“In July 2003 I photographed former President Nelson Mandela for the first time. This was a special commission for the inauguration of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation and the sitting took place at The Rhodes Trust in Oxford, England. This was to be the start of my long association with the Foundation and President…
As we near the end of our extended lockdown we await news of what our new normal may be. While we wait, Franschhoek Wine Valley locals continue to do their bit for those less fortunate as well as keep the region top of mind for those who will one day…
The Val de Vie Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports people in under resourced communities in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, is collaborating with multiple stakeholders in a response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thousands of people in the Valley are unable to work, have lost their jobs or can’t…
It was an Easter weekend with a difference. Traditionally many South Africans take advantage of this (really) long weekend to travel to nearby destinations to escape and unwind from the hustle and bustle. However, the new norm is to stay indoors and stay safe and resulted in Franschhoek locals remaining…
There is no time like the present to reach out to your community to show how much you care. Since the start of lockdown we’ve seen an outpouring of community initiatives and acts of goodwill to help those in need during this time of uncertainty. From volunteers, essential service providers…
With a loyal Italian fan base, local resident ‘artist extraordinaire’ Pigcasso was recently approached by an Italian art agency to donate a piece of his spectacular artwork. This work of art forms part of a collection to be auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds of all the artworks going towards…
Black Elephant Vintners recently featured on BBC News. Watch the video below as Lerato Mbele talks to three South African entrepreneurs who are hoping to shake things up in the wine industry. The former bankers have turned to wine-making, and are hoping to make an impact in the sparkling wine market.
In this ever-changing environment, Together Franschhoek, symbolises the strength in community collaboration that the Franschhoek Valley is known for! Assisting the community in establishing food distribution points throughout the valley, through the supply of fresh produce and ingredients, the installation of handwashing stations, and ensuring that social distancing measures and…
After serving 30 years as the Viticulturist/Winemaker for GlenWood Vineyards, DP Burger will be handing over this responsibility to his Assistant Winemaker, Natasha Pretorius. DP will oversee the smooth running of the farm in his capacity as Cellar Master and General Manager. GlenWood Vineyards is situated in the heart of…
Virgin Limited Edition’s South African Hotel & Mountain Vineyard Mont Rochelle, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Arek Witaszek as its new Executive Head Chef. Arek joins the team at Mont Rochelle after holding the position of Executive Head Chef at the award-winning five-star Relais and Chateaux property – Asara…
At a gala event which took place on Saturday, 2 November at Nederburg Wines in Paarl, the winners of this year’s Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker Competition were announced, and L’Ormarins’ Abednic Simanga was awarded the winner of the Animal Production category. The Agri-Awards – an initiative previously known as…
Be sure to make time to visit the reinvented Monneaux Restaurant when next in Franschhoek for an unforgettable culinary experience. Recently appointed visionary chef Calvin Metior has transformed the restaurant’s offering by introducing conscious dining. Situated adjacent to the luxurious five-star Franschhoek Country House & Villas, the restaurant has reconceptualized…
The finalists for the 19th Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year awards have been released, and Thys Smit of Grande Provence has been included in the line-up of five winemakers who will vie for this prestigious title. The winner will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner at La…
The results of this year’s Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker Competition are in, which saw Franschhoek Wine Valley represented by 10 finalists. This round of the competition was held to select regional winners chosen from the Bergrivier, Breedevallei, Central Karoo, Durbanville, EGVV, Franschhoek, Garden Route, Hexvallei, Klein Karoo, Langeberg, Olifantsrivier,…
Leeu Collection has revealed exciting new plans for its Cape Winelands properties that will cement its desire to host only the very best dining experiences (that make the most of local produce and talent) and reinforce Franschhoek’s title as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa. The seeds for this concept were…
Since its inception in 2002 female agri worker participants have increased significantly, which has resulted in 13 women moving forward to the next round. At total of 43 finalists from Franschhoek were selected. Another noticeable factor was the women’s level of knowledge and passion for their respective responsibilities, which impressed…
Not only does August symbolize Winter drawing to an end, it’s also a month of great importance to South African women. On 9 August we celebrate National Women’s Day, which commemorates a significant day in our country’s history. In 1956 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to…
The S. Pellegrino Top 10 Young Chef semi-finalists for 2020 have been announced, of which seven of the 10 for the Africa and Middle East region are from South Africa. One of the semi-finalists happens to be Callan Austin, Chef De Cuisine at Le Coin Français. 135 chef candidates from…
Talented, young Cape Town chef, John Norris-Rogers, is the Head Chef at one of La Colombe’s latest restaurant ventures which opened August 2017 in Franschhoek – La Petite Colombe. A 90’s child, born in Pretoria, and having lived in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, John Norris-Rogers decided to make Cape Town his…
Earlier in February the Franschhoek Wine Valley had the pleasure of hosting four dynamic women aptly referred to as the Worldwine Women. This group of friends and students – Alice, Louise, Alexandra and Atalante – have made it their duty to explore vineyards across the globe, with the goal of…
Award-winning chef and Franschhoek local, Margot Janse’s passion for food and giving back to the community is a shining example to all through a project very close to her heart. Margot’s charity project, ‘Isabelo, Feeding Hungry Minds’, which she initiated in 2009, provides nutritious breakfasts on a daily basis to…
Our Colmant 2019 harvest is in full swing, with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir looking promising. It is a year of exciting changes and growth at Colmant. In our continuing journey to produce the finest boutique Cap Classique in South Africa, we are thrilled that Paul Gerber, one of South…
Congenial venue. Up to date equipment. Professional support. Three elements that are essential for young people to study, discover, absorb while reaching required academic standards and attain their development potential. These factors are now available to both the youth and younger children of the Franschhoek valley thanks to the establishment of the Leeu…
Regarded as one of South Africa’s leading wine producing regions as well as the country’s premier culinary destination, the Franschhoek Wine Valley has every reason to raise a glass to a stellar year. Earning top accolades has once again placed this picture perfect valley at the top of visitors’ minds.…
Following on from the announcement of the finalists for this year’s 5th annual Prestige Agri-Awards, there was excitement in the air when the winners of 2018 Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker were announced. The results were announced at a gala event on 3 November at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl,…
The 5th annual Prestige Agri-Awards recently took place at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards in Franschhoek, where the winners for the sought after titles were announced. The initiative, previously known as the Farmworker of the Year competition, honours excellence in the province’s agricultural sector. In doing so the competition is able…
Three top Franschhoek chefs are putting on their super hero aprons in aid of the region’s most vulnerable children at a fabulous StreetSmart luncheon on Monday, 7 May 2018. Chefs Chris Erasmus, Darren Badenhorst and Neil Jewel are joining forces for this not-to-be-missed 3-course fund-raiser at Foliage Restaurant. StreetSmart SA,…
The Val de Vie Foundation believes that the difference between schools reaching their full potential and those that don’t, is not due to social background, but rather the under resourcing of schools. Klapmuts Primary has a visionary principal, Mr. Ronnie Frans, and first-class teachers who have embraced e-Learning to its full extent.…
During Autumn Franschhoek transforms into a display of deep reds, yellows and golden browns. We have also been treated to some of the most glorious sunny, but fresh days, making it one of the best times to head over to Franschhoek to spend time with family and friends. Below we…
We invited a few talented local Instagrammers to join us for an afternoon of #franscHHoekmoments in the valley. We started with a food and wine pairing at Grande Provence, followed by a walk through the village, where we stopped at Reuben's Restaurant, David Walters' ceramics gallery, Huguenot Fine Chocolate and…
In an awards ceremony held on 18 March at the Golden Valley Casino in Worcester, the Franschhoek Wine Valley was presented the Service Excellence Award at the Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Tourism Awards. The prestigious Service Excellence Award is bestowed upon a tourism business that best promotes the tourism…
Grande Provence is home to Hungarian Vizslas, Rez and Kika, and constant companions to winemaker, Karl Lambour. Rez, Kika and Chase also happen to be the Franschhoek Wine Valley Dogs for March. Hungarian Vizslas are a very old and pure breed dating back some 500 years. They are highly intelligent,…
Meet Peggy-Sue the fun loving nine-year-old Staffie, the Franschhoek Wine Dog for February, and whose owner is La Bri winemaker Irene Waller. According to Irene, Peggy-Sue has a distinct passion for Merlot says Irene. She also has a keen sense for ripeness and will taste all, but only eat the…
On Sunday the 7th of February 2015, the sun was out and shining beautifully for the Franschhoek Summer Wines festival. Hosted at Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards, the festival was a celebration of the valley's top summer reds, whites, rosés and MCCs. It was an all-white fashion affair and guests looked…
Regarded as one of the most prestigious culinary competitions globally this year’s San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Awards is represented by Franschhoek both on the judging panel and Top 10 finalists. Internationally acclaimed Margot Janse, Executive Chef at Le Quartier Français’ The Tasting Room, will be joining fellow judges chefs Massimo…
Franschhoek may be well known for its superb wines and world class cuisine, but did you know that it is also home to some of the most loyal, and cutest dogs? Regarded as ‘man’s best friend’ we’ll be paying homage to these trusted furry friends, showcasing a different dog each…
Summer is here! Join the Franschhoek Vignerons at the annual Summer Wines Festival on Saturday 7 February at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards from 12pm to 5pm. Franschhoek winemakers will be showcasing their top white, rosé or MCC wines at this intimate event. Enjoy delicious food from the rotisserie kitchen, while…
This past weekend hundreds of people flocked to Franschhoek to experience the Magic of Bubbles at the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard. It was a flurry of black and white, parasols and Panama hats and lots of good style. Tickets for the event, which showcased some…
Escape the hustle and bustle of the silly season and retreat to the tranquil surroundings of the Franschhoek Wine Valley to recharge. From 10 to 16 December Franschhoek will come alive with festive cheer when wine farms, restaurants, retail stores and accommodation establishments pull out the stops. Dine at leisure,…
We might be biased, but we believe that Franschhoek's Winelands High Tea is the best there is. To get a second opinion, we recently invited a group of lovely ladies from the media and blog world to join us for high tea and bubbly with our charismatic host, Nick Davies. …
Relax in the grand marquee situated on the lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s iconic Huguenot Monument or engage with winemakers as they present some of South Africa’s finest Méthode Cap Classiques (MCC) and France’s best Champagnes. Complementing the selection of bubblies are mouth-watering delights offered by the local restaurants that have firmly…
Relax in the grand marquee situated on the lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s iconic Huguenot Monument or engage with winemakers as they present some of South Africa’s finest Méthode Cap Classiques (MCC) and France’s best Champagnes. Complementing the selection of bubblies are mouth-watering delights offered by the local restaurants that have firmly…
October is regarded as the beautiful month with flowers in full bloom and everything looking sparkling new and fresh. The timing couldn’t be better to visit Franschhoek, which plays host to three intimate yet popular events. View exquisite ceramic works by internationally acclaimed potter David Walters at this year’s Franschhoek…
We are pleased to congratulate Almari Arangies for winning two tickets to the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival from 29 to 30 November! We loved her Franschhoek Uncorked festival image taken at Lynx Wine Estate this past weekend: We have also captured a few of our festival-goers’ Franschhoek Uncorked moments…
School holidays are here! Running out of ideas on how to keep the family and kids entertained? Bring them to Franschhoek for a fun-filled day out. Something sweet is always a treat. The world famous Huguenot Fine Chocolates is pure chocolate heaven and a delight for young and old! Indulge…
This past weekend, 21 of Franschhoek’s wineries showcased their delicious wines and offerings to a great crowd that joined Franschhoek Uncorked with us this year! This is part two of some of the highlights. Check out Part 1 here. La Chataigne Boule, live music, homemade lemonade and La Chataigne wines…
This past weekend, 21 of Franschhoek’s wineries showcased their delicious wines and offerings to a great crowd that joined Franschhoek Uncorked with us this year! We are looking back at some of our best Franschhoek Uncorked moments. Babylonstoren Wine and olive tastings at Babylonstoren Noble Hill Wine Estate Ice cream…
Artfully plated food Arno Janse van Rensburg, chef of The Kitchen at the Maison Estate, cooks on instinct, using whatever is available and fresh. He describes his food as “global contemporary”. Janse van Rensburg developed his cooking style growing up with a family that enjoyed fishing and diving. They cooked…
Jacoline Haasbroek My Wyn, which sits high on a mountain overlooking Franschhoek, is a pretty, and pretty small, winery run by Jacoline Haasbroek. Every year just under 10 000 bottles of wine emerge from her tiny cellar on the farm Uithoek in Uitkyk Street. Jacoline has been making wine since…
Judah James at the entrance to the herb garden When next you’re in Franschhoek, pop into the indigenous herb garden in the town’s main road. There you will find Judah James, a Khoi Rastafarian who has extensive knowledge of local herbs and what they have been used for through the…
David Walters David Walters kneads and stretches a lump of clay a few times before placing it on his potter’s wheel. He sits down and immediately starts working the white clay on the spinning wheel, which quickly takes shape with his manipulation. He deftly coaxes the clay and it defies…
Franschhoek Wine Valley
Physical Address
62 Huguenot Road
Franschhoek
7690
Office hours
Monday: 09h00 – 12h00
Tuesday to Friday: 09h00 – 16h00
Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00
Sunday: closed
Contact Details
+27(0) 21 876 2861
info@franschhoek.org.za
