Why Franschhoek is a Top Winter Destination

Last year I wrote an article entitled TOP THINGS TO DO IN FRANSCHHOEK IN WINTER, which proved hugely popular. After a recent trip back to the Valley, I thought it was high time to write an update, which I hope will be helpful if you are planning a trip to the area.

Franschhoek Top Winter Destination

Franschhoek, as you may already know, is one of my favourite small towns in the Western Cape. The quaint Winelands town is only a short drive from Cape Town, making it the perfect destination.

If the “natural beauty” doesn’t draw you in, then the combination of fantastic food and wine is sure to win your heart!

FranscHHoek is Open for Winter

Winter in the Cape is synonymous with roaring log fires, ruby red wine and fabulous food! The weather may be colder, but there is no need to hide under the covers, especially when there are so many fantastic “winter experiences” awaiting you. In fact, we experience some of our best weather in the Cape during winter.

Below are a few reasons which prove that not only is Franschhoek “Open For Winter”, but it is a Top Winter Destination!

DRINK

As well as being one of my favourite culinary destinations Franschhoek offers some of the best wine tasting experiences – fireplaces included, and who said bubbly is only a summer drink?

A few of my favourite wine farms include La Petite Ferme, Haute Cabriere, Maison, Anthonij Rupert, Babylonstoren and Noble Hill. More recent discoveries include Wine Tasting at Haut Espoir, and Glen Carlou, as well as a fabulous L’Ormarins MCC Tasting at Anthonij Rupert.

Haut Espoir

Haute Espoir Boutique Wine Estate, produce a selection of handcrafted wines which include Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Their philosophy of maintaining a synergy between wine making and conservation is immediately apparent. Haut Espoir is as passionate about wine as they are about the environment where they grow the grapes.

On a recent visit, I had the opportunity of tasting a selection of their wines. My personal favourites were the 2016 Chardonnay and the Gentle Giant, which is a deliciously spicy red blend.

The Haut Espoir Tasting and Cellar Tours are by appointment, Monday to Friday from 11.00 – 16.00 and Saturday from 11.00 – 13.00. They are closed on a Sunday. Contact via telephone (+27 21) 876-4000 or Email.

Tuk Tuk Microbrewery

For beer connoisseurs, a visit to Tuk Tuk Microbrewery is a must. The Microbrewery, located on the Main Road, is a collaboration between the Leeu Collection and the Cape Brewing Company {CBC}. I particularly love the industrial feel of the interiors, with exposed brick and copper fittings.

As well as a craft beer tasting, they have a tapas style menu on offer. I must make special mention of the Cheese Balls and the Seared Tuna Tacos – they were amazing!!!

EAT

Franschhoek is widely known as the culinary capital of South Africa! There is an excellent variety of gastronomic experiences on offer. From a caffeine fix on the run to a lavish five-course meal you truly are spoilt for choice.

Breakfast & Coffee

Big Dog Cafe

If it is serious coffee you are looking for, as well as a delicious meal, I can highly recommend Big Dog Cafe, at Terbodore Coffee. It is a newcomer to the Valley. We stopped in there for breakfast during our recent trip. I am happy to report that the coffee was up to my exacting standards and the Ricotta Hot Cake was heavenly.

Among my favourite breakfast spots are Café Bonbon, Essence Restaurant & Coffee Bar and the most recent addition Miko Restaurant at Mont Rochelle Hotel.

Miko Restaurant

Breakfast at Miko Restaurant is a lavish affair, it includes a cold buffet, a hot breakfast, tea and coffee and a glass of Graham Beck Bubbly. The views from Miko restaurant are also something rather special!

Lunch and Dinner

At the top of my culinary list are Foliage, Ryan’s Kitchen, Haute Cabriere, La Petite Ferme, and The Werf.

La Petite Ferme

For the most fantastic views, as well as delicious food and wine, La Petite Ferme wins hand down. They also have an incredible Winter Escape Package on offer which is running until the 30th Septemeber 2017.

Marigold Restaurant

A recent addition to my culinary must-do list is Marigold, Franschhoek’s first authentic Indian Restaurant. Be prepared to go on the most incredible culinary journey, with big bold flavours that will tantalise your senses. Ensure that you arrive ravenous because portions are generous and you are going to want to try everything on the menu! Dishes that I really loved were the Golgappa & Tamarind Pani, Tadka Dal, Butter Chicken and the Mutton Rogan Josh. The Golgappa & Tamarind Pani, are light crispy pockets filled with potato, onion, chickpeas and served with cold tamarind water.

Relaxed Dining

Franschhoek is not only for serious gastronomes. For a more relaxed dining experience, I recommend Col’Cacchio Pizzeria, for meat lovers the Village Grill & Butcher, or for a Latin-inspired meal, Cosecha Restaurant.

PLAY

De Villiers Chocolate Cafe

Another newcomer to the Valley is De Villers Chocolate Cafe, which is a chocolate lovers paradise! De Villers was the first ‘Bean to Bar’ artisanal chocolate maker, in South Africa. They are also one of the only producers of premium artisanal chocolate, in SA.

The De Villiers Chocolate Cafe sell a wide range of chocolate treats, from bars to truffles, chocolate nougat, butter caramels and coated nuts and berries. De Villiers also offer a Self Tutored Chocolate Tasting menu. You can sample chocolates from any of their three collections, which are Single Origin, African Collection and Treats Collection. They also have a selection of 15 flavours of Ice cream and Sorbet.

Franschhoek Wine Tram

If you are looking for a fun day out why not jump on the Hop-on, Hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram. You can currently choose from five hop-on hop-off tours. Each tour visits eight wine estates and explores a different part of the Valley.

Other things to do in the Valley include visiting one of the art galleries or museums. A pampering spa day is definitely at the top of my favourite winter experiences. If you are feeling energetic, take it outdoors for a hike or mountain bike trail.

SLEEP

I highly recommend spending longer than a day exploring the Valley; there is so much to see and do! Accommodation options are endless from budget self-catering to five-star luxury, so there is no excuse for not staying over. Winter is the perfect time for taking advantage of the fantastic winter specials on offer.

On occasion, we stay in town which is an excellent way to explore the area on foot. Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, conveniently located in the centre of Town, offers sophisticated luxury and elegant interiors. Other options in town include B&B’s, Guest Houses, as well as self-catering rentals.

Mont d’Or

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Mont d’Or, a country-style guest house located in the heart of Franschhoek. Mont d’Or is in easy walking distance to restaurants, art galleries and shops.

If you are looking to stay outside of the Town, a few of my favourites are Angala Boutique Hotel, Boschendal, La Petite Ferme and Fransvliet.

Images: Marigold – supplied and Franschhoek Wine Tram – supplied. ©2010 – 2017 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent, from the owner and copyright holder.

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