Hailed as the ‘gourmet capital’ of South Africa, the Franschhoek Wine Valley packs an oh-so-pleasant punch on the palate. With award-winning restaurants and over 50 wineries peppered throughout the village and its surrounds, Franschhoek has something to please even the pickiest gourmand. 

For organic farm-to-table dining, head to Babylonstoren where all the ingredients have been plucked straight from their sprawling garden. Sample the local salmon trout at La Petite Ferme, or enjoy a picnic on the Holden Manz Wine Estate.

But what’s good food without fine wine? The serendipitous combination of the valley’s Mediterranean-like climate and 300-year-old wine-making tradition has given rise to several internationally acclaimed wine estates. Semillon, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon are the signature cultivars, but the valley’s Methode Cap Classique wines (South African sparkling wines made in the traditional champagne-style) are also equally unmissable. In fact, a total of 18 Franschhoek wineries produce MCC – enough to create a Cap Classique Route. For a unique wine tour, hop on and off the Franschhoek Wine Tram or explore the valley’s wineries on horseback.

Franschhoek Wine Valley Highlights

  • Dubbed the ‘food-and-wine capital’ of South Africa, with several award-winning restaurants and over 50 wineries
  • Hop on and off the Franschhoek Wine Tram as it chugs from one farm to the next
  • Be sure to taste (and buy) the valley’s signature cultivars: Semillon, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon
  • The Cap Classique Route, where you can sample sparkling wine from 18 estates

Best time to go
Franschhoek Wine Valley

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting the Franschhoek Wine Valley.

  • It's very easy. Coming from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek's main towns are about one hour's drive from Central Cape Town and about 30 mins from the Airport. We recommend renting a car in this area, as it is the easiest and most convenient way to explore the area. Alternatively, we can suggest transfer services in this area too.

  • The Winelands is pretty much a year-round destination, with each season having something special to offer. In wintertime, it's cosy with fireplaces and warm comfortable settings. In summer, you have fantastic weather and crisp clear skies. During autumn you have dramatic scenery with vivid colours of orange and red.

  • It would be ideal to have 2-3 nights as this would allow you to explore the area thoroughly and at a relaxed pace. This is the magic of the Winelands, you can relax on a wine estate for hours, and easily lose track of time.

  • While much of the attraction of the Cape Winelands resides in the region’s delectable cuisine and drool-worthy wines, there is also a range of activities to pair with the experience.

    Ballooning in Paarl

    The Paarl Wine Valley is primarily known for its noble red wines. A little known secret is that they pair wonderfully with a morning hot air balloon ride across the Winelands if the weather is on your side. You don’t want anything less than the perfect day when attached to a giant balloon!

    Franschhoek Wine Tram

    For the best way to get between wine tastings, look no further than the Franschhoek Wine Tram! Between the charming old-fashioned open-side tram and the open-air tram bus, guests can take in the mountainous scenery at their leisure while going through a loop of wine stops that include excellent dining options. Tickets include two complimentary tastings, and you can hop on and off as you please.

    A Historical Tour of Stellenbosch

    The town of Stellenbosch offers a delightfully sophisticated blend of history and first-class wine. Before plotting your preferred route of vineyards dotting the surrounding slopes, you may wish to embark on a walking tour, the best way to take in the second oldest European settlement in the country.

    A Bit of Hike in Constantia

    Although it is unlikely you will need to work up an appetite for wines from one of the world’s best winegrowing regions, you may wish to take a detour into the magical leafy seclusion of the Constantia Green Belt. Nine trails weave and interlink among creeper adorned trees and lances of light breaching the canopy above—a rare treat so close to a city centre!

    A tour of the treetops in Elgin

    Just an hour from Cape Town and reached via a scenic drive along the N2 that climbs Sir Lowry’s Pass before descending into a fertile valley of vineyards and orchards, Elgin is still a relatively well-kept secret. You can soar with the eagles via the Cape Canopy Tour zip lining experience and then settle down with a glass of something splendid.

Some more useful Franschhoek Wine Valley Travel Tips