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Tastings with a Twist: Discovering Franschhoek’s Unique Wine Experiences
No stranger to exceptional experiences and fine wines, Franschhoek captivates visitors at every turn. For wine lovers seeking something truly unique, this charming town offers a range of must-try activities that redefine the traditional tasting experience.
Pedal your way to wine rewards: Discover the Franschhoek Half Day Winelands Cycle Tour
Pedal power to offset your wine calories… Sign us up! Embark on an exhilarating mountain-biking and wine-tasting adventure through the stunning Franschhoek Valley. With both morning and afternoon tours available, you’ll explore off-road routes and visit two renowned wineries. Learn the art of pairing local wines with chocolate or biltong, guided by experts amidst breathtaking vineyard landscapes. www.bikesnwines.com
Sip, Swirl & Savour Scenic Views: All aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram! (add visual)
Hop aboard the iconic Franschhoek Wine Tram and take a trip back in time as you revel in the ultimate scenic journey through the vineyards. Choose from ten tram lines, each offering visits to multiple estates. Enjoy leisurely tastings at selected wineries, and explore at your own pace as you opt to hop on and off as you please – creating your own dreamy itinerary and without any concerns about drinking and driving. www.winetram.co.za
Paserene: A Modern Marvel
Experience architectural elegance and exquisite wines at Paserene. Nestled in a swallow’s nest-inspired building, Paserene features curated wine pairings in a stylish tasting lounge. Immerse yourself in their meticulous attention to detail and make sure you arrive with a fully-charged phone- this is certainly Instagram-worthy and then some! www.paserene.com
Discover the Ultimate Trio at Deux Lions!
Not your typical wine tasting, Deux Lions brings together the best of wine, olives, and olive oil for a truly unique experience. Guests can delve into the vineyard’s winemaking process while indulging in a seated tasting paired with artisanal cheeses, oils, olives, and local delights—offering guests an intimate glimpse into the estate’s French-inspired ethos as they explore this hidden gem and its lush gardens.
During the olive oil tasting, they can discover a remarkable variety of flavours and aromas from different olive cultivars, ranging from the robust, fruity notes of Coratina to the creamy, mild taste of Mission olives. Grown and available on-site, these tastings provide a fantastic opportunity to find which are your favourites and pre-adding to your basket for taking home and the cupboard stocks. www.deuxlions.co.za
Blend & bottle your own at Rickety Bridge
Unleash your inner winemaker with an interactive wine-blending session at Rickety Bridge. Under expert guidance, craft your own blend and create a personalised label for your bottle. This hands-on experience is perfect for novices and enthusiasts alike, ensuring unforgettable memories and also making for a great team activity, and a thoughtful gift for wine loving friends. Because let’s face it… not everyone arrives to dinner with a bottle they’ve blended and bottled themselves. .www.ricketybridge.com
Haute Cabrière: Learn the art of Sabrage
Witness the art of sabrage at Haute Cabrière, where purchasing a bottle of Pierre Jourdan includes a complimentary demonstration. You can join in the fun and learn the dramatic art of slicing off the top of a bottle of Cap Classique with a large sabre … something the estate’s founder, Achim von Arnim, is famed for. This is a party trick that dates back to the time of Napoleon and is a sight to behold but take it from us…you’ll need to learn first-hand (and from those in the know helping to avoid any casualties) Haute www.cabriere.co.za
Unleash All Aenses: A unique wine and music experience awaits at Black Elephant Vintners!
This summer, immerse yourself in a unique wine-tasting adventure with Black Elephant Vintners, the rebels of the vine. Their standout offering, the Music and Wine Experience, invites you to join owners Jacques or Kevin every Saturday at 11:00 for a sensory journey where each wine is paired with a specially selected song, enhancing its character and story. This fun and fresh approach throws out traditional pairing rules, making it perfect for groups of friends or smaller parties. For a more relaxed vibe, check out their Silent Disco Tasting at the quirky WTF Tasting Room, available daily for walk-ins. www.bevintners.co.za
Pair up for a Kosher adventure at Backsberg
The Backsberg Estate Cellars tasting room offers visitors the opportunity to taste a wide range of estate wines in the beautiful setting of the estate. The experiences on the farm allow one to enjoy the best of the estate wines while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and imposing mountain peaks. The Kosher tasting experience allows guests to sample any three kosher wines. These wines are Mevushal and Kosher for Passover. Tastings can be enjoyed inside or in the outdoor seating area. www.backsberg.co.za
Unwind in style with the ultimate combo: Wine & sushi at GlenWood
You had us at sushi and wine!
Discover GlenWood’s Vine to Bottle Tour, where you’ll learn about their winemaking process and taste wines right from the blocks from where their grapes were harvested. Vineyard walks and barrel tastings offer an insider’s sneak peek into their world of wine-and the best way to extend the spoils is with a decadent sushi platter. Served indoors at the tasting room, or outdoors under a vine-covered pergola in the summer months you’ll want to pair your favourite order with their renowned Chardonnay, creating a unique culinary experience against the backdrop of the scenic Robertsvlei Valley. www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za
So that’s a wrap and until next month’s edition – why not expand your horizons by learning something new, savor unique sips, and immerse yourself in the rich diversity of our Valley of Dreams. With an endless array of experiences to explore and enjoy, you’re in the perfect place to uncover all the hidden gems and discover the distinctive flavors of Franschhoek. We look forward to welcoming you, soon!