Franschhoek wine has been coveted worldwide ever since the 18th century when the very first settlers were granted land by Jan van Riebeeck and established wine farms on the fertile Franschhoek soil. Driven from France after persecution by the Catholic Church, the Huguenots, as the French Protestants were called, fled to countries such as Switzerland, Germany, England, America, the Netherlands, Poland and South Africa, where they could enjoy religious freedom.
Once the Huguenots were settled in, they soon realised that Franschhoek’s climate and terroir were very similar to that of the wine-growing regions in France and they set out to establish the vineyards that are still the pride and joy of the Franschhoek area to this day. Many of the farms that surround modern-day Franschhoek still bear their original French names and continue to delight the palates of both visitors and locals with their beautifully crafted wines.
A visit to South Africa’s Western Cape simply wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Winelands. With so many marvellous wine estates to choose from, devising an itinerary can be a daunting task, however. Many tour operators throughout the province are happy to facilitate tours of the region, but if you would like to explore at your own pace, then the following list should provide a good starting point.
Boschendal: Established in 1685, Boschendal is situated at the gateway to Franschhoek. This premier estate is a destination in its own right and boasts a highly motivated and talented team which ensures that the farm maintains its rightful place as a winery of international distinction. Be warned, a visit to Boschendal can easily turn into an all-day affair! Enjoy their splendid array of wines at the Cellar Door Tasting Centre; the oldest building on the farm and situated only a few steps away from both the manor house and the wine cellar. Here you can relax in the shade of their legendary old spreading oak and encounter welcoming and professional staff that takes pride in making your wine tasting experience as entertaining, informative and interactive as possible.
Cape Chamonix: Aside from producing a range of award-winning wines, Chamonix also markets superior German-style schnapps, flavoured waters and various types of export fruits. The estate boasts an exquisite restaurant where patrons can enjoy fresh local dishes prepared and served in a cosy, unpretentious manner and beautifully tended grounds
that provide the perfect opportunity for an after-dinner stroll. Wine tasting are conducted at the “Blacksmith’s Cottage”, constructed at the end of the 18th century and since restored and converted into a wine tasting room with an equestrian theme.
Graham Beck Wines: Graham Beck Wines is acknowledged as one of the great sources of fine wine from the Cape. With vineyards on four farms in three distinct viticultural regions in the Western Cape, Graham Beck's two estates - the original Robertson Cellar and the Franschhoek Cellar - now operate in conjunction, while the cellarmaster and the respective winemakers, continue to express the individuality, sophistication and passion for which they are renowned.
Grande Provence: A dignified 300 year-old estate, the Grande Provence provides visitors a glimpse at the stately simplicity of Cape Dutch heritage. Their wines are created using traditional cultivars of the highest quality; producing distinctive vintages that reflect the passion and enthusiasm of the dedicated wine making team. Those compiling their itineraries should bear in mind that a visit to this estate is bound to take longer than expected. Recently refurbished, Grande Provence now offers discerning guests a range of delightful diversions, including The Owner’s Cottage, The Restaurant, The Winery, The Jonkershuis and The Gallery – so you can see how this can turn into quite a lengthy visit.
La Petite Ferme: La Petite Ferme (“the little farm”) is situated high-up on the Franschhoek Mountain pass, overlooking the vineyards and the valley below. Fantastic views, warm hospitality and a cosy atmosphere along with attentive service has gone a long way in establishing the on-site restaurant as one of the most popular lunch-time destinations in the Winelands. Situated on a working wine farm, the winelist features the award winning wines from the La Petite Ferme winery - one of the most exclusive in the country, as well as a selection from the Franschhoek valley.
And there you have it, a little taste of what Franschhoek, South Africa has to offer. Itching to get going yet? Then what are you waiting for? Hop on the phone, book a ticket, secure some sumptuous Franschhoek accommodation and be on your way. Just imagine, instead of reading about it, you can actually be sitting on a broad Boland stoep, gazing at the sunset and sipping a glass of carefully crafted Franschhoek wine – utter bliss…
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