Franschhoek: a paradise for foodies

Hailed as the ‘gourmet capital’ of South Africa, the Franschhoek Wine Valley packs an oh-so-pleasant punch on the palate. With award-winning restaurants and over 50 wineries peppered throughout the village and its surrounds, Franschhoek has something to please even the pickiest gourmand. 

For organic farm-to-table dining, head to Babylonstoren where all the ingredients have been plucked straight from their sprawling garden. Sample the local salmon trout at La Petite Ferme, or enjoy a picnic on the Holden Manz Wine Estate.

But what’s good food without fine wine? The serendipitous combination of the valley’s Mediterranean-like climate and 300-year-old wine-making tradition has given rise to several internationally acclaimed wine estates. Semillon, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon are the signature cultivars, but the valley’s Methode Cap Classique wines (South African sparkling wines made in the traditional champagne-style) are also equally unmissable. In fact, a total of 18 Franschhoek wineries produce MCC – enough to create a Cap Classique Route. For a unique wine tour, hop on and off the Franschhoek Wine Tram or explore the valley’s wineries on horseback.

Highlights

  • Dubbed the ‘food-and-wine capital’ of South Africa, with several award-winning restaurants and over 50 wineries
  • Hop on and off the Franschhoek Wine Tram as it chugs from one farm to the next
  • Be sure to taste (and buy) the valley’s signature cultivars: Semillon, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon
  • The Cap Classique Route, where you can sample sparkling wine from 18 estates
  • Best time to go:
  • Best
  • Mixed

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