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Experiences

What to do in The Franschhoek Valley

Food and wine are the lifebloods of the Cape Winelands and with hundreds of pristine vineyards and glossy restaurants to choose from, you’ll never (ever) want for something delicious. For true wine aficionados, book a wine tour with a specialised guide who will tailor your trip entirely to your tastebuds and take you to the hidden spots the guidebooks don’t mention. Otherwise, book a table somewhere fabulous and settle in for an afternoon of wine tasting and five-star food – or do a combination of both. Also look out for specialised pairings – wine and chocolate, cheese or biltong are favourites – and Methode Cap Classique tastings, South Africa’s answer to champagne. For something a little different, Franschhoek’s wine tram is a quirky way to explore a selection of the most iconic wineries, or you may prefer to saddle up – bikes and horses are on offer – and explore at a slower pace. Beyond the grapes, hikers will enjoy the stunning scenery and trails of Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek) and Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch), whilst in Elgin you may ‘zip’ along a series of wires amongst the trees and ‘sip’ wine as you go. Or simply enjoy a meander amongst the cafes, art galleries and boutiques of these little towns – that’s what a holiday is about after all!

Explore Franschhoek's vineyards by tram

Bar from the cute cafes and old-fashioned style, Franschhoek's charm is cemented with a trip on the wine tram. Pick your route and simply jump on in the centre of town to enjoy a scenic ride through the valleys of lush vineyards. Along the way, the tram makes stops at some of South Africa's oldest and most well-known estates. Take a tour of the cellar, join a wine tasting or stroll through the rows of vines before grabbing a bite to eat. For a novel way of seeing Franschhoek's finest wine estates, the tram is your answer. And you'll pick up history of the Winelands along the way.
Explore Franschhoek's vineyards by tram

Have a family day out in Franschhoek

Enjoy glass blowing, chocolate tastings, cheese and grape juice pairings – and a few extras for the adults – on this family day in the Winelands.
It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!
Have a family day out in Franschhoek

A wine tasting tour of Franschhoek's wine farms

Franschhoek and the Winelands surrounding Cape Town are world renowned for their stunning wines. And there’s no better time to explore these valleys and vineyards than the beginning of summer. Wine is the lifeblood of Franschhoek and there's plenty of choice when it comes down to touring a wine estate, from refurbished manor cellars overlooking rolling valleys to quirkily-designed tasting rooms. Jump in the car and see where you end up or join your guide for a well-planned day out in the Winelands. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine making process before enjoying a taste of the full-bodied reds the area is famous for (and delicious food to accompany it)!
A wine tasting tour of Franschhoek's wine farms

Explore the Franschhoek vineyards on horseback

Ride through the Cape Winelands atop your trusty stead, wine-tasting and scenery-gazing as you go.
In the morning, you’ll meet your four-legged companion and stride out on a guided ride around the vineyards and estates of the Franschhoek region. With the wind in your hair and the sweet smell of the flora in the air, there’s no better way to experience the beautiful countryside. You'll have a choice of horses and routes to suit your riding level, from fast-paced gallops along mountain passes to lingering walks through the orchards. You'll have worked up an appetite and after lunch in Franschhoek, you'll have the chance to sample the area's finest wines. Bottoms up! If you're visiting in the warmer months (October to March), book a sunset ride when the Winelands are bathed in gold.
Explore the Franschhoek vineyards on horseback

Safari and Wine: the ultimate Combo

Combine the wine and culinary delights of the Cape Winelands with a superb safari and wildlife experience.
The day gets off to a wild and wonderful start at the 220-hectare Villiera Nature Sanctuary, where you’ll game drive amongst giraffe, zebra, springbok and other iconic African wildlife. An MCC (sparkling wine) tasting is up next, paired with a selection of handcrafted chocolates, which might help ease the nerves for your next activity: a meeting with the rare birds of Eagle Encounters, a rehabilitation and conservation centre, and a thrilling visit to a crocodile farm. There’s another wine tasting in there too – just in case!
Safari and Wine: the ultimate Combo

Try cheese and wine pairing in Franschhoek

Pairing cheese with wine has long been a great way of highlighting the flavours and aromas of the grapes and in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, you’re in for a real treat in both taste departments! You’ll visit a variety of wine estates that either make their own cheese or have specially chosen locally-made fromage. Enjoy a memorable day learning the art of a good cheese and wine duo, combining the best of South Africa's wines with everything from home-cured mountain cheese to Brie. And you couldn't ask for a better view! At the end of the day, stroll around the award-winning gardens of Babylonstoren and visit their artisanal deli to take home a taste of South Africa.
Try cheese and wine pairing in Franschhoek

More experiences

Play a round of golf at Pearl Valley

Play a round of golf at Pearl Valley

Scenic wine farm lunch with vineyard views

Scenic wine farm lunch with vineyard views

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