Location: Franschhoek
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Things to do in Franschhoek, Western Cape: The Best Wineries & Vineyards
The village of Franschhoek (French Corner), tucked into the Cape Winelands of South Africa, is known as the country's food and wine capital. Galleries and antique shops fill the tree-lined streets, and vineyards established more than 300 years ago cascade over the hills just outside town. Local activities range from wine-tasting tours to trout fishing and hiking. The Huguenot Memorial Museum honors the town's early settlers, who fled religious persecution in France.
Restaurants in Franschhoek
1. Lynx Wine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Lynx Wine Estate - because life is to short for later Our Estate- is a Boutique Winefarm in Franschhoek, producing expressive wines that reflect the passion of the owners, winemaker and his small, dedicated team. We pride ourselves in our friendly, personal and informative cellar tours – not to mention our numerous award winning wines. We at Lynx are sure to make your stay with our delicious and award-winning wines to a memorable stay. Do not wait for later, you might miss a perfect way to start the day.
Reviewed By LudgerDUS
We had 16 wonderful days and nights at the Lynx Estate. It is a perfect location to relax: we with a personally prepared breakfast by the chef and then went for a round of golf on of the best golf courses in the area..eg. Pearl Valley is just around the corner (but so many others). Otherwise, we hiked in the mountains with great views of the cape region and finally yet importantly enjoyed the excellent food. In the afternoon, the seawater pool is great and was very refreshing, freshly baked cupcakes and other treats are available. We stayed in the “Grand Suite 2”: furnished with taste and with a breath-taking view from sunrise to sunset over the wine yard…the excellent Lynx Chardonnay was must at night. The AC worked perfectly. The staff is just so caring and makes sure that you have a wonderful stay (Apartment was cleaned every day)…can’t wait to go back!
2. Haut Espoir Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Haut Espoir is a boutique wine estate and cellar in Franschhoek, South Africa. Developed and run by the Armstrong Family since 1999, we produce distinctive, handcrafted wines in harmony with nature. The literal translation of Haut Espoir is 'High Hope'. We are the custodians of a 23 hectare farm, of which 8 hectares are planted with shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc. The remainder of the land is dedicated to fynbos restoration, a riverine ecosystem, olive groves and vegetable and herb garden. At Haut Espoir, winemaking goes hand in hand with conservation. We have been transitioning to biodynamic agriculture since 2011. We focus on minimal impact to the environment with our viticultural practices. We have actively restored the environment around us andno fungicides, insecticides or commercially bought fertilisers are used. Water conservation is practised daily and our winery effluent is managed through a bio-reactor and wetland system.
Reviewed By MRLC73 - Hong Kong, China
We visited for a tasting and chat with Rob the proprietor; his hospitality - as on previous visits - left a warm feeling in the heart and some unsteadiness in the legs. Tasting was by appointment only so give him a call in advance. We tasted the range and bought a few bottles. The wine is biodynamic and Haut Espoir holds its wine back a little longer than most South Africa wineries, so you get a little more maturity. When we visited, he was stoking up the braai for a party of cyclists due in for lunch. I suspect it would be well worth looking into for a larger party.
3. Stony Brook Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 167 reviews
We are a small, family-run winery in the Franschhoek Winelands. We focus on producing small volumes of premium quality wines mainly for export to Europe.
Reviewed By Bazzarutto
We visited Stony Brook as part of a multi vineyard visit to Franschoek, looking to experience the more boutique wineries that the area has to offer. We were not disappointed. Stony Brook is an enterprising vineyard that has some fabulous wines. They are exceptionally helpful and engaging, despite the fact that it was harvest whilst we were there! The McNaught family have done a great job of retaining a true Franschoek belonging to their wine, growing all their grapes themselves, within the confines of the area. Their Lyle sparkling is a lively Blanc de Blancs whilst their Ovidius is 100% Tempranillo, a truly exciting departure for the area. Go and buy their wines, you won't regret it.
4. Eikehof
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 242 reviews
The boutique winery of the Malherbes of Eikehof can be found amongst the decades of old oak trees from which it get its name. Fourth generation Francois Malherbe makes his wine in the same cellar that his great grandfather used. Eikehof has one of the oldest still producing vineyard blocks in South Africa.
Reviewed By Funinstore - Franschhoek, South Africa
Great wine, warm hospitality and great atmosphere are all ingredients that make a visit to this unique family run wine farm so special.
5. Paserene
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Thamietraveler
Had an amazing wine tasting, the service from the stuff was great, such a nice views from every angle, the Franschhoek mountains and my favourite wine is Chardonnay. Am definitely going back for another tasting ❤
6. Boschendal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,494 reviews
Agriculture and a simple farm lifestyle is at the heart of Boschendal. One of the oldest farms in South Africa, founded 1685, the farm has grown with the passing centuries into a cherished source of wholesome produce, great wines and happy memories. Set in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, lush gardens and vines, the original farmstead complex is now a national monument with a rich and intriguing history of more than 300 years. Today, Boschendal is a Cape winelands icon and a cherished wine and food destination. Our vineyards and fruit trees have been joined by vegetable gardens and a growing herd of free range, 100% pasture fed Angus cattle reflecting our commitment to serving wholesome farm-to-table food. Guest accommodation is also a recent addition to the farm with luxurious cottage accommodation ranging from the exclusive and historic Rhodes Cottage built by Sir Herbert Baker to the elegantly restored Werf Cottages. Cottage guests enjoy access to the entire farm where they can walk and cycle on trails through mountain fynbos, dine under the stars, have picnics and sundowners in exclusive areas, fly-fish in the dams and swim in pristine mountain water.
Reviewed By brianmK8342CG - Los Angeles, United States
Stellenbosch is beautiful but the Franschhoek valley where Boschendal Winery Estate is located is simply other-worldly breathtaking. If heaven on earth exists, this may just be it! The farm is enormous straddling both sides of the main road from Stellenbosch. However, the public area (manor houses, restaurants, winery, gardens, stores, etc. and activities centers (bike rentals, horseback riding, spa, wine-tastings, etc.) and all the Werf cottages are all on the same side at the main entrance. The other cottages are across the street scattered in the vineyards, pastures, and work farms but only accessible via security gate and thus cannot be accessed unless a guest of one of the cottages or farm residents. This side of the farm is not really walkable to/from the main winery so you need a bike, a car, or must take advantage of their free shuttles. The estate is absolutely stunning (see photos). We were there for a wedding and the wedding guests took over most of the cottages, which made the entire stay very familiar. The main manor house and adjacent buildings (shops, restaurants, bakery, reception) is located in a tree-lined gorgeous courtyard. Vineyards and farm gardens (from which 90% of all restaurant ingredients are sourced) are located adjacent to the main manor house with superb views of the valley. Cellar tour, wine-tastings, horseback riding, and spa are all located in nearby manor houses complex in the opposite direction from the main entrance. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Orchard Cottage and it was enormous! The size of an apartment with separate kitchen/dinette, living room with satellite TV and pretty good wi-fi. Lots of room to relax, spread out, and get comfortable. Working wood stove inside (which we used on one chilly night to our delight) and a large outdoor porch with wood fireplace for keeping warm on chilly nights or grilling some BBQ (grocery essentials available at the main manor house store). Food at all of the restaurants was OUTSTANDING and scrumptious and a great value. Wine was exceptional (in-room complimentary, both restaurants, and tastings). We rented bikes for a half day (that's all you need unless you're a pro because most of the trails are quite difficult for the average person). We struggled on the steep parts but LOVED the trails in the flats, especially the yellow trail through the woods. We did horseback riding and it's what you'd expect if you've ever done it before. Horses are slow and safe (a bit boring for me, I like to run and gallop free) but the ride and scenery are breathtaking (see photos) and it's a relaxed chill thing to do with friends. Be warned, the farm is pretty much isolated to itself and be aware of closing times for the on-farm stores and restaurants because they close early (at least for us it seemed early) and if you miss their times, you either don't eat or you have Uber all the way to Stellenbosch (20 minutes) for options, which after 8pm are quite limited as well. If you plan correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. We were there for 4 days (Thursday - Sunday) and we definitely noticed a big increase in visitors over the weekend. If you can, plan your stay on week days - you'll enjoy it less crowded and better chance you can do what you want. Weekends things definitely fill up and sell out so make sure you have reservations. The wedding was awesome. Outdoors at sunset and the reception building was perfectly fit to the event. The food was INCREDIBLE! I ate myself into oblivion. All staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. What an incredible experience - we did not want to leave. Day trip is fine but if you can, stay a couple days and really embrace the good life!
7. Dieu Donne Vineyards & Views
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Dieu Donné is situated high on the steep south-west facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, encouraging a cool climate and combined with the rocky soils of weathered granite, a unique terroir has been created. Rarely disputed as the "BEST View over the Franschhoek Valley & Delicious boutique wines"
Reviewed By Z5657CFnickg
If you don’t like good food/ good wine/ stunning views/ lovely people - all at a very reasonable £25 pp -then don’t come here; it would be a wasted journey! However, if the above does resonate, then make the trip (to Franschhoek) and squeeze in a lunch here...... We have been coming here for the past 15+ years and have never been disappointed.
8. Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons Tasting Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Visit our elegant Tasting Centre and enjoy Rupert & Rothschild wine together with a selection of imported Champagnes and wines from the exclusive Rothschild properties in France, Argentina and New Zealand. Together with the wine, experience the Rothschild Fromage Selection imported from Compagnie Fermière Edmond de Rothschild Heritage situated 40km east of Paris. The Tasting Centre is open from 10h00 until 16h30 (Tuesday to Friday) and 10h00 until 16h00 (Saturday to Sunday).
Reviewed By FrancoisT488 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Situated on the road to Franschoek it is a must stop if you enjoy good red wine. The setting and ambiance is amazing and staff most helpful. We did not eat there but the restaurant setting looked amazing as well. Definitely recommend a stop here. Great wines!
9. La Motte Wine Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By CarolynG2003 - Harare, Zimbabwe
Visited the art gallery, principally to see the Pierneef works there, it is beautifully curated and cared for in perfect conditions, with many interesting links to the family of the La Motte estate. Followed by a light lunch, delicious array of local food as starters and a small choice of mains, all served with humour and smiles. And of course, good wine! Thank you!
10. Vrede en Lust Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Vrede en Lust offers award-winning wines, historic Cape Dutch architecture, undulating vineyards, breathtaking scenery and world-class leisure facilities. Our cellar door is open daily, with free wine tasting or special wine enthusiast food and wine pairings. Luxurious accommodation for up to 42 people plus one of the most sought-after wedding and event venues in the country. The very popular LUST Bistro & Bakery is family friendly and open for early breakfasts, late lunches and everything in between.
Reviewed By rawr1013 - Bangkok, Thailand
We had an amazing time here! Originally we hit a snag due to power outages, so we couldn't pay by card. To circumvent this obstacle, Pam in the restaurant and Landi of the Wine Tasting gave us the opportunity to experience both tasteful food and great wine, sitting outdoors overseeing the vast fields of wine and the mountains. This could not have worked out better for us! A special shoutout to our very witty waitress Noxi is also of the utmost importance. Everyone working here really helped us make it and above and beyond experience!
