Franschhoek wine route: French heritage and culinary mecca

Franschhoek is especially celebrated for two things: it is the “French Corner” of South Africa, and it is widely considered the country’s Culinary Capital. It should come as no surprise then that a visit to the Franschhoek wine route will be a memorable experience combining French art-de-vivre, delicious, innovative cuisine and superb wines.

Our local experts can organize a tailor-made Franschhoek wine program to ensure you get to see (and enjoy!) both “sides” of the city: the French heritage dating back to the founding Huguenot settlers (1694) when the area was still known as Olifantshoek – Elephant’s, rather than French, Corner; and its well-deserved epicurean fame.

Experience a private visit to a Franschhoek wine farm and indulge in a comparative Shiraz tasting and al fresco gourmet lunch; in another, relax on a sunny terrace while sipping on a glass of Method Cap Classique (MCC), South Africa’s excellent sparkling wine. Enjoy more bubbles with lunch at the estate’s restaurant, overlooking the cathedral-like cellar. For those with an environmental inclination, you can visit another Franschhoek wine estate committed to preserving the environment, that has been rewarded with membership to the Biodiversity of Wine Initiative. Here, you can go on a winelands game drive after an informative MCC tasting.

Franschhoek wine route

Down the Franschhoek wine route you will learn about the French Huguenot settlers, enjoy the beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture and sculptures, taste local charcuterie -you can’t leave without having tried biltong!- an award-winning local wines and even on board a hop-on/hop-off wine tram, which is an original and fun way to get to some of the most representative Franschhoek wineries.

With so much to learn about and enjoy, the best way to make the most of a trip to the culinary capital of South Africa is to plan a customized Franschhoek wine tour: leave the organization in the knowledgeable hands of our local experts and get their help planning the bespoke wine holiday of a lifetime!

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