This week we delve deeper into our list of South African, Must visit Wineries in Franschoek.

For wine enthusiasts, Franschhoek is home to some of the best wineries in the country, with many offering tastings and tours. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the vineyards apart from just tasting the wines. Many offer paired tasting with foods as diverse as fudge, chocolate or cheese. Several vineyards offer a full day of experiences with beautiful gardens to wander around. Let’s get to it!

Boschendal

Boschendal Wine Estate

The current gold standard when it comes to wine-farm destinations, Boschendal ticks all the boxes, and exquisitely so! Stylish accommodation, a welcoming werf where night markets, puppet shows and other activities are hosted, a beautifully merchandised farm shop, and a kids’ club that would give some of the swankiest resorts in Mauritius a run for their money.

Top things to do:

• Food –Visit The Werf for a casual fine-dining farm-to-table feast with floor-to-ceiling vistas of the massive vegetable and herb garden. The Deli serves sandwiches and burgers; or book a scenic picnic in the Rhône rose garden.
• Wine –Spend a relaxing afternoon sampling Boschendal’s award-winning wines. Savour every sip at their two beautiful wine tasting offerings: the Werf and Cellar Door. Enjoy their selections of seasonal platters, food and wine pairings that celebrate our philosophy of generosity and the best of our farm’s local produce.
• Shop – Their Farm Shop & Butchery showcases the freshest produce grown on our farm or crafted by local, like-minded suppliers. Celebrate the best of Boschendal with Black Angus beef, Duroc pork, pantry items, baked goods, fresh produce, free-range eggs, and more.
• Stay –Boschendal welcomes you to enjoy the best of farm-style living while soaking up the scenic views of our surrounding mountains, gardens, and orchards. With an emphasis on stylish tranquillity, our luxury accommodation offerings are ideal for relaxing and unwinding in the Winelands.
• While you’re there –Enjoy all the family-friendly fun their magnificent farm has to offer from award-winning wine to culinary adventures, outdoor activities, first class facilities and tranquil surroundings needed to disconnect from everyday life. Visit them to explore, play, and discover.

Dine at Boschendal Wines

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines

Leeu Passant Wines

On the slopes of the Dassenberg mountains, Leeu Estates is a 68-hectare wine farm home to Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. Owned by Indian entrepreneur Analjit Singh, this estate is one of three farms he acquired after a serendipitous visit to Franschhoek in 2010, during which he “instantly and instinctively knew this was it!”. We can see why…

The Leeu Passant wines are multi-regional bottlings inspired by the classic age-worthy wines of the Cape from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. These were authentic wines unique to the culture, terroir, history and tastes of the Cape, and we strive to reflect these unique factors in their wines.

Top things to do:

• Food –Le chêne, overseen by chef Darren Badenhorst, serves a varied and proudly South African menu underpinned by rigorous French technique. The contemporary interiors are pared-back and sophisticated, and there’s a deck with heavenly views of the garden, vineyard and mountain.
  New to the estate is La Petite Colombe, which moved from its corner at Le Quartier Français. Here, diners can expect the same level of exemplary fine-dining finesse as its Constantia counterpart, La Colombe. For those seeking a light meal and drinks, head to the bar.
• Wine – Designed by acclaimed Spanish Architect, Tomeu Esteva, the estate’s Wine Studio is a suitably beautiful space in which to appreciate the estate’s fine wines, produced by Chris & Andrea Mullineux. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through tastings of both the Swartland and Franschhoek wineries.
• Stay –Leeu Estates encompasses various luxury accommodation options, including six classically styled rooms within the immaculately restored Manor House, and cottages around the estate with sublime views of the surrounding vineyards, gardens and fynbos beyond.
• While you’re there –Go for a scenic stroll through the Bokkie Garden, book a luxury treatment at Leeu Spa, where you’ll find a deliciously inviting 15-metre-long pool and heated plunge pool, or visit the newly established Everard Read Gallery.

Leeu Passant range of wines

Anthonij Rupert

Anthonij Rupert

Tucked beneath the Groot Drakenstein Mountains, the illustrious L’Ormarins Estate is where Anthonij Rupert Wines produces award-winning vintages in state-of-the-art facilities. And, although wine takes centre stage, it’s the artful mix of heritage architecture, cutting-edge wine-making facilities, spectacular scenery, delicious cuisine, and a slew of other pleasurable attractions that make this a one-stop Winelands destination suited to any occasion.

Top things to do:

• Food –Under the olives trees, with views of Franschhoek’s vineyards and mountains, the Terra del Capo tasting room does an Italian-style antipasti experience that is simply divine: seasonally inspired dishes accompanied by a selection of world-class wines.
• Wine –There is a choice of three wine tasting experiences, depending on your wallet and preference: either Terra del Capo tasting room or in the stylish Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room.
• While you’re there –Pop into the Franschhoek Motor Museum for a sighting of 80 vintage cars or enjoy a tram ride around the estate. The Estate Package includes lunch, wine, a tram ride and a museum visit – all for R650. There’s also a decadent high tea experience.

Anthonij Rupert wines

Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle

Overlooking rolling meadows and vineyards that stretch out towards the distant mountains, this illustrious Richard Branson-owned estate offers visitors a serene spot in which to enjoy good food, scenic picnics and a wonderful selection of homegrown wines.

Top things to do:

• Food –At Miko, Polish-born executive head chef, Arek Witaszek, concocts a selection of delectable breakfast, lunch and dinner options made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Those seeking a more relaxed ambience will love the estate’s sister restaurant, The Country Kitchen, while the scenic picnics are a must for an alfresco dining experience.
• Wine –The magnificent 40-hectare estate makes superb award-winning wine, whatever your preference. Visitors can sip away at the estate’s tasting lounge or enjoy a wine-paired meal.
• Stay –The hotel at Mont Rochelle has 26 stylish rooms, each with exposed-beam ceilings and oversized floor-to-ceiling windows offering killer views of the mountainous valley beyond.
• While you’re there – When you are not enjoying the delicious wine and food, the grounds at Mont Rochelle covering 39 hectares (approx. 100 acres) are there to be explored. From swimming, visiting the gym or playing tennis on their Astroturf floodlit tennis court there is something for everyone.

Mont Rochelle range of wines

Image & Content Credit:

• Boschendal
• Mont Rochelle
• Anthonij Rupert
• Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
• https://insideguide.co.za/