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Where the French came to make vino
The Franschhoek winelands
The Franschhoek winelands' vineyards.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Franschhoek is considered to be the culinary capital of South Africa.
The Franschhoek winelands are where some of South Africa's best wines are produced. At its heart is Franschhoek (French Corner), which many consider to be the most beautiful small town in the country.
It is here that many of the Huguenot religious refugees chose to settle in the late 1680s and lay out the first winelands in Franschhoek. They had fled France in 1685 after King Louis XIV outlawed Protestantism.
While they dispersed to many parts of the world, a large number were recruited to come to the Cape because of their wine growing expertise. Though they became absorbed into the Dutch and Afrikaans culture, many of the Franschhoek wine estates reflect their origin with names like Haute Cabriere, Chamonix, La Motte and Lormarins.
The Franschhoek winelands has more than 40 wine farms, many of which belong to the Vignerons de Franschhoek wine route. These offer a superb variety of wines, both red and white.
Then there are the valley's signature methode Cap Classique sparkling wines. And the harvest of the Franschhoek winelands is celebrated with the Franschhoek Oesfees - a festival of food, wine and music held in April at Solms-Delta Wine Estate.
Food also brings many people to the town, especially the award-winning Reuben's and The Tasting Room at the five-star Le Quartier Francais. Margot Janse, executive chef of The Tasting Room, was honoured as Wine magazines Best Chef in South Africa in 2004 and won the inaugural Rising Chef Trophy at the 2006 Relais & Chateaux congress in Monaco. And the beautiful Le Quartier Francais has many accolades, including Tatler magazine's World's Best Small Hotel 2005.
Complementing the food and wine are an intimate theatre and the Huguenot Monument for heritage buffs. For the more active there are hiking trails, horse riding, fly fishing, golfing and paragliding.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association
Tel: +27 21 876 3603
Email: info@franschhoek.org.za
Website: www.franschhoek.org.za
How to get here
Franschhoek is easily accessible by road and some of the scenic drives are spectacular.
Around the area
Drive the Vignerons de Franschhoek wine route, which is a great way to see the area. There are also scenic drives and the beautiful town to explore.
Get around
Franschhoek itself is small enough to walk around but you will need a car to visit some of the outlying wine estates. If you feeling fit you may want to ride a bike.
Length of stay
At least a few days, especially if you plan on trying as much wine and food as possible. It's well worth it.
What to pack
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes. In summer it is very hot so dress lightly. Winters can be cold and wet, so warm clothes and an umbrella.
Where to stay
Franschhoek has numerous high-quality establishments including some of South Africa's best boutique hotels.
What to eat
There are many exceptional restaurants in the town and on most of the wine estates. It's hard to pick favourites but Reuben's, The Tasting Room and Topsi and Co are among the best in the country.
What's happening
There's a fabulous walking trail in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve nearby.
Best buys
Wine, of course.