1. About Us and These Terms

1.1 Tastes of Hermanus is a food and wine experience business operated by Susan Mann, a sole trader based in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa (“Tastes of Hermanus”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

1.2 These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to your use of www.tastesofhermanus.co.za (the “Website”) and to every tour, tasting, private experience or bespoke booking we provide (each an “Experience”).

1.3 By using the Website, making a booking or taking part in an Experience, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not book.

1.4 Some clauses limit our liability or place responsibility on you. These are shown in bold, and we ask that you read them carefully before booking.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, “Booker” means the person who makes and pays for a booking. “Guest” means any person taking part in an Experience, including the Booker. “Partner Venue” means any restaurant, wine farm, deli, producer or other business we visit or work with during an Experience.

3. Using Our Website

3.1 The Website provides information about our Experiences. We work to keep it accurate and up to date, but descriptions, photographs, menus, wine lists and prices are a guide only and may change.

3.2 We do not guarantee that the Website will always be available or free from errors, viruses or other harmful components. You use it at your own risk and are responsible for protecting your own devices.

3.3 The Website may contain links to third-party websites, including those of Partner Venues. These are provided for convenience. We are not responsible for their content, availability or privacy practices, and a link does not mean we endorse them.

4. Our Experiences

4.1 We offer scheduled Experiences, private Experiences, and bespoke or à la carte Experiences designed on request. Each Experience’s description sets out what is included. Anything not listed as included is at your own cost.

4.2 Our Experiences depend on independent Partner Venues. We may need to change a venue, dish, wine or the order of stops because of availability, seasonality, weather or circumstances outside our control. Where this happens, we will provide a substitute of similar standard.

4.3 Timings shown are approximate. The duration of an Experience can vary with group size, service times at venues and the pace of the group. Please allow extra time before making other plans.

4.4 Food and drink portions are designed as tasting portions across the Experience as a whole, not as a full meal at each stop, unless the description says otherwise.

4.5 Experiences are usually hosted by Susan Mann. From time to time, another experienced guide may host your Experience in her place.

5. Bookings and Payment

5.1 All prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and are per person unless stated otherwise. Tastes of Hermanus is not registered for VAT, and no VAT is charged.

5.2 Bookings are made by email to susan@tastesofhermanus.co.za.

5.3 A booking request is an offer to buy. A binding agreement is formed only when we send you a written booking confirmation. We may decline a booking at our discretion, in which case any payment will be refunded in full.

5.4 Full payment is required to secure your booking. Payment details will be provided with your booking confirmation.

5.5 Please check your confirmation carefully and let us know of any errors straight away. We are not responsible for problems caused by incorrect details you have given us.

5.6 A Booker who books for others confirms that they have authority to do so, will share these Terms with every Guest, and will pass on all information we send. The Booker is responsible for payment for the whole group.

5.7 Under section 42 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, the seven-day cooling-off period for online purchases does not apply to leisure and catering services booked for a specific date. Our cancellation policy in clause 13 applies instead.

6. Group Sizes and Private Bookings

6.1 Scheduled Experiences need a minimum of 2 paying Guests to run. If this is not reached, we may cancel and offer you another date or a full refund.

6.2 Scheduled Experiences have a maximum group size of 10 Guests, so that everyone enjoys a personal experience.

6.3 Private and bespoke Experiences are quoted individually. The quote will set out what is included and the group size it is based on.

6.4 A reduction in numbers after a private booking is confirmed is treated as a partial cancellation under clause 13.

7. Children, Age Requirements and Alcohol

7.1 Children of all ages are welcome. Please tell us at the time of booking if any Guest is under 18. Children may qualify for a reduced rate, which we will confirm when you book.

7.2 Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, who remains responsible for them throughout the Experience.

7.3 By law, we will not serve or provide alcohol to anyone under 18. Guests under 18 will be offered non-alcoholic alternatives where available. We and our Partner Venues may ask any Guest for proof of age and may refuse alcohol to anyone who cannot provide it.

7.4 Guests who do not drink alcohol are welcome. Please tell us when you book so we can arrange alternatives where possible.

7.5 We and our Partner Venues may refuse to serve any Guest who appears intoxicated, as the law requires.

8. Responsible Drinking and Driving

8.1 Our Experiences are designed for enjoyment and discovery, not for excessive drinking. Tasting portions are meant to be savoured, and water is available throughout.

8.2 You are responsible for your own alcohol intake. Please do not drive after drinking. We strongly recommend arranging a designated driver, a shuttle or a taxi. We accept no responsibility for any Guest who drives during or after an Experience.

8.3 If you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a condition affected by alcohol, please consider this before booking and let us know of any adjustments you need.

9. Dietary Requirements and Allergies

9.1 You must tell us about all dietary requirements, intolerances and allergies for every Guest at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee changes if we are told later, especially on the day.

9.2 Vegetarians can be accommodated on all Experiences. Most other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Gluten intolerance can be accommodated by prior arrangement only. We are unable to cater for vegan diets.

9.3 Our Experiences take place in kitchens and venues we do not control, where allergens such as nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, soy and sulphites (common in wine) are handled. We cannot guarantee that any item is free from allergens or cross-contamination. Guests with coeliac disease or severe or life-threatening allergies take part at their own risk.

9.4 Guests with known allergies should carry any prescribed medication, such as an adrenaline auto-injector, at all times.

10. Fitness, Mobility and Accessibility

10.1 Walking Experiences cover approximately 2 km at a relaxed pace. Routes include sections of the Hermanus cliff path and the harbour area, with steps, slopes and uneven surfaces in places. A reasonable level of fitness is needed.

10.2 By booking a walking Experience, you confirm that every Guest can comfortably manage this distance and terrain.

10.3 Some Partner Venues have limited wheelchair or mobility access. Please contact us before booking if any Guest has mobility, sight, hearing or other access needs, and we will advise whether the Experience is suitable or can be adapted.

11. Arrival, Punctuality and What to Bring

11.1 Please be at the meeting point by the start time stated in your confirmation.

11.2 We will wait no longer than 15 minutes before starting. Guests who arrive after the group has left, or who do not arrive, are treated as a no-show and are not entitled to a refund. If you are running late, please call or WhatsApp us on +27 78 239 9512 and we will try to help you join the group.

11.3 Please wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip and dress for the weather. Hermanus weather changes quickly, so we suggest bringing a light layer, a hat, sunscreen and water.

12. Weather

12.1 Experiences go ahead in most weather conditions, including light rain and wind.

12.2 If we believe the weather makes an Experience unsafe, we will cancel it and offer you another date or a full refund.

12.3 If we run the Experience and you choose not to attend because of the weather, the normal cancellation policy applies.

13. Cancellations and Changes by You

13.1 All cancellations and date changes must be sent to us in writing at susan@tastesofhermanus.co.za. The date we receive your message is the date of cancellation.

13.2 The following applies to all bookings:

• More than 14 days before the Experience: you may move to another date free of charge, or receive a refund less any bank charges.
• Between 14 days and 48 hours before: you may move to another date free of charge, subject to availability. No refund is available.
• Less than 48 hours before, or no-show: no refund or date change is available, as we will already have committed to costs with our Partner Venues.

13.3 In line with the Consumer Protection Act, our cancellation charges reflect the reasonable costs and commitments we take on for each booking.

14. Changes and Cancellations by Us

14.1  We may need to change or cancel an Experience because of minimum numbers, guide illness, venue closure, unsafe conditions or other genuine reasons. If we cancel for any of these reasons, you may choose another date or a full refund.

14.2 If we make a significant change before your Experience, such as a change of date or a substantially different itinerary, we will tell you as soon as possible. You may accept the change, choose another date, or cancel for a full refund.

14.3 Our responsibility in these cases is limited to the refund or new date. We are not responsible for other costs, such as travel, accommodation or other bookings you have made.

15. Events Beyond Our Control

15.1 We are not liable for any failure or delay caused by events outside our reasonable control. These include extreme weather, fire, flood, natural disasters, load-shedding or utility failures, strikes, protests, civil unrest, road closures, disease outbreaks, government action, or the sudden failure or closure of a Partner Venue.

15.2 In such cases, we will work with you to move your Experience to another date within 12 months of the original date.

16. Transport

16.1 Transport is not included in our Experiences. Guests are responsible for their own travel to, from and during the Experience, and for any related costs.

16.2 We are happy to help arrange transport on request. Any transport arranged is provided by an independent operator, at the Guest’s cost and under that operator’s own terms.

17. Guest Conduct

17.1 Guests must follow the reasonable instructions of their guide and respect Partner Venues, their staff, other Guests, local residents and the natural environment.

17.2 We may refuse entry to, or remove from an Experience, any Guest who is intoxicated, abusive, disruptive or unsafe, or who damages property. No refund will be given.

17.3 Guests are responsible for the cost of any damage they cause to property belonging to us or to a Partner Venue.

17.4 Smoking and vaping are only permitted where the venue allows it, and never during a tasting.

17.5 Please be mindful of wildlife and marine life, including keeping a respectful distance from whales, seals and birds, and please do not leave litter.

18. Health, Safety and Your Belongings

18.1 Taking part in an Experience involves some risk. This includes walking on steps, slopes and uneven ground along the cliff path and harbour, exposure to sun, wind and weather, traffic, and consuming food and alcohol, with possible allergic reactions or food-related illness. By booking, you accept these risks and agree to take reasonable care of yourself.

18.2 Please tell us about any medical condition that may affect your participation. Acting reasonably, we may advise that an Experience is not suitable for a Guest.

18.3 Please stay alert in public areas, keep a safe distance from cliff edges, keep to pavements and crossings, and follow pedestrian rules.

18.4 You are responsible for your own belongings. We are not liable for any loss, theft or damage to personal property during an Experience.

19. Limitation of Liability

19.1 To the fullest extent permitted by South African law, we, our guides, contractors and Partner Venues are not liable for any loss, damage, illness, injury or death arising from your participation in an Experience, except where caused by our gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

19.2 Our total liability to you for any claim relating to a booking will not exceed the amount you paid for that booking.

19.3 We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, such as loss of enjoyment, missed connections, or the cost of other travel arrangements.

19.4 Partner Venues are independent businesses. They are responsible for the food and drinks they prepare and serve, and for the safety of their premises.

19.5 You agree to indemnify us against any claim, loss or damage caused by your own actions or those of any Guest in your booking.

19.6 Nothing in these Terms limits any rights you have under the Consumer Protection Act or any other law that cannot lawfully be excluded.

20. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that all Guests have comprehensive travel or personal insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses and personal belongings. Where a refund request falls outside our cancellation policy, please claim through your insurer.

21. Gift Vouchers

21.1 Gift vouchers are valid for 36 months from the date of issue.

21.2 Vouchers must be quoted when booking and are subject to availability. They cannot be exchanged for cash.

21.3 If your booking costs less than the value of your voucher, the remaining balance stays on the voucher and can be used for a future booking until the voucher expires.

21.4 Vouchers may be passed on to someone else. Please keep your voucher safe, as we cannot replace a lost or stolen voucher unless we can verify its details.

21.5 Once a voucher is used to make a booking, these Terms, including the cancellation policy, apply to that booking.

22. Photographs, Video and Reviews

22.1 We may take photographs or video during Experiences for use on our Website, social media and marketing materials, in print or online.

22.2 If you or anyone in your group would prefer not to appear, please tell your guide at the start of the Experience or email us in advance, and we will respect your wishes.

22.3 If you share photographs or reviews that tag or mention Tastes of Hermanus, you allow us to reshare them with credit to you, unless you ask us not to.

22.4 You are welcome to take photographs for personal use. Please ask before photographing Partner Venue staff, kitchens or other Guests.

23. Privacy and Your Personal Information

23.1 We collect and use your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). We use it only to manage your booking, meet your dietary and access needs, keep you safe, and communicate with you.

23.2 We share only the information needed with Partner Venues and any guide or transport provider involved, so that they can deliver your Experience. We do not sell your information.

23.3 We will only send you marketing messages if you agree to receive them, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

23.4 You may ask to see, correct or delete the personal information we hold about you by emailing us. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

24. Complaints and Feedback

24.1 We want every Guest to have a wonderful time. If something is not right during your Experience, please tell your guide straight away so we can try to put it right on the day.

24.2 If you would like to make a complaint afterwards, please email susan@tastesofhermanus.co.za within 14 days of your Experience. We will acknowledge your complaint within 7 days and aim to resolve it fairly and promptly.

24.3 If we cannot resolve a complaint together, you may contact the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud.

25. Intellectual Property

All content on the Website and in our materials, including text, tour names, itineraries, photographs, video, logos and designs, belongs to Tastes of Hermanus or is used with permission. You may not copy, reproduce, adapt or use it for commercial purposes without our written consent.

26. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The updated version will be published on the Website with a new “Last updated” date. The Terms in force when you made your booking will apply to that booking.

27. General

27.1 These Terms, together with your booking confirmation and any written quote, form the full agreement between you and us.

27.2 If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the rest will remain in full effect.

27.3 If we do not enforce a right under these Terms straight away, this does not mean we have given up that right.

27.4 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and the South African courts have jurisdiction over any dispute.

28. Business Information and Contact Details

Business name: Tastes of Hermanus

Operated by: Susan Mann (sole trader)

Physical address: 9 Sandpiper, Hermanus, 7200

Email: susan@tastesofhermanus.co.za

Phone / WhatsApp: +27 78 239 9512

Website: www.tastesofhermanus.co.za