Decanta · Wine farms · Franschhoek
Franschhoek wine farms
A Huguenot valley an hour from Cape Town. Mountains on three sides, farms close together, lunch worth booking.
- From Cape Town About an hour
- Best months November to March
- Signature grapes Syrah, Semillon, Cap Classique
How to plan a day
Choose a driver, a tour, or the tram before you choose the farms. Two or three stops is a full day.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram
The tram is hop-on, hop-off between farms. Some stretches are a tram and some a linked bus. Current routes are on the official site.
Family-friendly and dog-friendly visits
Check with the estate before you go if you are bringing children or a dog. If you ride the tram, read the rules on the official site.
Time of year
Summer, about November to March, is the busy season. Harvest generally runs through February and March. Winter is quieter and more likely to be wet.
Estates worth knowing
- Boekenhoutskloof
Syrah and Semillon.
- La Motte
Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Haute Cabrière
Cap Classique on the slopes above the valley.
- Chamonix
Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
- Allée Bleue
Cabernet Sauvignon.
- L’Ormarins
Cap Classique and a red blend.
- Grande Provence
Chardonnay and Shiraz.
- Holden Manz
Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
- Mont Rochelle
Syrah and Chardonnay.
- Franschhoek Cellar
Sauvignon Blanc at the valley entrance.
More of the Cape Winelands
Questions
Where are Franschhoek wine farms?
A narrow valley about an hour inland from Cape Town. Other valleys are on wine farms near Cape Town.
How does the Franschhoek Wine Tram work?
Hop-on, hop-off. Leave at a stop, then board a later departure. Some stretches are a bus. Lines also reach Stellenbosch and Simondium. Routes are on the official site.
How do I choose a Wine Tram line?
Choose the part of the valley you want, and how many stops. Match that to the current routes on the official site. If no line fits, use a driver or a tour.
Can I visit Franschhoek wine farms with children or a dog?
Check with the estate before you go if you are bringing children or a dog. If you ride the tram, read the rules on the official site.
What should a Franschhoek wine tour include?
One part of the valley, two or three stops, and a driver, a tour, or a seat on the tram.
A listing is not a partnership or an endorsement. For hours, check the estate. Questions: brandon@decanta.co.za.
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