Franschhoek Wine Route | South Africa Attractions

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Franschhoek Wine Route

Wine and Food in the French Corner

Franschhoek, Afrikaans for “French Corner”, takes its name from the French Huguenots who settled the valley after 1688 and planted some of its first vineyards. The village sits at the head of a valley enclosed by the Franschhoek and Groot Drakenstein mountains, with wine estates, farm restaurants, gardens and galleries spread across the valley floor. It lies just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the Cape Winelands, and the hop-on, hop-off Wine Tram links many of the estates.

A historic white Dutch Reformed church set against mountains in the Cape Winelands.

Region

Cape Winelands, about 75 km (just under an hour) from Cape Town

Getting around

Franschhoek Wine Tram, hop-on, hop-off, running since 2012

Varieties

MCC (Cap Classique), Chardonnay, Semillon, Syrah

Culinary scene

Award-winning restaurants and farm kitchens

Best seasons

Spring bloom (Sep–Nov) and harvest (Feb–Apr)

Tasting tips

Pre-book slots; designate a driver or use the Tram

Nearby

Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek Pass viewpoints

Coordinates

−33.9103, 19.1144

What You Need to Know

Wine, Heritage, and How to Explore

About 200 Huguenot refugees reached the Cape in 1688 and 1689, and many were given land here, in a valley then known as Oliphants Hoek for the elephants that once roamed it. Farms such as La Motte date from those early grants. Today the easiest way to visit several estates without driving is the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which has run since 2012 on a restored branch line. Its color-coded routes follow different loops, so choose one that suits your pace and the estates you want to see. Tasting rooms range from old cellars to modern glass-fronted buildings, and many estates add gardens, sculpture and lawns where children can play. Book tastings and lunch ahead on weekends and holidays, and leave time to walk the village’s Main Road.

Classic Estates and Tasting Etiquette

La Motte, Boschendal, Haute Cabrière and Chamonix are among the best-known names, each pairing Cape history with a contemporary cellar and kitchen. A typical tasting covers five or six wines; ask about the vintage, the vineyards and what to eat with each. The valley is known for Cap Classique sparkling wine and for Semillon, some of it from old vines, and several estates pour dedicated tastings of both. If you are driving, keep the pours small and the stops few. Better still, leave the car behind: the Tram, local shuttles and the guide on our Franschhoek Wine Route day tour all let everyone taste. Spittoons are provided, and water between wines keeps your palate fresh. On a private Cape Winelands wine tour, your guide can choose estates to suit your preferences.

When to Visit and What to Pack

Spring, from September to November, brings fresh green leaves and flowers, and the harvest, from February to April, fills the cellars with activity. Summer afternoons are hot, so book a shaded tasting and carry sunscreen, a hat and water. In winter, fireplaces and barrel rooms make tastings cozy, and the mountains look their sharpest after a cold front has passed. Dress smart-casual, with comfortable shoes for gravel paths and lawns. Late afternoon backlight across the vines is lovely for portraits and vineyard views.