Wine tasting in Franschhoek: where to, how much, pick of the wines

ONCE UPON a time, and not that long ago, Semillon – or Groendruif as some refer to it – was being touted as Franschhoek’s signature grape. These days, the ‘French Corner’ of South Africa’s winelands is more likely to prompt images of Chardonnay, red blends of one sort or another and Cap Classique sparkling wine. Plus, perhaps even more synonymous with this wine route are the trams transporting wine farm visitors from one end of the valley to the other. A tram ticket costs R200-plus per person, or R1000-plus for a ‘Curated Experience’ beginning at 10am, ending at 5pm and including a three-course lunch on one of the estates. The wine tasting costs can range from R35pp to R500pp, although at certain cellars it’s sometimes on the house!

 

Akkerdal

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3481 Email: wine@akkerdal.co.za Web: www.akkerdal.co.za Owner: Pieter Hanekom Accommodation: guest house
Wine Tastings: by appointment only
Pick of the Wines: Malbec, Wild Boar (Red Blend)

Allée Bleue Estate

Tel: +27 (0)21 874 1021 Email: info@alleebleue.com Web: www.alleebleue.co.za Owners: Friedrich-Wilhelm & Elke Dauphin Restaurant: bistro Accommodation: various Also: fresh produce shop, picnics, function venue, herb gardens, fruit orchards
Wine Tastings: indoors, with open fire during winter, and on tree-shaded terrace overlooking the vineyards, gardens and mountains
Pick of the Wines: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Isabeau (White Blend), Cap Classique, Rosé, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, L’Amour Toujours (Red Blend)

Anthonij Rupert Wines

Tel: +27 (0)21 874 9041 Email: tasting@rupertwines.com Web: www.rupertwines.com Owner: Johann Rupert Brands: Anthonij Rupert, Cape of Good Hope, L’Ormarins, Protea, Terra Del Capo Also: L’Ormarins Motor Museum & Tram
Wine Tastings: by appointment; lounge areas, outside terraces, tasting counter and private tasting rooms; R25pp to R120pp per flight, depending on selection of wines
Pick of the Wines: Semillon, Rosé

Bellingham Wines (DGB)

Franschhoek Cellar Tel: +27 (0)21 870 4200 Email: bellingham@dgb.co.za Web: www.bellinghamwines.com Owners: DGB Brands: Ancient Earth Series, Bernard Series, Insignia Series, Tree Series
Wine Tastings at Franschhoek Cellar: six Bellingham wines for R40pp, R25 per wine per person for The Bernard Series
Pick of the Wines: Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc Viognier, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinotage, Shiraz, Pinopasso (Red Blend), SMV (Red Blend)

Boekenhoutskloof

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3320 Email: info@boekenhoutskloof.co.za Web: www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za Owners: Marc Kent & partners Brands: Boekenhoutskloof, Chocolate Block, Porcupine Ridge, Wolftrap Also: forest boardwalk
Wine Tastings: by appointment only
Pick of the Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chocolate Block (Red Blend), Noble Late Harvest (Dessert)

Boschendal

Tel: +27 (0)21 870 4210/11 Email: cellardoor@boschendal.co.za Web: www.boschendalwines.com Owner: DGB Restaurants: The Werf, Farmshop & Deli, Rhone Homestead Accommodation: various cottages Also: Le Pique Nique, gift shop, gardens, vineyard walks and tours, manor house (museum), function venues
Wine Tastings: offered at tasting room and manor house; five Classic wines for R55pp, five premium wines for R110pp, Cap Classique at R25 per wine per person, chocolate & wine tasting for R95pp, Cap Classique and chocolate tasting for R60pp, cellar tour for R60pp, vineyard tour for R110pp; cheese platter for R125pp; tasting fee refundable upon spending a minimum of R1000 per person; bookings recommended
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cap Classique, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Shiraz Mourèdre, Lanoy (Red Blend)

Chamonix

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 8400 Email: marketing@chamonix.co.za Web: www.chamonix.co.za Owner: Chris Hellinger Restaurant: Racine Accommodation: guesthouse, lodge, cottages and suites Also: bottled and flavoured waters, function venue
Wine Tastings: inside and outside; flight of non-reserve wines for R65pp, flight of reserve wines for R100pp (fee pp refundable upon purchase of wine to the value of R1000pp); tastings in private tasting room or barrel cellar can be arranged; booking recommended for groups bigger than six people
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Blend, Greywacke (Pinotage), Pinot Noir, Troika (Red Blend)

Colmant Cap Classique & Champagne

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 4348 Email: info@colmant.co.za Web: www.colmant.co.za Owner: Jean-Philippe Colmant
Wine Tastings: indoors or outdoors; R10 per Cap Classique pp (refundable upon purchase of wine), R40 per Champagne pp; booking recommended
Pick of the Wines: Brut Chardonnay, Brut Reserve

Dieu Donné Vineyards

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2493 Email: info@dieudonnevineyards.com Web: www.dieudonnevineyards.com Owner: Robert Maingard Restaurant: ROCA Also: function venue
Wine Tastings: four wines for R35pp (one tasting fee waived for every wine purchase over R150); booking essential for groups of eight people or more
Pick of the Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Cross Collection Shiraz Viognier

Franschhoek Cellar

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2086 Email: fhcellardoor@dgb.co.za Web: www.franschhoekcellar.co.za Owners: DGB Also: lunch & function venue
Wine Tastings: six wines for R40pp; six wines and six cheeses for R60pp, or six wines and six chocolates for R70pp (booking recommended)
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz

GlenWood

Robertsvlei Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2044 Email: info@glenwoodvineyards.co.za Web: www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za Owner: Alistair Wood
Wine Tastings: tutored tasting of five wines including three from Grand Duc range for R100pp – fee pp waived upon purchase of three bottles or more pp, optional cheese board at additional cost; vineyard and cellar tour and tasting at 10:35 and 14:35 includes five wines and barrel tasting for R500pp; advance bookings recommended
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Noblesse (Noble Late Harvest)

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 8600 Email: reservations@grandeprovence.co.za Web: www.grandeprovence.co.za Owners: Dutch/Belgian consortium Brands: Grande Provence, Angels Tears Restaurant and function venue Accommodation: luxury cottages
Wine Tastings: three flagship wines for R120pp, pairing of three Grande Provence wines with three humus flavours for R90pp, pairing of four Angels Tears wines and four nougat flavours for R95pp, pairing of three Cap Classique wines with three oysters for R18pp; cellar tours at R40pp
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Haute Cabrière

Franschhoek Pass Tel +27 (0)21 876 8500 Email marketing@cabriere.co.za Web www.cabriere.co.za Owners: Von Arnim family & partners Brands: Haute Cabriére, Pierre Jourdan Restaurant and function venue
Wine Tastings: inside and out; informal tastings of five wines for R55pp, three Cap Classique sparkling wines for R60pp, seven wines including two Cap Classique sparkling wines for R70pp; public cellar tour, sabrage and tasting of five wines for R85pp (scheduled times), private cellar tour, sabrage and tasting of five wines for R95pp (by appointment); tasting fee pp waived upon purchase of wine for R500 or more pp); tours available in German and French for surcharge of R500pp (by appointment); booking required for groups of eight or more

Holden Manz

Green Valley Road Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2738 Email: info@holdenmanz.com Web: www.holdenmanz.com Owners: Gerard Holden & Migo Manz Accommodation: Country House Restaurant
Wine Tastings:
inside or outside on patio;Gold Tasting of five wines for R80pp (fee waived if purchasing R500 of wine or more), Platinum Tasting of six wines for R100pp (fee waived if purchasing R750 of wine or more), Diamond Tasting of eight wines of R120pp (fee waived if purchasing R1000 of wine or more); discounts for Franschhoek Tram guests; cellar tours by arrangement; bookings recommended, especially for large groups
Pick of the Wines: Rosé, Cabernet Franc, Big G (Red Blend)

La Bri Estate

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2593 Email: irene@labri.co.za Web: www.labri.co.za Owner: Robin Hamilton
Wine Tastings: four wines for R50pp; pairing of three chocolates and three wines for R65pp, biltong and wine pairing for R65pp, Turkish Delight and wine pairing for R65pp; food platters for two for R170; booking required for groups
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

La Couronne Estate

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3939 Email: info@lacouronnewines.co.za Web: www.lacouronnewines.co.za Owner: Francois Smith
Wine Tastings: R20pp per wine for Malbec and Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, R10pp per wine for other wines on offer (fee pp waived upon purchase of three bottles of wine pp); chocolate and wine pairing for R70pp, pizza and wine pairing for R80pp, braai and wine pairing for R120pp; booking required for groups larger than eight
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Merlot Rosé

La Motte

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 8000 Email: info@la-motte.co.za Web: www.la-motte.com Owner: Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg Restaurant: Pierneef Also: food & wine pairing, museum/art gallery, walks & hikes
Wine Tastings: current vintages for R60pp (no charge if wine purchases over R500); formal group tasting for R70pp (strictly by appointment); cellar tour for R30pp (by appointment); vintage comparison tasting for R250pp (by appointment); wine and food pairing for R295pp (strictly by appointment); harvest experience for R140pp (by appointment); one tasting fee waived for every R500 spent on wine; booking essential for group of 8 or more
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Pieneef Syrah Viognier, Millennium (Red Blend)

Le Lude Cap Classique

Tel: +27 (0)44 279 1791 Email: paulgerberwyn@gmail.com Web: www.lelude.co.za Owners: Nic & Ferda Barrow Restaurant: Orangerie Accommodation: Lily Pond guesthouse
Wine Tastings: two non-vintage Cap Classiques for R90pp (fee pp waived upon purchase of a bottle of wine pp), two NV and one vintage Cap Classique for R190pp; wine and canapé pairing for additional R100pp; booking required for groups larger than four

Leeu Passant

Leeu Estates, Franschhoek Tel: +27 (0)21 492 2224 Email: tastings@mlfwines.com Web: www.leeucollection.com Owners: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (Chris & Andrea Mullineux, Analjit Singh)
Wine Tastings: one Kloof St wine and three Mullineux wines for R110pp, two Leeu Passant wines for R120pp, five single-terroir Mullineux wines for R300pp; booking recommended

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 8002 Email: info@leopardsleap.co.za Web: www.leopardsleap.co.za Owner: Hannelie Rupert-Koegelenberg Restaurant and function venue Also: shop, food & wine pairing, cooking classes
Wine Tastings: five wines for R40pp, six Culinaria wines for R55pp; private tastings for R65pp (booking essential)
Pick of the Wines: Culinaria Chenin Blanc

Môreson

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3055 Email: tasting@moreson.co.za Web: www.moreson.co.za Owner: Richard Friedman Brands: Môreson, Miss Molly Restaurant: Bread & Wine Also: farm grocer, bread- & charcuterie-making courses
Wine Tastings: inside and out; four Miss Molly wines for R40pp, four Môreson wines for R50pp (fee pp waived upon purchase of at least one bottle of wine pp)
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, White Blend, Pinotage, Magia (Red Blend)

My Wyn

Tel: +27 (0)83 302 5556 Email: info@mywynfranschhoek.co.za Web: www.mywynfranschhoek.co.za Owner: Jacoline Haasbroek
Wine Tastings: all wines in stock for R75pp (fee pp waived upon purchase of three bottles of wine pp); booking highly recommended; sunset tastings with oysters and cheese platters or a ‘boere braai’ for groups of 10 to 20 by arrangement
Pick of the Wines: Cabernet Franc

Rickety Bridge

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2129 Email: info@ricketybridge.com Web: www.ricketybridge.com Owner: Duncan Spence Restaurant: Paulina’s Accommodation: manor house, country house Also: function venue
Wine Tastings: inside or out; five wines for R45pp, cellar tour and wine tasting for R80pp (cellar tour only for R45pp); Panna Wotta and Wine pairing for R85pp (four wines) or R120pp (six wines); fee pp waived upon purchase of three or more bottles of wine; booking required for large groups
Pick of the Wines: Chardonnay, Paulina’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Solms-Delta

Tel: +27 (0)21 874 3937 Email: soline@solms-delta.co.za Web: www.solms-delta.co.za Owners: Mark Solms, Richard Astor, workers trust Brands: Solms Delta, Solms Astor, Cape Jazz Restaurant: Fyndraai Also: picnics, museum
Wine Tastings: inside, under the oaks or on the lawn; Lifestyle Collection for R40pp, Heritage Collection for R85pp
Pick of the Wines: Amalie

Stony Brook Vineyards

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2182 Email: info@stonybrook.co.za Web: www.stonybrook.co.za Owners: McNaught family Accommodation: cottages, self-catering
Wine Tastings: inside and out; six wines for R80pp (fee pp waived upon purchase of wine for R250 or more pp); booking required for groups of six people or more
Pick of the Wines: Ghost Gum Cabernet Sauvignon

 

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