A Self-Guided Wine Tour: 4 Must-Visit Vineyards in Franschhoek, South Africa

As I've said before, a visit to Cape Town is not complete unless you've visited their famed wine country. I prefer Franschhoek to Stellenbosch (although I can't leave out Paarl) only because it's a smaller town and it was the first wine region in South Africa that I visited so it holds a special place in my (wine-loving) heart.

Since that first trip, I've been to Franschhoek a few times including with friends and on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. However during my most recent trip to Franschhoek, I was alone and didn't want to feel restricted by an official tour. I ubered from my hotel in Sea Point near city center out to Franschhoek, which cost me about $36 one way. Considering it's a 45 minute drive from the city out to wine country, I thought this was a fair price to pay. He decided to wait for me at each winery because I needed a ride home and he didn't want to accept another fare in fear it would take him back to the city. Nice guy.

On my quest to see more of Franschhoek and after much research, here are the wineries I decided to visit on my self-guided tour:

Stop 1: Delaire Graff Estate

This is the ultimate stop for luxury and wine. Not only can you taste Delaire Graff's wines, but you can stay in one of their luxurious rooms overlooking the mountains and relax at their estate spa. It's one of the most beautiful estates you'll find anywhere in the world.

Delaire Graff has a great variety of white and red wines to choose from; however, they also have a Brut MCC, otherwise known as South Africa's version of champagne. I don't really care for champagne in general; however, theirs was delicious and a choice not all other wineries offer.

Favorite Wine: Delaire Graff Franc Rosé

*Note: Technically Delaire Graff is in Stellebosch but it neighbors Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate (below) and is only about a 10-15 minute drive from Franschhoek. I recommend starting here as you make your way further into Franschhoek.

Photo Credit: Delaire Graff's website

Stop 2: Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate

Nope! I didn't misspell Anthony or wine. "Wyne" is wine in Afrikaans and is pronounced "vin." (Don't say I never taught you anything.) I made sure to visit the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate because it was highly recommended by a colleague. Since I visited on a Monday morning, it was completely empty except for an American couple on their honeymoon (who actually paid for my tasting unbeknownst to me. Thank you if you're reading this!), so I had the run of the place mostly to myself. 

It's a beautiful sprawling property and makes you fall further in love with Cape Town. Anthonij Rupert wines are the flagship of Mr. Rupert's vast wine portfolio, offering both red and white varieties. To note, there's another winery on the property, Terra del Capo. Its wines encompass Mr. Rupert's love of Italy, its wines and food, through three wines.

Favorite Wine: Anthonij Rupert Syrah

*Note: I would call to schedule an appointment before showing up. Their security was unusually tight. I didn't make an appointment but luckily they let me in. Also, their restaurant is not open on Mondays so go another day if you want to try their food. 

Long weekends are meant to be spent in Cape Town. 🍷 #willdrinkfortravel #wowSouthAfrica

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Stop 3: Eikehof

The next stop I recommend is Eikehof (pronounced "eye-coff"), a small family-owned winery with beautiful grounds and views of the mountains to boot. It sits right at the beginning of Franschhoek's main town area. My first time at Eikehof was actually Valentine's Day 2016 and they were offering wine and picnic basket specials to enjoy with your loved one. 

It's much smaller than Delaire Graff or Anthonij Rupert; however, I love the idea of a family-operated business. Not to mention they make delicious wines. They offer six wines: three reds, two whites and one rosé. 

Favorite Wine: Chardonnay

I'm headed back to Cape Town's Franschhoek this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. I love traveling the Cape Town countryside. Beauty is everywhere! #willdrinkfortravel #Franschhoek #CapeTown #SouthAfrica

184 Likes, 19 Comments - Ashlee | Will Drink For Travel (@willdrinkfortravel) on Instagram: "I'm headed back to Cape Town's Franschhoek this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. I love..."

Stop 4: Leopard's Leap 

Last but not least, the final stop on your self-guided wine tour is Leopard's Leap.  They offer wine tastings, food, and even cooking classes. For wine tastings, you can choose from Family Collection, Classic or Lookout ranges, at R25 per person, or about $2.

Favorite Wine: Grenache Blanc

It's a long day but it's well worth it to taste a variety of Franschhoek's wines. Each vineyard is different so it gives you an idea of what Franschhoek has to offer. The vineyards are also near each other so you won't spend much of your day in the car going from one place to the next. But even if you did, Franschhoek is gorgeous and it'll be a day well spent.

Cape Town Wine Country: Pros and Cons of the Franschhoek Wine Tram

You can't go to Cape Town without experiencing what its wine regions have to offer. I've spent some time in Stellenbosch as well as Constantia, so it was only right that I extended some love to Franschhoek. After googling information about wineries, the Franschhoek Wine Tram immediately appeared. Their website says,

"The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history."

It sounds marvelous! But as I discovered, there are definitely some pros and cons to a day trip on the wine tram.

PROS

1. You can visit more than one vineyard.

There are four lines to choose from based on your preferences. The green and blue lines are known for their local wines, while the red and yellow lines stop at international wine farms. Because the tram allows for a hop-on/hop-off experience, you can stay at a vineyard for an hour or longer if you want to skip the next stop.

2. The views are unmatched. 

There are literally no bad views at any vineyard.

Photo Credit: Jami J. Rodgers

3. Each winery offers something different. 

Each vineyard has their own specialty. For example, La Lude produces fermented sparkling wines with the Cap Classique method (would be called 'champagne' if produced in the Champagne region in France). This tasting room was one of my favorites because of its French-like decor and beautiful chandeliers. Other vineyards and tasting rooms were more rustic and earthy. You'll definitely finish the day with a preference.

At La Lude 

4. It's great for meeting other locals and tourists alike.

It's almost impossible not to make friends with fellow tram riders. And believe it or not, you may meet local South Africans. Hey, if you had beautiful rolling hills with perfect vineyards near your city, you'd spend time there too.

While there are many pros, there were also some cons you should be aware of before embarking on the wine tram.

CONS

1. It's not a train. 

I read "Franschhoek Wine Tram" and thought, "Oh cool! A train!" However, I failed to read the fine print that says you only take the 'tram' (read: not train) to two vineyards. The remaining vineyards are serviced by a bus or trolley. This is definitely clever marketing on the company's part. Be sure to read the fine print.

2. There are no extended stays. 

If you spend more than one hour at the vineyard of your choosing, you won't be able to see the remaining vineyards on the tour. Toward the middle of the tour, I started to get restless shuttling from one vineyard to the next. And after a while, all the wine starts to taste the same, especially if you're doing multiple tastings.

3. The day becomes LONG.

Around stop #5, we had our fill of wine. We hopped off and they drove us back to the starting location.

Things You Should Know:

1. The tour costs R200 per person or approximately $12.50 and includes wine tastings at 2 of the 7 wineries you can visit. 
2. You should buy your tickets online and pick them up at the kiosk, which I highly recommend. The tours sell out quickly and you'll have made the trip out to Franschhoek for nothing.
3. You can either stay at one of the vineyards for lunch (skipping one vineyard on the tour) or you can snack at each place along the way. We decided to eat small portions at each vineyard to taste a variety of options. However, if you decide to eat lunch at one place, be sure to make reservations because the vineyard may be closed or booked.
4. Make sure you take great photos! There's beauty everywhere.

Overall, I'd suggest the Wine Tram if you'd like to see a variety of vineyards in Franschhoek. Just be sure you're properly prepared by making restaurant reservations, bringing a bottle of water, your flat shoes and a positive attitude!