Franschhoek

Touring wineries and grazing South Africa’s best food are the primary reasons for visiting Franschhoek. Stay a little longer and you’ll find plenty more to enjoy around this idyllic village. Hike the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve trails, cycle through stunning scenery, and get active on a mountain bike or downhill scooter.

Learn the secrets of chocolate making at Huguenot Fine Chocolates with, of course, a tasting. Discover the tales of French refugees who brought grape plants to South Africa at the Huguenot Memorial Museum. Take a trip through the story of cars from the first factory Fords to today’s F1 racers at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. If you’re in town on Saturday morning, browse the stalls of The Franschhoek Village Market. Any other time? Indulge in an artisanal picnic at Boschendal.

How do you get between wineries without driving? That’s the puzzle every wine region faces and Franschhoek has solved it beautifully. Leave your logistical worries behind as Franschhoek Wine Tram’s ten hop-on hop-off routes each visit up to nine top estates and cellar doors. Wherever a line doesn’t extend to a listed destination, an open-air bus takes over to complete the journey in comfort.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure availability but the itinerary on the day is entirely in your hands. All journeys come complete with narrated tales of the valley’s grape-growing history and tram staff will even take care of purchases you make along the way. Cycling between vineyards is also possible for those who like to mix their tastings with a little exercise.

Between the eateries which line Main Road and the restaurants featured at every winery, Franschhoek is a foodie paradise to rival anywhere in South Africa. Choose multi-award winning fine-dining at La Petite Colombe, creative classics at Arkeste, or flavour-packed fusion at Epice. Try a refined country menu in Chefs Warehouse at Maison, a farm-style buffet at Klein Goederust, or some laidback gourmet at Reubens.

Franschhoek’s food scene is constantly evolving but there’s always something delicious waiting at the end of your fork to complement the wines which make the region so famous. For the taste tour alone, it's worth staying an extra night, or two.

Franschhoek and the South African Winelands are a year-round destination with vineyards open throughout every season. Summer, from September to April is the warmest and driest period with temperatures often approaching 30°C and rainfall at a minimum. Peak season is November to February so flexible travellers may choose to travel outside these months for a quieter experience and more availability at restaurants, estates, and on the Wine Tram.

Temperatures are cooler from May to August and showers or storms are to be expected but daytime temperatures can still reach 20°C during any month. Packing layers is recommended to keep the chill off at night, particularly during the winter months.