Visit Franschoek, The World’s Most Beautiful Wine Valley

With its expansive mountains cut by wandering rivers and rolling hills heavy with verdant vines, there’s no arguing that South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Picture 250,000 acres of vines across the Western Cape region alone—it’s easy to get lost in the vast array of the country’s wine choices.

At the top of the list is Franschoek, Afrikaans for “French Corner”, a small town on the Western Cape and one of the oldest in South Africa, a 45 minute worthwhile drive from Cape Town. In 2022, Time magazine called it “one of the Top 50 Places in the World to Visit“!

What is special about Franschhoek? This traditionally French town is the country’s food and wine capital with over forty-five wine cellars and another thirty restaurants to choose from.

If your time is limited, these are among the consensus top four from oenophiles in the know from Cape Town’s best online resource, Inside Guide.

Boschendal

The current gold standard when it comes to wine-farm destinations, Boschendal ticks all the boxes, and exquisitely so! Stylish accommodation, a welcoming werf where night markets, puppet shows and other activities are hosted, a beautifully merchandised farm shop, and a kids’ club that would give some of the swankiest resorts in Mauritius a run for their money.

Contact 021 870 4200, enquiries@boschendal.co.za
Where to find it Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek

Eikehof Wine Estate

Surrounded by lush, century-old oaks, this family-owned winery dates back to 1903, and is still run by the passionate Malherbe family who named it (“eike” means oak in Afrikaans). A hidden gem, the estate is perfect for a relaxed day of good wine with family and friends.

Contact 021 876 2469, info@eikehof.com
Where to find it La Motte, R45, Franschhoek, South Africa

Grande Provence

One of the most historic estates in the valley, Grande Provence is reminiscent of a French country escape, with a slice of homespun comfort thrown in. Known for its sweeping vineyards, accolade-accruing restaurant and wonderful wine-tasting facilities, the estate is a veritable hole in one, offering luxe lodgings, top-drawer wines, a gallery and a five-minute walk into the town centre.

Contact 021 876 8600, reservations@grandeprovence.co.za
Where to find it Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Main Road, Franschhoek

Anthonij Rupert

Tucked beneath the Groot Drakenstein Mountains, the illustrious L’Ormarins Estate is where Anthonij Rupert Wines produces award-winning vintages in state-of-the-art facilities. And, although wine takes centre stage, it’s the artful mix of heritage architecture, cutting-edge wine-making facilities, spectacular scenery, delicious cuisine, and a slew of other pleasurable attractions that make this a one-stop Winelands destination suited to any occasion.

Contact 021 874 9004, tasting@rupertwines.com
Where to find it Anthonij Rupert Wines, R45 Wine Route, Franschhoek Valley, Franschhoek

On a personal note, one red wine that I loved and had never heard of was the varietal called Pinotage which I researched on Master Class.

Pinotage is a red wine made from the grape of the same name—a cross between pinot noir and cinsault (also known as cinsaut) grapes. The pinotage grape variety grows best in upright bush vines, also known as “goblet vines,” a form of un-trellised vine training favored by many old-vine vineyards in particularly warm climates, in which growers maintain the main branch by only pruning the newer canes come winter. The result is a gnarly, bulky cordon in the shape of a thick goblet stem with the additional benefit of a leafy canopy, which prevents the grapes from absorbing too much sun.

Master Class Wine Guide

Relatively inexpensive but delicious! In fact, every South African wine we sampled was a special treat!

Sante!