With the stroke of his royal quill in October 1685, King Louis XIV of France unwittingly set South Africa up to become one of the winemaking centers. By signing Fontainebleau’s edict, the Sun king initiated a mass exodus of Huguenots from the country. And while plenty would become the Netherlands, England, and the United States, many took their winemaking skills with them to South Africa. By the early 19th century, one of these areas was renamed Franschhoek, an Afrikaans term for “French corner”.
But for too long, the city has played second fiddle to nearby Stellenbosch, which is 10 times larger. Don’t be fooled by the sleepiness, Beck Beck Beck: this beautiful corner of the Cape Winelands has recently been transformed into a luxury traveller’s dream. It’s your friends you probably haven’t been to yet, which has great hotels, world-class cuisine, and some of the best wine to be found anywhere in the world.
“Franceschoque has always been one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful destinations, and its wineries and hotels have stepped up their game,” said Jim Clark, Country Manager of South African Wines. Rob Report “From classics like Boschendal and Antoine Rupert to new faces like Klein Goederst, Leo Passant, and Black Elephant vintners, the valley offers a wealth of wine experiences.”
February is the best time to visit: with the grape harvest in full swing and summer in full bloom, wine-focused hotels and restaurants serve up a bounty of the peak season’s produce. The lovely aroma of fermentation hangs in the air, and the most traffic you’ll encounter is a tractor with a load of Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, or Cabernet Sauvignon ready to be made into a local specialty.
Groups traveling together will be delighted to know that one of the city’s best properties, La Residence, recently launched Frankish House, a six-bedroom exclusive-use villa. Rob Report Travel Master Sandy Cunningham is an expert resource for your travel arrangements. At right, she shares some highlights that first-timers shouldn’t miss.
Where to drink it?
La residence
The Royal Portfolio
This Tuscan-style villa is set on a 30-acre estate with dramatic views in all directions. Visitors and locals alike flock to dine at its restaurant, The Great Hall, which also pours its own specialty wines.
La Petite Colombie in Leo States
Courtesy of Leo Status
Originally a sister restaurant in Cape Town, La Petite Colombe’s fine cuisine is paired with impeccable service and breathtaking views.
fiongages de France
Perfect for a picnic, this shop on Franschhoek’s main street offers an unexpected, fine selection of French cheeses and wines from around the world.
La Motte
The winery offers Jan Franschhoek, a seasonal series of lunches and dinners served in a cottage surrounded by picturesque lavender fields.
Le Quartier Francais
Courtesy of Le Quartier Francais
Located in the heart of the city, this charming hotel has just 25 gracious rooms and suites that combine modern furnishings with traditional touches. Intimate, staff-owned bottle shop, book a tasting at Great Heart Wines.
The authors
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jensen
