Franschhoek - Discover excellent wines from South Africa

Franschhoek, known as the gourmet Mecca of the Cape, is a region where you can discover excellent wines from South Africa. The region has retained its historic Huguenot character and is now one of the most important wine regions in the country. The Franschhoek Valley lies south-east of Paarl and is surrounded on three sides by impressive mountains: the Groot Drakenstein and the Franschhoek Mountains in the upper part of the valley and the Klein Drakenstein and the Simonsberg Mountains further down towards Paarl. Numerous rivers from the peaks flow into the valley and form the Berg River - fast-flowing in winter due to snowmelt and a calm stream in summer, fed by the Wemmershoek Dam.

Thanks to these unique climatic and geological conditions, Franschhoek produces excellent wines from South Africa that impress with their quality, depth and variety of flavours. Anyone wishing to discover the region and its wines will find both elegant white wines and full-bodied red wines that meet international standards.

More about the Franschhoek wine region

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Franschhoek - a wine-growing region with French roots

The wine-growing region along the Franschhoek Wine Route is one of the most important in South Africa. The town of Franschhoek is located in the Western Cape province and, with a population of almost 16,000, belongs to the municipality of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands district. Protected by the Drakenstein mountain range, around 60 kilometres east of the capital Cape Town, the valley stretches out, offering ideal conditions for winegrowing thanks to its mild climate.

Thanks to this ideal location, Franschhoek produces excellent wines from South Africa that impress with their quality, variety of flavours and unmistakable character. Anyone wishing to discover the region will experience wines that enjoy the highest international recognition in both red and white wine varieties.

Wine from the "French corner"

Franschhoek means something like "French corner" or "French corner", as the village was founded in 1688 by around 200 Huguenots from France. They settled in this valley because it reminded them of their homeland in the French Alps. A group of Dutch settlers led by Simon van der Stel initially set up a 50-hectare farm. The winegrowers among the French immigrants quickly realised that the surrounding mountains offered excellent conditions for winegrowing - one reason why Franschhoek - Discovering excellent wines from South Africa is no empty promise today.

Top wines from more than twenty wine estates

The first wine-growing experiments by French winegrowers developed into a wine-growing region that is now one of the most important in South Africa. More than twenty wine estates along the Franschhoek Wine Route produce top-quality wines. These include the La Motte wine estate, one of the oldest in the Cape Winelands, which is internationally recognised for its quality.

"La Motte" - world-renowned wine producer

The history of La Motte begins in 1695 when, after generations of successful wine production, Dr Anton Rupert laid the foundations for the modern success story of the estate, which today is known for its excellent wines from South Africa as well as for its sustainable cultivation methods.

Sustainability and social responsibility

"La Motte" is not only committed to the principles of organic viticulture, but is also socially committed to its employees. Protection of the natural flora, sustainable wine production and international awards make the wines of this winery true ambassadors of the region.

The success story of Anthonij Rupert Wines

One of the most important wine estates in Franschhoek was established on the "L'Ormarins" farm. The terroir is diverse - from low-lying areas to slopes of up to 580 metres. This results in red and white wines that make optimum use of the typical microclimates and are internationally recognised.

Boeckenhoutskloof, Colmant and other top wineries

In addition to the big names such as "La Motte" or "Anthonij Rupert Wines", boutique wineries such as JP Colmant Cap Classique, Boeckenhoutskloof, Franschhoek Cellar and La Petite Ferme also produce handcrafted wines of the highest quality. The region thus offers a wide range of excellent wines from South Africa for wine lovers to discover.

Wines that showcase the essence of the region

The wines of the Franschhoek Wine Route reflect the uniqueness of the region. Whether a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, elegant Pinot Noir, fruity Merlot or tangy Sauvignon Blanc - discovering Franschhoek - Excellent Wines from South Africa means experiencing the diversity, elegance and authenticity of this renowned wine region.