A Huguenot valley where great wine meets the Cape’s finest tables
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View Wine ToursFranschhoek greets you with a sweep of mountains – the Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, Klein Drakenstein and Simonsberg ranges – cradling a valley first settled by French Huguenots in 1688. Their story lives on at the Huguenot Monument and on historic estates such as Boschendal and La Motte.
Widely regarded as the culinary capital of the Cape, the valley rewards those who arrive hungry, with open-fire Cape cuisine, long lunches and old-vine Sémillon. Sparkling-wine fans can sip Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique at Haute Cabrière, while the hop-on, hop-off Wine Tram, running on a branch line built in 1904, makes getting between farms half the fun.
Tucked into a dramatic bowl of mountains, Franschhoek – “French corner” – was settled by French Huguenot refugees in 1688, and their legacy lives on in the estate names, the cuisine and the valley’s easy elegance. Often called the culinary capital of the Cape, it pairs celebrated restaurants with old-vine Sémillon, fine Chardonnay and Cap Classique. Hop aboard the Wine Tram, linger over a long lunch and let the valley set the pace.
Warm, dry summers and 700–1,000 mm of mostly winter rain; day-to-night temperature swings of up to 15°C help the grapes keep their freshness.
Sandstone and alluvial soils near the rivers, with granite and shale on the slopes.
Explore Franschhoek through our curated wine tour experiences.
A private day linking Fairview's wine and cheese, Franschhoek village, Haute Cabrière's mountain cellar and Delaire Graff's views.
Four estates across both valleys, a vineyard and cellar tour, a cheese and chocolate pairing and a sit-down lunch on a wine…
A Franschhoek-area route spotlighting Black and Coloured winemakers, vineyard managers and chefs, including a 100% Black-owned wine farm. Lunch included.
Three regions in one private day: Fairview in Paarl, La Motte and a village walk in Franschhoek, and a chocolate pairing at…
Return transfers from Cape Town plus a pre-booked Franschhoek Wine Tram ticket on one of eight lines. Choose your estates and pay…
A private day through Franschhoek and Paarl: Stony Brook, Anthonij Rupert, lunch at Faber at Avondale and a cheese pairing at Mitre's…
Cheese and wine at Fairview, a short Franschhoek Wine Tram ride to a tasting at Rickety Bridge, and a port-style finish at…
A private driver-guide, your choice of vineyards and short town tours of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, with room for non-drinkers to enjoy…
Family wine tour from Cape Town: wine tastings for adults, a grape juice tasting for kids, Babylonstoren, Rickety Bridge and Franschhoek chocolates.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek day tour: a Fairview cheese pairing, lunch in Franschhoek, La Bri chocolate pairing and Cap Classique in Stellenbosch.
Full-day tour from Cape Town: Stellenbosch, a Lanzerac chocolate pairing, Tokara views and the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Small group, hotel pickup.
Some of the estates that make Franschhoek special.
Our pick Family friendlyFranschhoek
Historic Huguenot farm, wine tastings and farm living
Historic Huguenot farm with tastings, platters and outdoor activities.
Restaurant on site
Our pickFranschhoek
Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique
Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique and underground-cellar tastings.
Restaurant on site
Our pickFranschhoek
Elegant wines, Cape cuisine and heritage
Heritage estate with acclaimed wines and open-fire Cape cuisine.
Restaurant on site
Franschhoek
Family-friendly tastings and rotisserie lunches
Relaxed, family-friendly tastings with pizzas and rotisserie lunches.
Restaurant on site
Franschhoek
Centuries-old estate with tastings, dining and stays
Restaurant on site Wheelchair accessible
Yes. We list 11 wine tours that visit Franschhoek, including Private Winelands Tour: Fairview, Haute Cabrière & Delaire Graff, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Small-Group Wine Tour with Lunch and Sips With Soul: Wine Tour Celebrating Winemakers of Colour. Open a tour for the duration, pickup details and live availability.
Franschhoek is known for Sémillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cap Classique (sparkling).
Estates in Franschhoek include Boschendal, Haute Cabrière, La Motte, Leopard’s Leap, Allée Bleue and Chamonix.
c. 75 km by road
Warm, dry summers and 700–1,000 mm of mostly winter rain; day-to-night temperature swings of up to 15°C help the grapes keep their freshness.
Explore Franschhoek wine tours
