidson - Guide

Mervyn has traveled extensively throughout the United States of America, Europe and Australia and is very aware of the needs of international travelers visiting South Africa.
He lives amongst the vineyards & winemakers in Somerset West, his membership of the 2 local wine clubs making him an active member in the wine community.

Mervyn was born and educated in Johannesburg. He spent the major part of his working life in the Financial Services industry. Retiring in Cape Town in 1998, he obtained his Tour Guide Certificate -and has been happily working for Vineyard Ventures clients ever since

Sarah Souter – Operations Manager

Sarah prefers to remain behind the scenes!!!