Journey through vineyards and explore wine farm estates on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a great way to explore the stunning Franschhoek wine country and its lush vineyards. Hop aboard this hop-on, hop-off tram and enjoy the scenic journey as you travel from each estate, tasting some of the area’s finest wines along the way.
Franschhoek Village
Make your way through the beautiful historic town of Franschhoek with the comfort and convenience of the famous Wine Tram. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or familiar with South Africa, taking in all that Franschhoek has to offer from an open-air tram is an experience not to be missed – not to mention it means you don’t have to limit yourself if driving yourself. Pass by mountain peaks, lush vineyards, and charming estates with tasting rooms, as you explore one of the oldest towns in South Africa in style. Enjoy this leisurely trip through wine country each day of your holiday!
The Wine Tram makes it easy to explore the region’s eight wine routes, stopping at any of its more than 40 estates and tasting rooms along the way. There’s no need to worry about directions as a knowledgeable guide will be on board to answer questions and provide poetic anecdotes about the beautiful valley. When you’re not marveling at the local scenery – and it really is outstanding scenery including picturesque mountains and pretty vineyards, to historic buildings and charming villages – sit back and relax on one of their tramcars or open vehicles with cushioned seating to ensure your comfort as you travel. You can opt for a one-day or seven-day ticket and it’s a favorite amongst our clients and is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions.
The waterfall route
One of the most popular routes on the Franschhoek Wine Tram is the Waterfall Route, which takes you to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the area. Along this route, you’ll get to explore a variety of farms and visit wine cellars, sample artisanal cheeses or pastries, or simply take a leisurely stroll through vineyards. You can even enjoy some outdoor activities such as kayaking and horseback riding. Enjoy beautiful views which include the Stellenbosch Mountains, olive groves, and fruit trees along this incredible journey.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram has plenty of stops along the Waterfall Route, allowing you to customize your tour depending on what activities you’d like to do. At Franschhoek’s Huguenot Monument, stop and learn about the village’s history before visiting one of the oldest wineries in the area, Solms-Delta which offers tours and tastings. For stunning views of local waterfalls, take a short hike at La Couronne. End your day by stopping at Catharina’s restaurant for a delicious dinner paired with wines from surrounding wineries.
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Fine dining in Franschhoek
In addition to discovering the unique beauty of Franschhoek from the Wine Tram, you’ll also be able to taste some of South Africa’s best wines and indulge in local gourmet fare. As your tram passes through each estate, get ready for a flavorful experience with 3-4 wine tastings at stops along the way. If you’re looking to go beyond tasting and try some of the delicious gourmet food offered by each farm, then there are plenty of gourmet food experiences in Franschhoek to delight in.
Whether you’re looking for something elegant or casual, there are a variety of culinary treats awaiting you at the farms that make up the Wine Tram. Book an open-board experience where you can disembark the tram and explore each estate on your own time, or hop off for lunch at one of the stops along the way. If wine is more your style, then check out some of the exclusive private tastings that are included with your ticket. Enjoy a glass (or two) as you learn about South African viticulture from knowledgeable guides.
Franschhoek is a small town in South Africa, but it’s known around the world as a premier culinary destination. The town is home to many prestigious chefs who utilize locally sourced ingredients to create delicious and unique dishes. One of the most highly reviewed restaurants in Franschhoek is The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français. Under the leadership of Chef Margot Janse, The Tasting Room has received worldwide recognition for its contemporary French-inspired cuisine. La Petite Colombe, another fine dining restaurant run by John Norris-Rogers and Scot Kirton, is equally acclaimed for its modern French cuisine and impressive list of accolades, including being included as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
For a more casual fare, The Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant & Deli is a must-visit for foodies and charcuterie lovers alike. If you’re looking to pair locally made wines with your meal, many of Franschhoek’s wineries offer meals prepared especially to complement the wines they have on offer. Whatever you choose, each dining experience in this region is sure to be delicious and unique – thanks to its renowned wine culture and its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients.
Art galleries in Franschhoek
Art galleries are very popular in the region. After you hop on the Wine Tram, take the time to stop and explore some of the renowned art galleries Franschhoek has to offer. Whether you’re into classic oil paintings, modern sculpture work, or anything in between, Franschhoek has something for everyone. With your own personal guide leading the way, you can rest easy knowing every last detail will be taken care of. So sit back and get ready to take in all that South African culture with a glass of wine in hand.
When you hop on the Wine Tram, your guide will lead you from gallery to gallery and answer any questions you have along the way. And don’t worry: the trams run in cycles, so even if it takes you longer than expected to explore the various art galleries, it won’t affect the other riders’ experience. Plus, many of these galleries are en route, so there’s no need to backtrack or double back just to see them. Between painting with light at one gallery and abstract expressionism at another, this tour provides art lovers of all types a way to check out some of Franschhoek’s finest works.
How to book the Franschhoek wine tram
If you’re visiting the Western Cape, don’t miss your chance to hop on board the Franschhoek Wine Tram. It’s a great activity for everyone from wine connoisseurs to couples, families, and groups of friends. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you journey through the wine estates of Franschhoek valley, stopping off at seven estate wineries for tastings and experiences. There are several different routes you can take with the Franschhoek Wine Tram so it’s important to make sure you choose one most suited to you. Make sure you book ahead though, as tickets for this popular tourist attraction sell out fast. We can, of course, help you with this.
