A Day at Erongo Mountain Winery with Utmost Tour Agency
A Budget-Friendly Adventure
One of my goals while living in Namibia is to explore as much as possible—without breaking the bank. I’m always on the lookout for a fun experiences that fits into a weekend and offers great value for money. So when I discovered a winery day tour by Utmost Tour Agency on Instagram, it was an immediate yes.
What the Tour Included:
A return trip from Windhoek to Erongo Mountain Winery (about 2.5 hours away)
A three-course meal
A guided winery tour and wine tasting
All for N$1300—a deal in my books
I had no idea what to expect from a Namibian winery since desert countries aren’t known for their vineyards. But with wine, food, and a road trip on the itinerary, I was excited to find out.
First Steps
Booking was simple. A quick DM to Utmost Tour Agency on Instagram provided all the details, and payment was straightforward. A few days before the trip, they added us to a WhatsApp group for final logistics.
Meeting point: A local service station (or “filling station” for my fellow Batswana)
Departure time: 7:00 AM (with a few minor delays)
The trip itself was smooth. However, an important note—the road from Omaruru to the winery requires a 4x4. Our minibus made it, but only because the river crossings were dry that day.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly by the patron and our waiter for the day. The winery’s brass entrance made for a perfect photo opportunity, and we had time to stretch and take a few shots before settling in.
The Winery Experience
Wine Tasting
We sampled seven wines produced in Namibia. Due to drought conditions, the winery currently sources its grapes from Stellenbosch, South Africa, but all production happens locally. I am no wine connoisseur but here are my thoughts.
Standout wines:
Chenin Blanc – Crisp and refreshing
Namibia Sunset Rosé – A light, easy-drinking rosé
The Chardonnay was a favourite among the group, while the dry red was compared to Tassenberg. (this caused giggles around the table)
Beyond wine, the winery also produces whiskey and liqueurs. Their Onjaba Classic Whiskey (meaning “elephant”) starts at N$790.
Food & Wine Pairing
The three-course meal was not paired with the wines but was enjoyable nonetheless. While I wouldn’t call myself a food critic, the dishes were well-prepared and added to the experience.
Winery Tour
We explored the storage area, where barrels of wine, whiskey, and liqueurs are aged. The guide walked us through the production process, including the smoking room for whiskey barley.
The tour of the distillery was insightful, but I had to cut my visit short—the fermentation smells were not for me.
For dessert, I had crème brûlée. It cracked, though just barely!
The Atmosphere & Hospitality
The winery offered a relaxed setting, with options to sit indoors with air conditioning or outside on the patio overlooking the vineyards.
Our group, an all-women mix of solo travelers, friends, and coworkers, brought a fun and social energy. Conversation flowed easily, and the experience felt like a true escape from Windhoek.
Despite managing both our group and restaurant guests alone, our waiter was efficient and accommodating throughout the visit.
Final Review
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. For N$1300, the tour provided:✔️ A comfortable round-trip from Windhoek✔️ A guided winery tour with interesting insights✔️ A wine tasting with a diverse selection✔️ A well-prepared three-course meal
Standout Moments
The wine-tasting experience was the highlight.
The peaceful atmosphere of the winery made it feel like a true getaway.
The group dynamic was fun, making it an excellent option for solo travellers or small groups.
Areas for Improvement
Time management could be a little tighter for smoother departures but that can't be pinned on the agency alone.
Staff on deck, the size of our group would have warranted for one more waiter to be available just for assistance
Closing Thoughts
This was a fun experience with a great selection of wines, a welcoming atmosphere, and an affordable price point. The winery itself is worth visiting for anyone looking for a relaxing escape from Windhoek.
Who Would Enjoy This?
Wine lovers and casual drinkers looking for a unique tasting experience
Groups of friends or couples wanting a fun day out
Solo travellers seeking an easygoing social activity
Would I do it again? Absolutely. If you’re in Namibia and looking for a budget-friendly day trip, I highly recommend this tour.
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