The Valley of the Huguenots in Franschhoek is one of the premier wine destinations in the world. It's a beautiful and sought-after addition to your Cape Winelands weekend getaway.
If you're planning to visit South Africa's little French Corner, you'll be astounded by its natural beauty but also the depth of the region's French Huguenot heritage. This winelands town is ripe with events, markets and wine farms for you to explore - at any given time of the year.
And like its Cape Winelands sister Stellenbosch, the options are extensive. We've curated 20 of the top wine tasting experiences in Franschhoek for you to start with. Take a
1. Anthonij Rupert Wines
The Rupert heritage portfolio, originally founded on L’Ormarins in Franschhoek, extends across a number of dedicated properties in some of South Africa’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions.
For those who want to savour the best of the best, try one of the beautifully appointed tasting rooms each offering its own unique experience. The Terra del Capo Tasting Room and Antipasti Bar, inspired by the range of Italian wines of the same name, is food orientated. Pair the wines on offer with a seasonal antipasti style menu. At the Anthonij Rupert Tasting room, expect a more formal tasting its premium wine brands.
Insider Secret... Enjoy a bespoke high-tea experience at the Anthonij Rupert Tasting room. It includes a selection of sweet and savoury items freshly baked, with new treats added seasonally. The cost includes a Premier Cru tea OR an Artisanal Coffee OR a glass of L’Ormarins Brut NV. High tea service is unfortunately not available on Sundays and Mondays. Booking is essential.
Wine tasting times:
Terra del Capo Tasting Room: Tuesdays to Sundays 10h00 to 16h30.
Closed: Mondays, Good Friday and Christmas day. Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room: Mondays to Saturdays 10h00 to 16h30.
Closed: Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas day.
Address: R45 wine route, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 874 9004
Email: [email protected]
2. Boekenhoutskloof
Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). In 1993 the farm and homestead were bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier. Their portfolio includes the Chocolate Block, The Wolftrap and porcupine ridge wine labels.
BoekenhoutskloofIook is a founding member of the Franschhoek Mountain conservancy. Its biodiversity projects to clear invasive alien plants from the farm has seen the restoration of the sensitive riverine area, as well as the re-introduction of various protea species.
This has led to the discovery of a rare Erica called Erica Lerouxiae completely unique to the farm and a neighbouring property.
Wine tasting times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11h00 (excluding Public Holidays) limited to 10 guests. Hosted by the winemaker via prior Dineplan appointment only.
Address: Excelsior Rd, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 3320
Email: [email protected]
3. Babylonstoren Wine Estate
Tranquillity and beauty surround you at Babylonstoren, with its fruit and vegetable gardens, unique accommodation and exquisite food and wine pairings. At every turn this farm seems to evoke a sense of wellbeing.
It first bottling took place in 2011, led by cellar master Charl Coetzee and winemaker Klaas Stoffberg. Currently Babylonstoren has some 94 hectares under vine and produces 13 different grape varieties,
Its restaurant Babel has always been guided by what is available in its garden and is widely recognised for its farm-to-fork philosophy.
Insider Secret... Book a cellar Tours which now also includes a visit to their new wine tunnel, offering guests a journey through centuries of making and storing wine. This experience ends off with a tasting around a large wooden table, with accompaniments served to complement each wine to perfection.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00; Cellar tours at 10h00, 13h00 or 16h00 (duration 90 minutes). Booking is essential
Address: Klapmuts, Simondium Rd, Simondium.
Tel: 021 863 3852
Email: [email protected]
4. Boschendal Wine Estate
Boschendal Wine Estate is at its heart a working farm is. Working in concert with nature, the farm is all about regeneration and sustainability.
Offering an array of authentic culinary experiences, this is soil-to-fork food that celebrates the Franschhoek Wine Valley.
Its Cellar Door Wine Tasting Centre extends under the oak trees where guests can enjoy a wide variety of Boschendal’s finest wines. There are also delicious platters to enjoy alongside your tasting.
Spend your weekend surrounded by the lush greenery and magnificent mountain views of this farm by overnighting in one of the luxury accommodation stays
Insider Secret... Boschendal runs a stunning programme for its younger visitors known as the Tree House. It is focused on eco-farm activities and includes hands-on introductions to making fires, composting, recycling, foraging to getting to know the farm animals. Geared especially for kids aged 4 to 14 years.
Wine tasting times:
The Cellar Door Wine Tasting Centre is open on Saturday and Sundays. 10h00 – 17h00. Werf tastings Monday to Sunday 08h00 to 17h00. Last seating is at 16h00 for both.
Address: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek
Tel: 021 870 4293
Email: [email protected]
5. Charmonix Wine Farm
A visit to Chamonix offers a true introduction to the winelands delights in the Franschhoek valley, blending the area's unspoiled .
A working wine farm with a history stretching back nearly 350 years, you'll experience your wine tasting in "The Blacksmith's Cottage", built in the late 18th Century.
German-born entrepreneur and adventurer Chris Hellinger bought the farm about two decades ago and has transformed the estate to offer visitors a host of culinary and recreational options in spectacular surroundings - including a cellar tour to see where it all happens.
Insider Secret... You can follow-up your wine tasting experience with a Game Drive showcasing Chamonix’s magnificent wildlife such as zebra, ostrich, wildebeest, springbok. The wildlife experience is available all year through but booking is essential.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
Address: 40 Uitkyk St, Franschhoek
Tel: 021 876 8426
Email: [email protected]
6. Eikehof Wine Estate
Described as a hidden gem of the Franschhoek Valley, Eikehof has belonged to the Malherbe family since 1903. Its vineyard stretches over a 23 hectares is dotted with old oak trees, from which it takes its name, also peach orchards.
This farm is renowned for having the oldest block of Semillon bush vines in South Africa and specialises in 6 varietals which include a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Inside Secret...With over 120 years of wine Heritage, Francois Malherbe is the 4th generation of winemakers to make wines in the very cellar that his great-grandfather did.
Wine tasting times
Mondays to Saturdays 10h00 to 16h00. Sundays 11h00 to 16h00 Address: Eikehof Wines, La-Motte, R45, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 2469
Email: eikehof.com/contact-us
7. Glenwoord Wine Estate
GlenWood is located in the centuries old Robertsvlei Valley, near Franschhoek. In 1984 the valley was subdivided in to four farms, with Glenwood established across 52hectares in an area indigenous Cape Fynbos, as well as the Cape Leopard.
Built from scratch, it has become a modern-day success story with Chardonnay as its flagship cultivar and achieving numerous awards including Platter 5 stars.
Their Vine to Bottle Tour allows you to combine your wine tasting with a walking tour of the vineyards followed by a visit to the cellar to learn the whole process of wine making. Glenwood has also become known for its sushi restaurant, open since 2020, and having received numerous accolades.
Insider Secret... Glenwood offers a bespoke Nature's Window tasting experience for group of eight or more. You'll take a short walk through diverse fynbos to Glenwood’s tasting room in the mountain with its panoramic views of the Robertsvlei Valley and the surrounding area. Booking is essential.
Wine tasting times
Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 -16:00.
Address: Robertsvlei Rd, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 2044
Email: [email protected]
8. Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
A noble estate, with a decadent backstory beautifully woven into every detail from the entrance of this estate through to its boutique accommodation offering.
Owner Alex van Heeren purchased the property in 1984, he commissioned Virginia Fisher to create an interior to complement and enhance this extraordinarily beautiful location.
Grande Provence offers a variety of unique wine blending experiences for guests to enjoy. A wine Ambassador will guide you through the process as guests create a beautiful memento to take home with them.
Insider Secret... You can arrange two groups to have a bottling competition at Grande Provence. The winning group will each receive a bottle of their wine blend. The rest of the group will take home a bottle of Angels Tears wine.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday 09h30 - 17h30
Address: Main Road, Franschhoek
Tel: 021 876 8600
Email: [email protected]
9. Haute Cabriere
Haute Cabriere has been artfully harnessing the unique terroir for centuries. French Huguenot, Pierre Jourdan established the farm in 1694. The estate was most recently bought in 1982 by the current owners, the Von Arnim family.
They ensured the French tradition continues to run deep here, upholding the Champagne Valley of France custom which dictates that champagne created from the vines of the land is named after the landowner. The estate's MCC, Pierre Jourdan remains the perfect ode to the original owner in South Africa’s ‘French Corner’.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 - 17h00
Address: info@Cabrière.co.za
Tel: 021 876 8500
Email: info@Cabrière.co.za
10. Holden Manz Wine Estate
Set along the beautiful Franschhoek River, this boutique winery set across 22 hectares only cultivates its top 16 hectares under vineyards, notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot.
Winemaker Thierry Haberer, has been making wine around the world and has worked at other exceptional estates including Anthonij Rupert Cellar (South Africa), Rudd Estate (Napa Valley, USA) and Katerzina Estate (Bulgaria). Holden Manz's range of award-winning Wines strongly reflects the unique terroir and this state-of-the-art winery.
Their restaurant is also open to host functions of 10 pax minimum for elegant birthday celebrations, anniversaries and private, intimate functions.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday 09h00 - 17h00 Saturday 09h00 - 18h00 Sunday 09h00 -17h00
Address: 3 Green Valley Rd, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 2378
Email: [email protected]
11. La Bri Estate
La Bri's renaissance began with the 2008 harvest, the first to be crushed in the new, modern 120 tonne cellar on the Estate.
This estate is focused on producing limited volumes of superior quality, elegant wines and employs a unique circular design to protect and preserve the fruit’s freshness before it is processed.
A rage of grape varieties from Cabernet sauvignon to Viognier are grown across its 15 hectares of vineyards, with its diverse soil types from sandy loam to deep and rich alluvial soils.
Insider Secret... Each La Bri wine has its own Cape flower on the label. For example its Chardonnay features a Clivia miniata (Yellow Clivia), while the Viognier features Ixia viridiflora (Green Ixia). The only exception is the Syrah, which features Herbae (Herbs).
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday: 10h00 - 17h00. Weekends & Public Holidays: 10h00 - 16h00
Address: La Bri Estate, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 2593
Email: [email protected]
12. La Motte Wine Estate
La Motte will resonate with nature, art and wine lovers alike.
It's easy to spend the day enjoying the finer things in the Franschhoek Valley, with La Motte picturesque setting and historic charm.
Tastings of La Motte's wide range of award-winning wines are usually enjoyed amidst original works of art by acclaimed South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, after whom La Motte’s Pierneef Collection of premium wines is named.
The estate is constantly in a state of reinvention and is currently undergoing major renovations. La Motte Tasting Room will relocate to the Historic Red Wine Cellar on the estate from 1 September 2022.
La Motte Restaurant will be closed from 18 April 2022 and only reopening in 2023. La Motte Museum and La Motte Farm Shop will be closed from 1 September 2022, only reopening in 2023.
Insider Secret... La Motte regularly arranges curated events to combine the best of its cuisine and art offering on the estate. It even arranges special hikes combined with a lunch and wine tasting experience. However, due to the current renovations, these have been put on hold.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Saturday: 09h00 – 17h00. Closed on Christian Religious public holidays.
Address: La Motte, R45, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 8000
Email: [email protected]
13. La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme prides itself on being a small and intimate boutique style cellar. The winery offers a full range of wines which includes red, white, rosé and Method Cap Classique.
Each wine delivers on the promise of being an exceptional example of what the Franschhoek terroir has to offer. Bringing forward a perfect balance of wine making skill and farm management. Take in the atmosphere while experiencing some of the best handcrafted wines the valley has to offer. You can also join us for a cellar tour by appointment.
Wine tasting times:
10h30 and 15h15 on selected dates only. Pre-booking required.
Address: Pass Road, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 3016
Email: [email protected]
14. Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards
A popular wine estate for a family-friendly weekend in the Winelands town of Franschhoek.
This vineyard sets itself apart with sociable tasting facilities, a versatile food offering in the form of rotisserie lunches, cooking demonstrations, food and wine pairings as well as the South African table lunches. There is also a resident patisserie bakery offering farm-baked breads, pastries, cakes and take-home meals are also available. Prepare your palate for a decadent experience.
Insider Secret... Being the sister vineyard to La Motte, you can expect the same exceptional quality at an affordable value.
Wine tasting times:
Tuesday to Saturday: 09h00 – 17h00. Sundays: 11:00-17:00.Closed on Christian religious holidays. Booking essential.
Address: R45 Main Rd, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 8002
Email: [email protected]
15. Maison Wine Estate
As the winelands home of the Weylandts family, this estate visit is about celebrating slow, relaxed living and combining it with the beauty of contemporary design.
Its appeal lies in its range of award-winning wines, as well as the stylish amenities which include Chefs Warehouse at Maison, a fresh deli and its The Tasting Room. Enjoy your wine tastings before a meal or order appetisers like oysters, charcuterie or cheese boards to combine the experience.
You could also opt to stay on the estate in what feels like staying on your own private wine farm.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 – 17h00, including all Public Holidays. Reservations are strongly advised.
Address: R45, Franschhoek, Cape Town, 7690
Tel: 021 876 2116.
Email: [email protected]
16. Mont Rochelle Wine and Vineyards
Famously known as Sir Richard Branson's stunning luxury hotel and vineyard. Mont Rochelle was purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 2014 and underwent an extensive period of refurbishment as part of the exclusive Virgin Limited Edition collection which includes Necker Island and Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands.
Mont Rochelle has become known for the cultivation and complexity of various grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The grounds at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares, offering a delightful setting for picture perfect picnicking. Wine tasting at Mont Rochelle wine cellar isn't just a special event, it’s an everyday occurrence. Your tasting can be arranged at a variety of locations, including at Miko restaurant, the Country Kitchen bar and in their wine cellar.
Insider Secret... Wine enthusiasts will be in heaven at Mont Rochelle. Checking in gives you access to a dip in the outdoor swimming pool and access to their in-house spa with its indulgent spa treatment.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 – 18h00. Booking is essential.
Address: Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 2770
Email: [email protected]
17. Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines has an exciting wine legacy, established across the Swartland and Franschhoek. The parallel winery in Franschhoek called Leeu Passant is located on Leeu Estates, which also is the home Analjit’s hospitality portfolio, the Leeu Collection.
The Wine Studio was designed by eminent Spanish Architect, Tomeu Esteva, who wanted to create the ultimate environment in which to taste fine wines.
Wine tasting times:
10h00 – 17h00. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Maximum Group of 12 people. Booking essential.
Address: Leeu Estates Dassenberg Road Franschhoek
Tel: 021 569 3010
Email: [email protected]
18. Rupert and Rothechild
When Dr Anton Rupert and Baron Edmond de Rothschild, two long-time devotees of the world of wine, came together in 2007 something rather exceptional was began.
The prestigious pair have created a legacy crafting wines of superior quality. Inspired by the highly restrained Bordeaux approach to winemaking, this wine estate focuses on perfecting just three outstanding wines. This includes the Chardonnay varietal, a Merlot-driven blend and a classic Bordeaux blend.
The Rupert & Rothschild tasting centre encapsulates understated elegance with custom-made French oak furniture and a selection of artworks from the Rupert Museum. Perfect for a tasting journey to experience their three distinctive South African wines – the Baroness Nadine Chardonnay, Classique and Baron Edmond – as well as the Rupert & Rothschild Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
The Restaurant on the estate is also open for intimate lunches and private celebrations.
Insider Secret... Tastings can be expanded to include a selection of international wines, including Champagne Barons de Rothschild from France’s Champagne region, and a selection of wines brought in from the Rothschild family’s premier estates in France, Argentina, New Zealand and Spain.
Wine tasting times:
Monday - Friday: 10h00 - 16h30. Saturday - Sunday : 10h00 - 16h00. Closed on Christian religious holidays. Children over the age of 12 years welcome. Booking is essential.
Address: Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Simondium.
Tel: 021 874 1648
Email: [email protected]
19. Topiary Wine
Originally a fruit farm called La Tramontane, it was transformed into Topiary when the previous owner built a cellar and a tasting room. In August 2014, acclaimed Burgundy producer Philippe Colin (also one of the guardians of the famous Colin-Deléger vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet) became enchanted with the 64-hectare farm, and purchased the estate.
Topiary' offers a stunning tasting room complete with fireplace for the ideal winter escape, while its expansive lawn is perfect for warm summer days. Extend your stay by booking one of the self-catering cottages, complete with swimming pool to cool-off.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00. SAT to SUN 10:00-17:00
Address: Topiary Rd, Wemmershoek, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 867 0258
Email: [email protected]
20. Vrede en Lust Winery
Run by the buys family, this wine estate is all about savouring the best of the winelands. Vrede en Lust had always been a wine farm and current vineyards reflect the plantings of 1745. Since becoming owners in 1996, the Buys family vision has always been about resurrection, eventually purchasing neighbouring properties and restoring the farm's original borders. All the heritage buildings on the estate have also been revived and restored. The winery has also seen modern reinvention, with the extension of a 750-ton wine cellar with a bustling tasting room, 100ha of vineyards, LUST Bistro & Bakery, a 21-room accommodation and conference facility.
This estate is also a sought-after wedding venue in the winelands.
Insider Secret... Vrede and Lust hosts a full harvest festival experience, from picking and crushing the grapes. It's something special to try, if you've not celebrated harvest time in the winelands before.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday – 10h00 to 17h00 (last tastings @ 16:30). 24 December – 10h00 to 15h00. 31 December – 10h00 to 15h00. open on all public holidays except Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Address: Intersection R45 and Simondium-Klapmuts Roads, Franschhoek Wine Route, Simondium.
Tel: 021 874 1611
Email: [email protected]