Franschhoek Wine Route, Cape Winelands

Franschhoek Wine Route, Cape Winelands

Franschhoek is just 50 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and the heart of one of the oldest and most beautiful wine routes in the Cape. Just half an hour’s drive from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and the Somerset West wine routes, Franschhoek is also part of the Four Passes Fruit Route.

The Valley of the Huguenots, as Franschhoek is also known, became home to a community of French Huguenots who fled their country from religious persecution. They soon recognised that this valley had very similar weather to the wine growing regions in France. Today, over 300 years later, this tradition continues and the valley produces all the classic styles and noble cultivars - from whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chenin Blanc through to the reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Over 30 wine cellars produce some of the country’s top wines.

The valley has just launched a Cap Classique route that includes nine cellars, within a distance of 4 km, in a combined marketing initiative. The sparkling wine tour includes teaching visitors about the methods of making Cap Classique in a unique attempt to add value to wine consumption. The long restaurant row on Huguenot Street in Franschhoek list Franschhoek wines on their menus.

For additional information about Franschhoek, attractions, things to do and events and festivals see Franschhoek Information & Attractions.