Franschhoek wine region
Breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, SA’s gourmet capital, fine wines, distinctive artists, and a small village atmosphere. These are the hallmarks of the picturesque Franschhoek, situated in the heart of the winelands. The valley was originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenot refugees who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture.
Most of the Huguenots who settled in the area were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Olifantshoek (‚Elephant’s Corner’), so named due to the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. The name soon changed to Franschhoek, with many of the settlers naming their acquired farms after the areas in from which they came.
WINERIES
PLACES TO EAT
Franschhoek, the gastronomical capital of South Africa, takes food seriously and boasts a number of award-winning restaurants.Leading chefs create everything from cutting-edge cuisine to stylish light meals using the freshest produce of the valley paired with magnificent local wines. After experiencing the exceptional cuisine in Franschhoek you will fall head over heels in love with it and will find yourself going back for more.
For further information visit www.franschhoek.org.za.
- Bouillabaisse; 38 Main Road;Tel 021 876 4430.
- Boschendal; Boschendal Estate, R310; Tel 021 870 4274; www.boschendalrestaurants.co.za.
- Bread and Wine;Môreson Estate, Happy Valley Road; Tel 021 876 3692; www.moreson.co.za.
- The Common Room;Le Quartier Français, 16 Huguenot Road;Tel 021 876 2151; www.lequartier.co.za
- Cotage Fromage, Vrede en Lust; Tel 021 874 3991;www.vnl.co.za/restaurant.
- Dutch East;42 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek; Tel 021 876 3547; www.dutcheast.co.za.
- Fyndraai;Solms-Delta Estate, R45; Tel 021 874 3937; www.solms-delta.co.za/restaurant.
- Grande Provence;Grande Provence Estate, R45; Tel 021 876 8600;www.grandeprovence.co.za.
- The Grill Room;Huguenot Street,9 Heritage Square;Tel 021 876 2548; www.thegrillroom.co.za
- Haute Cabrière;Haute Cabriere Estate, Franschhoek Pass; Tel 021 876 3688; www.hautecabriere.com.
- La Petite Ferme; Franschhoek Pass Road;Tel 021 876 3016;www.lapetiteferme.co.za.
- Le Bon Vivant; 22 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek; Tel 021 876 2717; www.lebonvivant.co.za.
- Le Verger;Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Road; Tel 021 876 8900; www.lefranschhoek.co.za.
- Mange Tout, Mont Rochelle Winery, Dassenberg Road; Tel 021876-2770;www.montrochelle.co.za.
- Monneaux; Franschhoek Country Hosue; Tel 021 876 3386;www.fch.co.za/monneaux-restaurant.
- Pierneef a La Motte; La Motte Estate, R45; Tel 021 876 8800; www.la-motte.com.
- Reuben’s;19 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek; Tel 021 876 3772; www.reubens.co.za.
- SalmonBar;The Yard, 38 Huguenot Road; Tel 021 876 4591;www.salmonbar.com.
- The Country Kitchen;Mont Rochelle Winery, Dassenberg Road; Tel 021 876 2770; www.montrochelle.co.za.
- The Tasting Room,Le Quartier Français, 16 Huguenot Road; Tel 021 876 2151; www.lequartier.co.za.
- Topsi & Co; 7 Reservoir Street West;Tel 021 876 2952.
PLACES TO STAY
The Franschhoek Valley will wrap you in the folds of its mountains and vineyards and gently lull you to sleep in any of the varied accom- modation establishments where the most charming rooms, snug- gest blankets and superior service are de rigeur. The area lists over 100 establishments offering accommodation.
For further info visit www.franschhoek.org.za and be spoilt for choice.
WHAT ELSE TO DO
- The Bastille Festivaltakes places every year in July and has a food and wine marquee open from 12 noon until 17:00, where visitors can sample fine wines from some of Franschhoek’s award-winning wine estates and indulge in mouth-watering dishes created by the valley’s highly acclaimed chefs. Not to be missed is the festival’s comprehensive sporting element featuring the usual, popular traditions and activities of boules, Franschhoek minstrel parade, a barrel-rolling contest and a waiters’ race.A farmers’ market, French Corner Market, musicians and children’s activities are also included in the line-up of celebrations.
Visitwww.franschhoekbastille.co.za for more information.
- The Uncorked Festivaltakes place in September every year and consists of a multi-faceted wine meander which takes place on satellite farms throughout the valley, and affords award-winningwineries, as well as the smaller hidden gems, the opportunity to bloom as they showcase new vintages and releases, coinciding with the onset of spring.
Visitfranschhoek.org.za/festivals for more information.
- Cap Classique & Champagne Festivaltakes place during the first weekend in December every year and bubbly enthusiasts flock to taste local and international sparkling wines. Several estates also host their own event days, including harvest festivals and a cheese festival.
Visitfranschhoek.org.za/festivalsfor more information.
- Take a hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, situated to the east of the town and featuring spectacular mountain peaksand wild kloofs. Permits required. Tel 021 876 4792.
- Other exciting activities include cycling, golf, hiking, mountain-bike adventures, spa visits, trout fishing and wine tasting on horseback.
For further information visit www.franschhoek.org.za.
CONTACTS
Franschhoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association
Tel 021876-2861, info@franschhoek.org.za,www.franschhoek.org.za
Vignerons de Franschhoek
Tel 021876-3062, franschhoek@wine.co.za www.franschhoekwines.co.za
MAPS
Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek West
Download map
Franschhoek Central & South, Robertsvlei, Franschhoek Pass
Download map
Tagged Wine Districts & Maps, Wine Route Maps
10 quirky things to do in Franschhoek | Getaway Travel BlogSeptember 26, 2012 at 11:44 am
[...] Paradise Stables offer both wine tasting on horseback and non-wine tasting horseback rides. So if you went on a wine tasting binge the day before, this might just be what you’re looking to do. Take a scenic ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Franschhoek. The trails last for one hour and cost R200 a person. Website: www.paradisestables.co.za Tel: 021-876-2160 For a wide range of accommodation options in Franschhoek, visit Getaway Accommodation. For a guide to the Franschhoek wine region, visit winemag.co.za [...]
A feast for the palate at Haute Cabrière in Franschhoek | Getaway Travel BlogAugust 24, 2012 at 2:32 pm
[...] Jourdan was one of the first French Huguenot wine makers to land himself a piece of soil in the Franschhoek Valley, and Haute Cabrière’s wine makers still produce these, very sought after, [...]