John Ford is a qualified wine guide, writer and photographer
with a thorough knowledge of the beautiful Cape wine country, its winemakers, its wines and its rich history
Since 1996, he has taken his clients to the Western Cape's best wine farms, many of which are not easy to access,
and introduced them to the creators of some of the world's finest wines
Where possible, cellar tours can be arranged (difficult at harvest time)
and wine tastings can take place in the cellars with the winemakers
Tours are tailored to suit your interests, i.e. specific types of wine, wine growing areas etc.
Tours can be conducted in English, Afrikaans/Dutch, Norwegian and German
My Credentials
This was a 4 year diploma course, starting in 1967,
the third year of which was an apprenticeship with a professional photographer
I could not get a work permit for this in the UK, but employment was arranged with Sturlason a/s Polyfoto in Oslo, Norway
I worked there from September 1969 to October 1970. In that I time, I learned to speak good Norwegian
The premises of Sturlason a/s Polyfoto, Oslo in 2017
After a short time in photographic retail, I joined AGFA as a sales representative and progressed through the ranks,
culminating in being appointed Regional Manager of AGFA Photo in Cape Town from 1986 to 2002
and enrolled in the Cape Wine Academy Diploma course, graduating in 1999
On this course, I met my wife Lynne who graduated at the same time
After qualifying, I was given Wine Industry Specialist guide status by Satour
Almenkerk vineyards, Elgin
In January 2002, I took early retirement from AGFA
and my wife, Lynne, and I started our retail specialty food and wine business, Main Ingredient, in Sea Point, Cape Town
Main Ingredient was a three-time winner of Eat In Guide’s Outstanding Outlet Award
After the recession started in 2008, business started to decline and we closed Main Ingredient in 2010 when it became unsustainable
Since then, we have concentrated on our wine, food and travel related activities which give us the material for MENU,
with wine tourism remaining a special interest
I use my own transport for parties of up to 3 pax and use rented transport with qualified drivers for larger parties
I prefer to cater to groups of 6 or fewer as giving personal attention to members of larger parties becomes difficult
With Seychellois clients at Ken Forrester
"Thank you so much for an amazing day exploring the vineyards and learning more about South African wines. We truly enjoyed ourselves and appreciated your knowledge and hospitality. It was a memorable experience, and we’re grateful for the effort you put into making it so special"
Dutch tour clients tasting at Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch
An American client discussing soil types and Mediterranean varietals with Johan Malan at Simonsig
English clients in the cellar at Buitenverwachting
"Thanks John, you helped make it a magical break for us. We will be back again!"
R5000 per day for one or two people with an additional R1500 per head for each additional person
This excludes the cost of meals (which may be anything between a sandwich and a full-course gourmet meal with wine)
and premium wine tastings
Tasting standard range wines is included in the rate
Late evening light on the vineyards, Jordan wine estate, Stellenbosch
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