One of Franschhoek’s most photographed estates, Haute Cabrière’s roots extend deep into Franschhoek’s wine valley, heritage and community having been first established in 1694 by French Huguenot, Pierre Jourdan.
We are surrounded by beautiful mountains, receiving late morning and lingering evening sunlight, with varying soils and slopes. We explore Burgundian varietals with pioneering blends, innovative techniques and single varietal wines.
The quaint and charming Cape Winelands village of Franschhoek is arguably South Africa’s premier wine and food destination, located just 1 hours’ drive from Cape Town. Here you’ll find a variety of top-class restaurants, historic wine farms and stunning mountain views.
Translated from Dutch as “French Corner”, Franschhoek was so-named due to the influx of French Huguenots who settled here in 1685. Many of these pioneers established the first wine farms in the area and over generations, retained many elements of their French culture. It’s this rich heritage that you can still see and feel across Franschhoek’s many wine farms today, which often still display ornate architectural styles, centuries-old winemaking practices and delectable European cuisine.
Many wine farms in Franschhoek still bear their original French names, with ancient Oak tree-lined driveways leading up to grandiose Cape Dutch homesteads. That said, farms can vary in size enormously, from small cellar doors and boutique family-owned farms all the way up to sprawling estates with 5th or 6th generation winemakers.
With its warm climate, varied elevation and proximity to nearby mountains, the Franschhoek Wine Valley is ideally suited to full-bodied reds including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot, plus fruit-driven whites such as Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc. A host of award-winning wines are produced here including bubbly Cap Classique – you can even follow a dedicated ‘Franschhoek MCC Route’!
Each of the wine farms in Franschhoek has its own charm and unique flair and even if you’re not the biggest lover of wine, many visitors can still appreciate its rich history and culture – and the attention to detail that goes into creating each bottle of wine! Simply sit back, savour wonderful food and wine, plus jaw-dropping views of rolling hills, towering mountains and spectacular valleys.
As can be expected, the wine tasting scene is quite vibrant across the wine estates in Franschhoek. You can often visit for lunch or dinner, enjoy food and wine pairings, gourmet picnics or a straightforward wine tasting with an incredible view. Guided tours which visit several farms in one day are popular, as is the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram. These hop-on-hop-off trolley buses and trams visit a number of vineyards, giving you the opportunity to explore several wine farms on the same day, without needing to drive.
Accommodation options in the village are plentiful and varied. From humble guesthouses to luxury boutique hotels and world-class heritage estates, staying overnight in Franschhoek allows you to immerse yourself in the full winelands experience.
For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, in the village you’ll discover a variety of shops and boutiques, curios and antiquities. Many wine farms also usually also stock breads, olive oils, charcuterie, and much more. After all, this is the culinary capital of South Africa!
To find out more, please refer to www.franschhoek.org.za/.
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