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The Franschhoek Valley Trips & Tours
The Franschhoek Valley
For a hedonistic few days of the best kind of indulgence – of food, of wine, of shopping and of breath-taking views – Franschhoek is the bees knees. A tiny yet incredibly buzzy village in the heart of the Winelands, it was established by French Huguenots in 1688 (the name literally means “French Corner”) and became an enclave of European culture and experience. Today, it’s the gastronomic capital of the country and home to the crème-de-la- crème of restaurants and wineries. From Michelin stars to foraged cuisine, and vineyards with boutique winemakers to picnics accompanied by a glass of something cold, epicurean delights abound – and they are all exquisite. Enjoy them from the wine tram, an old-fashioned rail car that rattles around the valley and stops at a selection of farms. Then, once you’ve tasted-tested your way around, take some time to enjoy the stunning natural scenery: mountainous Mont Rochelle reserve is the place to walk or hike in style (and admire the breath-taking views), or hire a bike and peddle around the farm paths and trails. And don’t forget a morning in the village, peeping into the cool-as-a-cucumber galleries and boutiques and sipping coffee and croissants, Parisian-style...
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Food and wine are the lifebloods of the Cape Winelands and with hundreds of pristine vineyards and glossy restaurants to choose from, you’ll never (ever) want for something delicious. For true wine aficionados, book a wine tour with a specialised guide who will tailor your trip entirely to your tastebuds and take you to the hidden spots the guidebooks don’t mention. Otherwise, book a table somewhere fabulous and settle in for an afternoon of wine tasting and five-star food – or do a combination of both. Also look out for specialised pairings – wine and chocolate, cheese or biltong are favourites – and Methode Cap Classique tastings, South Africa’s answer to champagne. For something a little different, Franschhoek’s wine tram is a quirky way to explore a selection of the most iconic wineries, or you may prefer to saddle up – bikes and horses are on offer – and explore at a slower pace. Beyond the grapes, hikers will enjoy the stunning scenery and trails of Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek) and Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch), whilst in Elgin you may ‘zip’ along a series of wires amongst the trees and ‘sip’ wine as you go. Or simply enjoy a meander amongst the cafes, art galleries and boutiques of these little towns – that’s what a holiday is about after all!
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Combine the wine and culinary delights of the Cape Winelands with a superb safari and wildlife experience.
Ride through the Cape Winelands atop your trusty stead, wine-tasting and scenery-gazing as you go.
Dry Season
The weather is consistent with plenty of sunshine, a handful of rainy days and the potential for stronger winds.
Enjoying tastings and pairings with the picturesque vineyard backdrop.
The perfect month for outdoor activities, explore the countryside by foot, car, horse or tram in the Franschhoek region.
The end of January welcomes the Delheim Start of Harvest Celebration, a unique experience at a working wine farm, with grape stomping and al fresco dining.
The outdoor market is on every Saturday amongst the vineyards of Stellenbosch, explore the local artworks, homemade delectables and of course a wide variety of wines.
Avoid any disappoint and book restaurants and activities early, during this period.
Dry Season
This is the hottest month of the year in the Winelands, with little to no rain expected and occasional winds.
A great time of year for eating al fresco with postcard perfect views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.
Take advantage of the clear sunny skies and enjoy a hike through the Winelands hills.
The Stellenbosch Wine Festival is a day of music, fresh foods and of course locally produced wines.
The Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival takes place on the Leopard's Leap Family Vineyard, a picture perfect setting for wine tasting and some fun in the sun.
Avoid any disappoint and book restaurants and activities early, during this period.
Dry Season
In this month rain is unlikely with long hours of sunshine and hot weather expected.
Enjoy ideal conditions for wine farm explorations, picnicking and al fresco dining.
Comfortable conditions make cycling, hiking and horse riding popular outdoor activities.
Hot air ballooning provides a unique and beautiful perspective of Paarl's vineyards and countryside.
Avoid any disappoint and book restaurants and activities early, during this period.
Dry Season
Temperatures are comfortable at this time of year, with the first rains of the season falling in the form of occasional showers.
The last of the sunny days provide the perfect setting for wine tastings and pairings in the immaculate countryside of the Western Cape.
Late April is a staggeringly beautiful time to visit this region, Autumn is setting in and the leaves on the vines turn bright reds, yellows and oranges.
The South African Cheese Festival take place on Stellenbosch's Sandringham Farm, an estate transformed with the delights of culinary excellence and wine perfection.
Wet Season
Expect some rain over the course of a lengthy stay, with daylight hours shortening and temperatures remaining mild.
The mixed weather provides a welcome variation of outdoor activity and fine dining by a crackling wood fire.
The onset of autumn presents a picture perfect setting, the leafy vines burst into colour with yellows,oranges and reds, painting the countryside.
There are many festivals in and around the Winelands during this month including Hartenberg Estate's annual Feast of Shiraz and Charcuterie, Delheim Wild Mushroom Hunt, the Elgin Cool Wine and Country Festival and Riebeek Valley Olive Festival.
Wet Season
The wet season is at its peak with a one in three chance of rain, temperatures are dropping and evenings becoming quite chilly.
Take advantage of the low number of tourists and explore the wine paired culinary delights of this region.
Early to mid June before the vines have dropped their bright red, yellow and orange leaves, provides a beautiful period to visit the region.
The Durbanville Winelands play host to the Soup, Sip and Bread Winter Feast, a festive occasion with broths, chowders, artisanal breads, live entertainment and above all quality wines.
Pack warm clothing in this month.
Wet Season
The wet season experiences colder temperatures and rainfall on a third of its days.
An ideal time of year for foodies, enjoy world class cuisine and wines overlooking the undulating hills of the Winelands region.
Indulge in the unique wine and food pairings on offer, including chocolate, cheese and charcuterie.
Bastille Day in Franschhoek provides a festive occasion with wine tasting, music and fun for all.
Pack warm clothing in this month.
Wet Season
It is still the wet season, with high chances of rainfall, lower average temperatures and cold nights.
Enjoy the romantic Winelands setting in this month, crackling fires, international cuisine and a mouth watering variety of wines.
Day tours provide a great method of exploring the nearby wine regions, enjoying wine tastings and pairings as you go.
The Robertson Slow Food and Wine Festival is a unique and intimate event, enjoy slow cooked menus paired with wines by the winemakers themselves, in an idyllic vineyard setting.
Pack warm clothing in this month.
Dry Season
The weather begins to shift, with less rain falling and a slight rise in average daytime temperatures, evenings still have the potential to be chilly.
The mixed weather provides a welcome variation of outdoor activity and fine dining by a glowing wood fire.
Day tours are a great way to explore the surrounding wine regions indulging in tastings and pairings as you go.
Franschhoek Uncorked Festival is a celebration of local heritage, with traditional braaivleis (barbecued meat) and plenty of locally produced wine.
Dry Season
Enjoy the first days of the warm dry summer, temperatures climb and the last of the seasonal rains fall in the form of sporadic afternoon showers.
Capitalize on the change in weather dining outside with rolling views of the surrounding farm lands.
Outdoor explorations are back on the table, spend your time hiking, cycling and horse riding in the countryside.
Get to know South Africa's wines with the Robertson Wine on the River, Wellington's Pinotage on Tap and the Durbanville Wine Valley's Season of Sauvignon festivals, Known for good food, great entertainment and exceptional wine.
Dry Season
In this month the days are warm and sunny with periods of wind and little to no chance of rain.
One of the best months to visit the Winelands, enjoy all the perks of high season without any of the crowds.
Outdoor activities are a must, with hiking and cycling trails through the hills providing expansive views of the countryside.
La Paris Festival in the Valley is an annual event based in the Franschhoek Winelands, indulge the senses with an assortment of market stalls and local entertainment before enjoying some of the region's award winning wines and cuisine.
Avoid any disappoint and book restaurants and activities early, during this period.
Dry Season
Enjoy ideal weather with hot sunny days, very little rain and the potential for short-lived gusty winds.
Revel in picture perfect days, venturing from one wine farm to the next.
Outdoor activities are a must in this month with hiking and horse riding always popular methods of exploration.
Hot air ballooning provides a unique and beautiful perspective of Paarl's vineyards and countryside.
Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival is a sophisticated affair with high end tastings and cuisine to match.
Avoid any disappoint and book restaurants and activities early, during this period.
