News / 17 January 2018
Your 2018 SA bucket list in Franschhoek
Listen up foodies! Here is an unforgettable addition to your 2018 #SAcketlist to tickle your taste buds, whether you’ve already sampled the delicate bubbles of Franschhoek’s Cap Classique and creamy chocolate, or not.
One of the oldest and certainly most beautiful towns in South Africa, Franschhoek’s picturesque vineyard-clad landscape was once the haunt of vast herds of elephant.
Centuries on, the only trampling you’re likely to experience in this glamorous little town is that of wine-stomping as the Franschhoek valley has emerged as one of the Western Cape’s main wine-producing regions, thanks of course to those persistent and resourceful French Huguenots whose heritage continues to runs deep throughout the town.
Think warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, elegant Cape Dutch homesteads and verdant vineyards flanking rustic farm roads and you’ll certainly include Franschhoek on your #SAcketlist this 2018.
Here’s why we think it’s deserving of your shortlist:
Hop on the wine tram…
There’s no better way to get around the area’s most popular and distinguished wine farms than hopping on the fabulous Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour. This hop-on, hop-off wine tram tour weaves its way through rolling vineyards with the promise of wine tastings and cellar tours around every turn. Enjoy delicious pairings, subline surrounds and a variety of award-winning vintages along several pre-arranged routes conducted by the tram operator. Visit www.winetram.co.za
Putting the fine back into chocolate
Indulge in a chocolate extravaganza at Franschhoek’s Huguenot Fine Chocolates, a boutique chocolaterie that offers a range of delectable fine hand-crafted Belgian chocolate. Run by two qualified Belgian chocolatiers, this is a definite must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Sample the delicious chocolate infused with local flavours of Amarula, Pinotage or Rooibos and honey, or participate in The Chocolate Experience, a half-hour programme of chocolate tastings, demonstrations and chocolate history guaranteed to tempt you to buy every chocolate in store. Visit www.hugenotchocolates.com
People in glass houses…
Enjoy lunch against the backdrop of the Franschhoek winelands with uninterrupted views through the walls of an exquisitely crafted glass house. Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa’s Le Verger (The Orchard Restaurant) provides an unforgettable setting for diners. Enjoy familiar favourites like summer salmon, classic beef burgers and even malva pudding in a conservatory-styled environment so you get the full atmosphere of the Cape Winelands. Visit www.lefranschhoek.co.za/
A trip down memory lane
Located at the end of Franschhoek’s main street is the Huguenot Monument, which dates from the 1940s and commemorates the Huguenot immigrants who fled France in the 1600s, essentially making Franschhoek their new home. Adjacent to the monument is a museum which explores the settlers’ fascinating history with exhibits featuring tools they used to make wine, the clothes they wore and the story of how they came to seek a better life in the southern hemisphere. Visit www.museum.co.za
