Planning a Cape City itinerary means together with a bit of little bit of all the things – seaside, mountains, metropolis life, and, in fact, wine. This submit is all concerning the wine…the Franschhoek wine area particularly.
If you wish to expertise the most effective of the attractive Cape Winelands, be sure to incorporate a go to to the Franschhoek wine district.
Why the Franschhoek wine area?
Boasting an enormous 20+ wineries, Franschhoek is famend for its ever in style wine tram excursions, beautiful meals and five star accommodation.
The relaxed nature of the city, gorgeous surroundings and sluggish place make this the proper enjoyable break, metropolis escape or unbelievable day journey.
Franschhoek has an enormous French affect, with the title that means the ‘French nook’ in Afrikaans.
The place is Franschhoek?
This unimaginable vacation spot is situated 60 kilometres exterior the hustle and bustle of the Cape City metropolis and 30km to the ever in style wine district of Stellenbosch (right here’s just a few issues to do in Stellenbosch). The city lies between the Franschhoek Valley and the Wemmershoek Mountains.
Be part of a Franschhoek wine tram tour
That is the primary attraction in Franschhoek, with trams protecting 8 tram traces and eight to 10 stops on every line (you’ll be able to keep aboard and skip some stops if you want). Tram occasions run each hour permitting some wine tasting, meals and a go searching earlier than heading off to your subsequent vacation spot. Remember although, the final tram runs at 4pm, so for those who settle in to a vineyard for just a few hours be sure you preserve one eye in your watch or it might be a protracted stroll.
Two wine stops you could make
Dieu Donne
Set on the aspect of the hills with views of the gorgeous Franschhoek mountain vary and neighboring Stellenbosch, Dieu Donne affords a way of freedom and a world away from all the things.
Prime Tip: That is the most effective place in Franschhoek to see the sundown.
Eikehof Wines
Eikehof is a smaller, extra household oriented vineyard and you actually get a way of what it would really feel prefer to develop up immersed on this world. The household shared some nice tales such because the historical past of the 1940’s Ford on show – which belonged to the proprietor’s grandfather who used it to plough the fields again within the day. Such intimate tales shared by the homeowners added to the nice and cozy expertise we had right here.
Meals in Franschhoek
Franschhoek is understood unofficially because the culinary capital of South Africa. It boasts first-class effective eating, whereas nonetheless making a relaxed aura and really feel that’s Franschhoek.
Our favorite restaurant in Franschhoek
For us it needs to be the Monneaux restaurant, a restaurant set with a relaxed but intimate setting. With three rooms and the circulate of a home, this actually set a scene of consolation. This actually was an setting we may really feel snug in whereas nonetheless appreciating all of the formalities and professionalism of a high finish effective eating restaurant.
The meals prides itself on regionally sourced suppliers and artisans, seasonal menus and ease with a view of not over complicating issues.
We loved a small plates tasting menu attempting 4 dishes and dessert. That is the way in which we prefer to eat getting many alternative flavours and textures. Presentation is unbelievable and each dish was properly executed.
The place to remain in Franschhoek
We stayed on the Franschhoek Country House and Villas a brief 10 minute stroll from the middle of Franschhoek. 5 star lodging at it’s best. With complimentary champagne on arrival and an awesome breakfast of freshly cooked dishes, fruits, pastries, meats and cheeses laid out every morning.
Get poolside and luxuriate in some solar with poolside eating and cocktails, the recent views of the mountains and the quaint passing wine tram.
The resort additionally has an onsite spa with many many choices of packages to unwind and rejuvenate.
5 Different Issues To Do In Franschhoek
Staying for just a few days? Right here is 5 different nice issues to do in Franschhoek.
1. Franschhoek Motor Museum
With over 100 years of historical past and over 200 vehicles the Franschhoek motor museum is a should for any automobile fanatic.
2. Franschhoek Cross
The Franschhoek move takes you into the mountains with gorgeous drives and views that you would be able to solely think about exist.
3. First South African Fragrance Museum
Franshhoek was as soon as a budding fragrance district with a complete host of perfumeries. On the museum you could find out all concerning the historical past behind this trade on this space.
Slightly truth the restaurant we ate within the, Monneaux was really residence to one of many first Perfumeries in Franschhoek.
4. Soul Barrell Brewing
For those who’re all wined out and fancy a change, then look no additional than Soul Barrel Brewing. A number of impartial craft beers with taproom and excursions accessible.
5. Hike Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Mont Rochelle is a Unesco World Heritage Website located simply exterior Franschhoek. With over 30 kms of mountaineering trails and can be residence additionally to Richard Branson’s gorgeous resort and winery.
And Lastly
If this doesn’t get you excited for some down time I’m unsure what’s going to. We recommend going to unwind, decelerate the tempo and take all of it in your stride.
An excellent three or 4 days can be an appropriate journey, sufficient time to calm down however sufficient time to tick just a few journeys off.
Inserting this on a Cape City journey is simply excellent with the busy nature of Cape City and a lot to do, Franschhoek is only a excellent option to finish.
Listed here are just a few different posts that will help you plan your Cape City itinerary
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Richard Hazell
In our posts, we share with you our high picks in meals and cultural adventures in addition to any normal ideas we found out, (normally the onerous method!) on our travels. As a not too long ago married chef and trainer, collectively we now have visited 5 continents and been travelling the world for over 10 years.
