Franschhoek Wine Valley

Franschhoek Wine Valley – Valley of Dreams

The Franschhoek valley, steeped in South African history, from ancient San, Khoi to Dutch colonial, French Huguenot, English colonial to modern South Africa, have all left their mark on this valley. Olifantshoek, Fransche Hoek, Le coin Français, Fransche Hoek, Franschhoek have all been names recorded for this corner of distinct French influence and flair.

Franschhoek, where winemaking from French roots, has found a home in South Africa

Routes in the Franschhoek Wine Route:

Several roads crisscross the Franschhoek valley, yet you can find the bulk of the wineries and vineyards off the following roads:

Lambrechts, Excelsior, Verdun, Green Valley, Uitkyk, Robertsvlei, Dassenberg, Huguenot (Main Road), Klapmuts-Simondium

Franschhoek valley Vineyards and Wineries

Akkerdal
Allèe Bleue Estate
Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Babylonstoren
Backsberg Family Wines
Bellingham
Black Elephant Vintners
Boekenhoutskloof Winery
Boschendal Wines
Chamonix Wines
Colmant Cap Classique & Champagne
Dieu Donne Vineyards
Eikehof
Franschhoek Cellar
GlenWood
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
Haute Cabrière Wine Farm
Holden Manz Wine Estate
La Bri
La Chataigne Wines
La Motte
Le Lude MCC
Le Manoir de Brendel
Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards
Lynx Wines
Maison Estate
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
My Wyn
Noble Hill Wine Estate
Old Road Wine Co.
Paserene Wines
Rickety Bridge Winery
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons
Stony Brook
Terre Paisible
Val de Vie Wines
Veraison Vineyard
Wildeberg

Reasons to visit:

Arguably the most beautiful wine region in South Africa. This valley is home to some of South Africa’s most famous wineries, restaurants, hotels and natural beauty. The valley, scenically beautiful and romantic, is ideal for romantic getaways and pleasurable family outings. The sleepy town of Franschhoek is also a pleasure to visit all year round, for outdoor summer-time alfresco restaurants and cozying up to winter fireplaces.

Best time to visit:

This region is beautiful year-round. You can expect sunny days in the summer months, unique flowers in spring, colourful autumn oaks and rainy and crisper days in winter, with possible snow on the mountain tops. All seasons, have their own unique charms, in this all-season destination.

On route:

• Art galleries and vineyard art displays,
• Babylonstoren Gardens,
• Craft beer breweries,
• Franschhoek Motor Musuem,
• Glenwood Vineyards Natures window walk and Wine tasting,
• Golf,
• Hiking,
• Historical charming wine estates and restaurants,,
• Horse riding,
• Huguenot Memorial Museum,
• Mont Rochelle Nature reserve,
• Mountain Biking,
• Paragliding,
• Polo,
• Scootours,
• Walking tours, through romantic vineyards and nature reserves,
• Wine tram

Highlights on the route:

• Franschhoek wine route,
• Huguenot Memorial Museum,
• Restaurants,
• Franschhoek village,
• Babylonstoren Gardens,
• Franschhoek Motor Musuem,

Things to do or see on the Franschhoek wine route:

Outdoors:

• Babylonstoren Gardens,
• Franschhoek Motor Musuem,
• Glenwood Vineyards Natures window walk and Wine tasting,
• Golf,
• Hiking,
• Horse riding,
• Huguenot Memorial Museum,
• Mont Rochelle Nature reserve,
• Mountain Biking,
• Paragliding,
• Polo,
• Scootours,
• Walking tours, through romantic vineyards and nature reserves,
• Wine tram

Side-tracks:

Craft markets on weekends,
Art galleries,
Food markets

South African homegrown:

The valley boasts a wide variety of Cape Dutch manor houses, Victorian, Gregorian and French-style architecture, as well as traditional and modern style cellar buildings, that blend into the mountainsides and vineyards. The town of Franschhoek boasts a vast collection of protected architecture.