Franschhoek Wine

FRANSCHHOEK AND ITS WONDROUS WINES

Franschhoek, South Africa’s food-and-wine heartland, is renowned for its centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture. It’s a mere 75 kilometres from Cape Town and a night - or a few - at The Last Word Franschhoek, situated in the centre of town, allows easy access to all the activities on offer. Including The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival that takes place on 2 and 3 December - an evening of elegance, where you'll get the chance to meet some of our local MCC producers and sample some of their finest products!

The regions wine lands come highly recommended and visitors have the option to self-drive; take the wine tram; a bike ride; or a horse ride and discover the essence of the Franschhoek Valley’s world-class cuisine, fine wines and 300-year-old history. Here wine connoisseurs, and those who simply enjoy good wines, are spoilt for choice because the area is dotted with farms that craft award-winning wines – too numerous to list.

Here are a few suggestions from us at The Last Word Intimate Hotels.

Môreson is aptly described as a little slice of magic. The Widow Maker, Môreson’s Pinotage is a rich and deliciously heavy red wine. Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant exudes an old-world charm. It is a character-filled, rustic restaurant that has won numerous accolades for its honest food.  

La Bourgogine is a quaint family run estate that dates back to 1694. The farmhouse is shaded by 150-year-old oak tress that give the area a unique and captivating charm. Best known for their quality wines, along with export quality plums and pears, it is no surprise that they are now venturing into the production of olive oil and growing their own olive trees. Speciality Tastings are also available, tempting the more adventurous with an extraordinary Brandy and Truffle tasting.

Grande Provence’s aromatic Chenin Blanc/Viognier 2016 is on promotion and in December the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, pure summer in a glass, is a must for festive celebrations. The estate, set in 47-acres of vineyard offers an exceptional venue for intimate and romantic, private-dining experiences at The Jonkershuis.

With awards for six consecutive years, the Merlot at Dieu Donné – ‘A Gift from God’ – is the flagship wine of the cellar. And if you enjoy ‘bubbly’ the MCC 2012 took a Gold Medal at the Veritas Wine Awards in 2016. ROCA Restaurant - where the emphasis is on fresh, high-quality, local ingredients with respectful, simple treatment of food - serves delicious and exciting tastes of the Mediterranean.

Whet your palate at Maison Estate with The Tasting Room Viognier 2015 - destemmed and aged in older barrels for five to eight months to ensure a less woody character. For the last three consecutive years, The Kitchen has been voted a Top 20 Finalist at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards.

Having gleaned awards every year since 2006, La Motte’s Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice from this cellar. La Motte’s admiration of South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886-1957) was the inspiration behind the name of the eatery here - Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant. Pierneef’s creativity in portraying the beauty of the South African landscape is echoed in the restaurant’s offering of traditional cuisine with a modern interpretation.

Haute Cabriere award-winning wines are created from two noble cultivars - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - that bring balance to the wines and a freshness to the Méthode Cap Classique produced under the name Pierre Jourdan. Inside the stone cellar, a dining area overlooks the maturation cellar and has a picturesque view of Franschhoek.

Holden Manz is a hidden gem and an exclusive grower of red grapes. It is noted for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot produced here. Rated as one of the leading restaurants in the Franschhoek Valley, Franschhoek Kitchen reflects an ethos based on the finest international cuisine.