Franschhoek Wine Route

The Franschhoek Wine Route owes its existence to the French Huguenot refugees of years past. With some of the world’s finest wines being produced in the fair folds of the Cape, the Franschhoek Wine Route is one of the most delightful features during a tour of South Africa's wine producing region. The first wine in the Cape was cultivated by the French Huguenots around 300 years ago, lending rich history to the modern vineyards’ soils.

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Overview

Nestled below the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains, more than 40 wine farms blanket the prolific Franschhoek Valley. The oldest wineries still running today include La Motte, La Cotte, Dieu Donne, Chamonix and Cabriere. Most farms in the area offer sublime tastings, while the added magic of a cheese tasting is provided at Allee Bleue, Solms-Delta, Vrede en Lust and select others.

The town itself, which translates to "French Corner" in Dutch, is a melting pot of award-winning wine and gourmet delicacies to tickle the taste buds. Established by the French Calvinist refugees in the late 1600s, the flavors of the homeland have seeped into the gastronomic spoils of the region and will enthrall visitors.-