Skeleton Coast Wine Tours: Top 5 Unique Tastings

Okay, so the Skeleton Coast – it’s almost more famous for its shipwrecks and dramatic scenery, is that right? Yet, believe it or not, very few places offer something as unexpected as a wine tour near such a wild location. Very, very close to the national park, a clutch of very cool experiences has popped up, actually pairing thrilling landscapes with the more refined pleasure that is tasting interesting local vintages. That said, I had to sift through, more or less, just what constitutes the best of what’s out there. Basically, this guide highlights what’s truly worth it for anyone looking to mix adventure and, just a little, a bit of vinicultural discovery.

1. The “Coastal Cruiser” Wine Safari

First off, you’ve got the Coastal Cruiser. In some respects, this isn’t just your regular old wine tour, is that it? In other words, it sort of kicks things off with a guided game drive. Usually, you’ll rumble through the edges of the Skeleton Coast National Park in a 4×4, sometimes spotting desert-adapted wildlife, could be springbok or maybe even the odd, rather elusive brown hyena. As I was saying, that’s just before heading towards specially selected scenic spots where they do a wine tasting that, more or less, shows local Namibian wines with food pairings. The backdrop? Well, naturally, that’s the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the stark desert landscape. Could be very spectacular, very unusual, yet incredibly memorable. Read our full review: Coastal wine Safari Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Coastal wine Safari)

2. The “Shipwreck Sipper” Historical Tasting

Next, we look at the Shipwreck Sipper. Frankly, if you have even a bit of an interest in history, then you’re bound to enjoy this, you know? First, the tour usually swings by a few pretty infamous shipwreck sites, like the Eduard Bohlen, which, as a matter of fact, just sits there in the sand dunes these days, a monument, actually, to the coast’s perilous past. As a matter of fact, they then set up a tasting right on the beach, literally, where the guide does a run through of the story for each wreck. Typically, they match each wine, arguably, with a tidbit of seafaring tales. Typically, this could be a dry white, like your Chenin Blanc, to sort of represent the treacherous currents or a bold Shiraz, more or less, that kind of reflects the robust, sometimes stubborn, spirit of the early explorers. It tends to be a moving, fairly reflective, and a bit enlightening, is that the goal? Read our full review: Shipwreck Sipper Historical Tasting Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Shipwreck Sipper Historical Tasting)

3. The “Dune Hopper” Sunset Vineyard

Third in line is the Dune Hopper Sunset Vineyard. Here, they often, sort of, swap sand for vines at sunset. It’s all about, well, really climbing up one of the larger dunes right on the edge of the vineyards as the sun’s light just streams across. You know, I mean the panoramic views, they’re just outstanding. Then they crack out a tasting that very, very carefully selects wines to sync up with the setting sun’s colors – just think your rosés, that usually capture the pink hues, or maybe your light reds which sort of pick up that amber glow. Basically, these tour guides always know that it’s that time of the day to really capture the drama in a very perfect way, that really showcases that spot’s amazing beauty, alright? Read our full review: Dune Hopper Sunset Vineyard Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dune Hopper Sunset Vineyard)

4. The “Desert Oasis” Wine Retreat

Here, then, is the Desert Oasis Wine Retreat. First, let’s mention it is usually a bit longer than the others, just a day and a half. Typically, this type combines a bit of adventure with, well, relaxation, is that what’s on offer? Clearly, it features a trek through the stark desert setting, and, by the way, it always ends up, actually, at a super-secluded oasis, more or less. As I was saying, that oasis is part of, yet, next to a vineyard that produces some interesting, more niche wines, could be ones that are, clearly, developed for harsher climates, very, very similar. At the end of the day, the wine tasting tends to be right next to the spring, in that case, complete with dishes that focus on locally sourced flavors. By the way, people often describe it as a sensory delight and also really cool, I mean offering not only insight, but, literally, more of the area, basically showcasing what can be created with great passion in such extreme spots, obviously. Read our full review: Desert Oasis Wine Retreat Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Desert Oasis Wine Retreat)

5. The “Starry Night” Astronomy and Vino

Basically, let’s look at our final offering, that will be your Starry Night Astronomy and Vino Tour. What’s cool? At the end of the day, I can say, it combines stargazing, as I was saying, and tasting quality wine, that usually comes after nightfall. And, by the way, what are the main pulls? Well, first, there’s almost zero light at night in this part of Namibia. Often the night skies are almost super clear and make this spot super desirable, if you, right, are even only vaguely into astronomy, honestly. Very often these organized tours set things up with a professional astronomer and always showcase a bunch of telescopes, to look at faraway stuff, for those keen on viewing all the constellations. They usually match those intergalactic themes with carefully picked, more niche local wines, sort of telling interesting stories with, and by, those vineyards under those stars, obviously, but also, very honestly, with great wine, very honestly! Read our full review: Starry Night Astronomy and Vino Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Starry Night Astronomy and Vino)

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