BLOG
Things to do in Franschhoek
FRANSCHHOEK ACTIVITIES (THAT IS NOT RELATED TO WINE…)
A CAPE WINELANDS RIDING EXPERIENCE
Cape Winelands Riding offers day rides for every rider and every taste! From short rides through nearby orchards to full day rides with wine tasting and lunch, this is a wonderful way to spend some time in the saddle and take in the stunning vineyards and orchards.
1 hour scenic ride
Suitable for beginner and novice riders, this is a lovely relaxed ride through lemon orchards with incredible views of the mountains all around. It is a perfect day ride for families with small children under the age of 12.
2 hour scenic ride
This is one of our most popular rides which takes the rider across neighboring farms, passing lemon orchards and vineyards on the way. The trail goes past a lake with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. Suitable for most riders – experienced as well as novice and intermediate riders.
3 hour scenic ride
Our 3 hour scenic day ride takes you from our yard into the foothills of Simonsberg and is more suitable for experienced riders wanting some trots and canters. It offers spectacular views over the Paarl and Franschhoek valleys below.
Sunset ride in high summer
We offer a two-hour sunset ride during summer months (October to March), setting off between 5pm and 6pm depending on the month. This is probably the best time of the day to ride as the hustle and bustle of the day is left behind and things wind down. The gentle golden glow coming off the mountains and the sound of chattering guinea fowl are food for the soul. This is simply one of the best ways to end a day.
Proposal rides
Be it a romantic sunset ride or a surprise picnic in a private corner of a beautiful garden at a wine farm, we make it happen just the way you want it! We boast a 100% success rate with all the proposal rides we have hosted so why not leave it to us to make this an unforgettable moment.
To book contact Cape Winelands Riding, Louis Geyer on info@tsptravel.com or (0)82 924 6728
ALOE HIKING TRAIL AT TOPIARY WINES
Set on the lovely Topiary wine farm, the new Franschhoek Fan Aloe Trail is a brand new trail which runs along the 4 koppies (rocky outcrops) behind the Chardonnay vine block. We have used the existing baboon trails to get to the koppies and then do a bit of bundu-bashing through the stunning Fynbos vegetation. The elusive and endemic Franschhoek Fan Aloe plant as well as the Franschhoek Blushing Bride Protea feature prominently on the trail and are not found in many other places with such easy access.
Although the hike is not at great height, the koppies are fabulous to visit and the views from the top of the Simonsberg Moutain one the one side and the Berg River Dam in the far distance on the other, are awesome.
Once back on ground level, pop in to the tasting room for a complimentary wine tasting. A well deserved reward after a great hike.
PLEASE NOTE: Please wear good walking shoes / hiking boots and Bug-repellent is highly recommended.
Contact Information
Telephone +27 (0)21 867 0258
Email sales@topiarywines.co.za
BABYLONSTOREN GARDEN TOUR
Daily Garden Tour(1 hour 30 minutes)
Starts at 10h00 in front of the Farm Shop. One of our experienced gardeners will be your guide on this tour, during which we encourage guests to pick, taste, smell and touch while walking through our garden.
Special Collections Tour (1 hour)
Come on the daily guided walk from Monday to Friday at 11h30, to discover our special collections. Depending on the time of year, guests will be taken to see the succulent collection, the cycads next to the stream or for a walk through the Healing Garden.
Book online at https://babylonstoren.com/visit-our-garden#garden-tour
Open daily: 9h00 to 17h00, last entry 16h00
Entry fee at the gate
For more details contact them on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or email enquiries@babylonstoren.com
BABYLONSTOREN FARM SHOP & SCENTED ROOM
With a firm grounding in the farm’s rich heritage, yet with an eye to innovation, the Babylonstoren Farm Shop is a reflection of our contemporary, unhurried farm lifestyle. Directed by the ever-changing tapestry and seasonal abundance of our garden, the preparation of our fine living products starts long before you walk through the door. Each item is a labour of love that is nurtured by skilled hands and brought to life by the thoughtful selection of materials and ingredients, many of which are created on the farm itself. Some of our most successful items have happened by chance – through a process of testing and learning as well as listening to our most valued customers. Visitors to Babylonstoren can enjoy the products in our restaurants and also buy them in our Farm Shop or online.
Bakery
Every day our bakers arrive before the crack of dawn to conjure up loaves of bread to serve at Babel, to sell in the Farm Shop and for sandwiches served at the Greenhouse. Only the best stoneground flour, with no chemicals or preservatives, is used. Naturally fermented sourdough is used to leaven the bread, which not only enhances the taste but also adds to the nutritional value. The loaves in the Bakery reflect what is happening in the garden – we like using beetroot, spinach, pumpkin and pear to enhance our bread’s flavour and visual appeal.
Meat Room
When the Dutch settlers arrived in South Africa in the 17th century, they brought with them recipes to cure and preserve meat. What began as a necessity turned into a much-loved delicacy. For our biltong, droëwors and boerewors we strictly use traditional South African recipes, while Italian principles are followed for curing and charcuterie. We also make smoked bacon and offer premium cuts of aged Chianina beef, an age-old Italian breed of cattle. Our maturation room is lined with Himalayan salt tiles and operates at exactly 6°C. The salt helps to evaporate excess water and, since fresh meat has a high water content, this serves to concentrate and enhance the flavour.
Cheese Room
Our cheesemaker honed her skills in Italy and tries to stay as close to these traditional methods as possible. We specialise in unaged cheese, using the best quality full cream Jersey milk, and make fresh fior di latte by hand every day. Other cheeses from our larder include halloumi, and our favourite ‘hang op’ yoghurt cheese. Halloumi, one of our most popular cheeses, started life as a by-product because its whey makes the most delicious ricotta by far. Guests are welcome to watch our cheesemakers in action through the glass door at the back of the Farm Shop.
Lekker Room
In the same 18th-century building that originally housed the blacksmith, stables and waenhuis (wagon house), we have the Lekker Room – a tantalising space of flavours where we roast almonds, macadamias and pecan nuts. Other irresistible reasons to drop by include steaming coffee and vegan fudge, four different types of chocolate, sweet and savoury granola, citrus and almond rusks and everything in between. The Afrikaans adjective “lekker” means tasty or describes anything fun or pleasurable. And the noun “lekker” refers to sweets (candy).
Scented Room
Our captivating Scented Room, located in The Barn, is a quiet oasis where guests are mesmerised by the lingering scents of waterblommetjies, roses, fynbos and many more. The images and scents of the garden are captured in our soaps, candles, bath oils and linen cloth. Make your own scrub and mask or learn the process of making essential oils.
Open on Monday – Sunday from 09h00–17h30
For more details visit https://babylonstoren.com/farm-shop or contact them on +27 (0)21 863 3852
CHAMONIX GAME DRIVE
Need a bit of an adventure?
For only R 200, you can enjoy a game drive on the Estate.
Choose between the three time slots available: 11:00, 12:30 & 14:30
Book now, email sales@chamonix.co.za
(Seats are limited to 7 people per session)
FRANSCHHOEK ADVENTURES
Guided Hiking Tours
Hiking in Franschhoek is an experience not be missed. The Franschhoek Valley is nestled between beautiful, dramatic mountains. It’s the first thing you notice as you come into our valley! Beautiful, majestic mountains! It is the one thing all our visitors agree on. Wine tastes may differ but the mountains have a tremendous impact on everyone.
- Uitkyk Trail
4 Hours
R600 per person
- Vista Trail
4 Hours
R900 per person
- Snake Alley Trail
2 Hours
R450 per person
- Fan Aloe Trail Sunset Hike
2 Hours
R450 per person
Departs Daily at 8am or 3:30pm
Guided Mountain Biking
If you’d like to get some exercise during your stay and would like to see some of the outskirts of the village at the same time, get on a bike and join one of our Guided Mountain Bike Tours.
Our Guided Mountain Bike Wine Tours takes you to 3 superb wine farms in the Franschhoek area for wine-tasting, beautiful views and scenic rides.
Our Village Ride is a 20km ride around the outskirts of the town and visits the Berg River Dam along the way. You have the option of stopping off for a cup of coffee at our local roastery on your way back into town.
Our Sundowner Tour is a late afternoon short ride to 1 farm for wine tasting and a lovely ride through the vineyards. This quick and easy tour is great for getting into the swing of things the day you arrive.
- Bike Village Tour
3 Hours
R800 per person
Departs Daily at 10am & 1pm (Village & Wine Tours) and 3pm (Sundowner)
Guided Historical Village Tour
Farming was introduced into the Franschhoek valley area in the late 1600’s and the village was established in the mid 1800’s. It is steeped in history, some of it not so savoury but history is history and should never be hidden. Our Franschhoek Historical Village Walk will tell you all about it.
Who first lived here and which iconic animal did they share the valley with? What was the village’s role at the beginning of the Apartheid era? Why don’t we speak French in our “French Corner”? All these questions and more answered.
Many of the houses still occupied today have been around for centuries. Learn about the people who first colonized the valley as well as about those that were originally here and see the town with a new appreciation. Easy, non-strenuous walking.
4 Hours
R450 – R900 per person
Departs Daily at 10am & 1pm
Guided Cultural Rond & Bont Tour
South Africa is made up of a diverse population and the Western Cape is where it all began. Join us for an interesting and informative Cultural tour around areas of our valley that you might never get to otherwise. This extended tour includes a visit to our local Khoisan Kraal.
- Standard Tour
3 Hours
R500 per person
- Extended Tour
4 Hours
R700 per person
Departs Daily at 10am & 1pm
Guided Art Tour
Art lovers… this one’s for you!
The village abounds with galleries presenting works of art from a staggering number of artists.
Some are easy to find, others are hidden and unexpected. This guided village art route tour will reveal the hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
2 – 3 Hours
R400 – R700 per person
Departs Daily at 10am & 1pm
Bird watching
Southern Africa is blessed with an enormous amount of wild birds, 950 or so species. It is fast becoming a birders paradise, with the hobby of bird-watching taking off strongly in many countries, and birders traveling to far flung places to add to their life lists.
While Franschhoek may not be known as a birding mecca, we have more than enough of our edemic and other birds to keep us happy.
- Half day Franschhoek
4 Hours
R950 per person
- Full day Franschhoek to Betty’s Bay
8 Hours
R1500 per person
- West Coast Overnight
2 Days
R6000 per person
Departs Daily at 8am
For bookings or enquiries contact Robyn Kadis on +27 072 999 8581 tours@franschhoek-adventures.co.za
FRANSCHHOEK MOTOR MUSEUM AT ANTHONIJ RUPERT WYNE
By appointment only from 16 January 2021 onwards, visitors will need to book ahead via online booking.
No walk-in’s accepted. In keeping with social distancing and COVID-19 regulations for visitor safety, we therefore only accept electronic payments.
Tickets to visit the Museum , can be bought here: https://franschhoekmotormuseum.activitar.com/products
Tickets : R80 per person / R60 per person for pensioners
Visitors joining us from 16 January onwards, can enjoy extended visiting hours until 31 January:
Monday – Friday: 10h00 – 17h00
Saturday – Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00
For more details visit http://www.fmm.co.za/ or 021 874 9002.
HIGH TEA AT ANTHONIJ RUPERT TASTING ROOM
Enjoy a delectable high tea with close friends at the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room, situated on Anthonij Rupert Estate with the picture perfect Groot Drakenstein Mountains as its background.
At a cost of R250.00 per person guests are served a beautifully displayed & inventive selection of sweet and savoury items. The treats are freshly baked on the premises by the chefs who incorporate new treats seasonally.
A sample menu of what to expect includes the following:
Mini Berry Cream Biscuit Cake with Pâte Sucrée, Elderflower Chantilly, Seasonal Berries
Mocha Chocolate Bar with Almond sponge cake, Chocolate cremeux, Coffee ganache (gluten free)
Whipped Strawberry Inspiration Éclair, Strawberry couverture, Lemon and Pepper flavored pearls
Basil and Raspberry Macaron (vegetarian, gluten free)
Estate raised Wagyu Beef Mince & Exotic Mushroom Wellington
Smoked Salmon Flat Bread With Herbed Cream Cheese
L’Ormarins Vegetable Frittata (vegetarian, gluten free) Vegetables in season
The cost includes a Premier Cru tea OR an Artisanal Coffee OR a glass of L’Ormarins Brut NV
A firm favourite on the menu is the L’Ormarins range of Cap Classique wines, which can be enjoyed with each high tea experience and can be ordered directly from the tasting room staff on the day of your visit.
Booking is essential which needs to be made at least 48 hours in advance, and is ideally suited to groups of 4 to 10 guests. The perfect occasion for a special celebration.
Kindly note that for the period of 29 December 2020 until 15 January 2021, there is a national ban on alcohol sales, and as such we are not permitted to serve alcohol to accompany the High Tea service.
Service requires a minimum of 4 passengers per booking
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
When Our High tea service is unfortunately not available on Sundays and Mondays.
Book from the 12th of January onwards https://franschhoekmotormuseum.activitar.com/services/5877?adults=1&children=0&date=2021-01-12
FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY WALK
The Franschhoek Valley Walk offers an opportunity to experience the splendour of distinctive and spectacular countryside in Franschhoek first-hand, and in depth – covering a distance of some 30 km over 3 days. Your walking trip will be on a self-guided basis. You are guided by Route notes and maps which provide comprehensive route directions as well as local detail and highlights. This gives you the freedom to walk at your own pace.
The route starts in the fynbos-rich Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve with a professional nature guide. Breathtaking scenery and a rich array of flora and fauna will be revealed. You will walk through countryside and vineyards of one of the best wine-producing areas in the Cape Winelands and will discover Franschhoek’s unique history, culture and heritage. You will stay at some of Franschhoek’s finest hotels and guest houses and visit restaurants serving mouthwatering international cuisine. Three wine tastings, a presentation about the area and transfers included, where necessary.
The Franschhoek Valley Walk is a- unique way to experience the historic village, panoramic views of the valley, enjoy warm hospitality and world class cuisine- all combine to create lasting memories.
For more details or to reserve a date contact : Andries Liebenberg – info@trailsandtravel.co.za or Whatsapp +27(0) 82 888 1585 .
Visit www.trailsandtravel.co.za/walking-tours-south-africa/franschhoek-valley-walk/
GLENWOOD VINEYARDS NATURES WINDOW WALK & WINE TASTING
- Closed till further notice
HIKE AT THE BERGRIVER DAM
The spectacular mountains surrounding the Berg River dam in Franschhoek is the hiking and walking adventure land to which you gain a full day’s access (starting 08:00 and ending 18:00) when you purchase this permit. You will start at the entrance on Robertsvlei Road and discover miles of walking paths charting breathtaking routes through the mountains. Parking is available at the gate where you will present your permit(s) to gain access. You have both challenging and leisurely walks through the mountain fynbos available in the Berg River Dam conservation area. You can reach high lookout points within the days walk for wonderful views overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, the Boland mountainscapes and the landscape towards the southern ocean. Table Mountain also features in the distance. There is an abundance of birdlife to surprise and entertain birding enthusiasts.
Duration: 10 hours
When: Year round, seven days a week from 8:00 to 18:00
Where: Start and end at the Robertsvlei road entrance.
Permits : R50 per person (permits available at the Franschhoek Tourism office)
HUGUENOT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum during the coming school holidays and festive season. Remember to wear your mask at all times when entering the Museum complex, sanitize your hands at all the facilities and apply social distancing. The Huguenot Memorial Museum premises includes the Annex Building, Saasveld Building, First South African Perfume Museum, Museum Gardens and Nature Garden.
Cost R100 per person
Visit http://www.museum.co.za/
MONT ROCHELLE NATURE RESERVE
Nestled in the Franchhoek mountains, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offers beautiful hiking trails, spectacular views and diverse plant life.
Permits & Pricing
Day Permits: R50 per person. Children under 16 enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Year Permits: (valid for one year from day of purchase): R300 per adult. Children under 16 enter for free when accompanied by adult permit holder.
Pamphlets: R20
* Paragliders also need permits.
We’re open from sunrise to sunset every day, including public holidays.
The reserve is not affiliated with SANParks and the Wild Card programme. Wild Card holders need to buy a permit to enter the reserve.
You can purchase permits at the following locations:
- The entrance to the reserve 9am-5pm (debit or credit card, SnapScan, Zapper or Masterpass apps, no cash)
- Online at WEBTICKETS
If you wish to purchase tickets at the gates and you arrive before the guards you can purchase them on your return. Gates are always open.
Download the hiking trail map here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TUvufl-bzAT5lwwEg4xnRufSwigvOqer/view
MOUNTAIN BIKING AT BOSCHENDAL
We have opened the Boschendal Trail Centre to the riding public. Expect some mean climbs and sweet singletrack rides all the way down. The world-class black route is proving to be a hit with intermediate to advanced riders, but we do have routes to suit families and casual riders.
The downhill singletrack includes Inferno (3.7 km), Sugar Bowl (2.3km), and Porcupine (1.3km). The 1km Orchards skills track with its sweeping berms, camelbacks, tabletops and gap jumps has both beginner and advanced options.
MTB Trails: Our marked trail circuits starting just inside the Rhodes Avenue security gate. 4km Yellow Route; 9km Green Route; 11km Blue Route; 15km Red Route; 23km Black Route. The Black XL route adds 3-4 sections onto Black route.
Running, Walking and family cycling routes: Runners can choose 5km or 10km route. Come and visit us at the Trail Centre and we can help you with your farm exploration.
Permits & maps: Buy your permits at our Trail Centre. Maps can be downloaded from our website or scan the QR code available. Trail Forks has all the trails available too. 100% of the permit fee goes towards building and maintaining our trails. Please note that permits for riders will be checked by security at Rhodes Avenue gate. No permit no ride/ride.
Rates: MTB Trail Day Permit – R50 | 5km & 10km running permit – R50
Contact: trailcentre@bmtsa.co.za or 074 502 0997 for more information.
SCOOTOURS FRANSCHHOEK
The best family activity in Franschhoek.
Scootours® Franschhoek offer an adventurous way to explore the magnificent mountains and wine farms surrounding the Franschhoek Valley in an exciting and family-friendly way. During the tour you will free wheel down the gentle slopes of Chamonix Wine Farm and enjoy breath taking views over the Franschhoek Valley. The route is easy to navigate and the only requirement is that you are able to ride a bicycle.
All tours are guided by professional qualified guides and also accompanied by a photographer who will take action photos of the tour. The pictures are for sale after the tour giving you time to enjoy the action while you have the option to buy photos and make the memories last after the tour.
Scooters are non motorized and propelled by gravity. You don’t need to be fit to enjoy Scootours. The Family Friendly Adventure
Passengers : 4 – 9 Years double up with parents
Drivers: 10 Years and up ride their own Scootour
Kids Party Special
Perfect for kids turning 10 years and older.
Drivers – R 400 pp / Passengers R 150 pp
Teambuilding Special
Mondays to Fridays: R 500 pp
only skill you need is that you are able to balance a bicycle.
VINE BIKES
The following Bicycles and E-Bikes are available at Vinebikes. Book a bicycle and choose between a selection of self guided bicycle tours or book a guided bicycle tour tour where tour is lead by qualified guide.
- Self Guided E-Bike Adventures
- E-Bike Tours
- Bicycle Rentals
- Bicycle Sales
TEL: +27 (0) 82 776 0557
THE LA MOTTE SUSTAINABLE HIKE
The Sustainable Hike is a further expression of La Motte’s commitment to the highest conservation and biodiversity standards and the protection of precious indigenous flora and fauna in the mountain area surrounding the estate and the adjoining Wemmershoek mountain range. It offers the ideal opportunity to explore some of La Motte’s greatest assets – the abundant birdlife, a protea garden, sustainably farmed vineyards, a wealth of flora, resident mammals and reptiles and the breath-taking vistas of the Franschhoek Valley.
The circular route, which starts at the La Motte Tasting Room, stretches over five kilometres, with the hiking trail section covering two kilometres. The time required to complete the trail is about two hours when walking and three hours when strolling.
The trail has a Grade 1B rating and requires a fair degree of fitness. It is therefore not recommend for children under the age of 10. Prospective hikers are reminded that dogs and mountain bikes are not permitted. Maximum group size of 10. Safe convenient parking is available.
On Monday morning guests are invited to a Guided Hike where a well-informed and passionate guide will share information on the flora and fauna and the Franschhoek valley. Hikers receive a hiking trail map, bottle of water and will be treated to light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa.
Hiking Trail: Mon to Sat 09:00 – 14:00.
Please note that we are closed in winter and will reopen, weather permitting, in September.
Cost: R50 (includes a detailed map and a bottle of water). For Reservations: +27 (0) 21 876 8820 or tasting@la-motte.co.za
Guided Hiking Trail: Mondays at 08:00
Cost: R100 (includes a detailed map, bottle of water and light refreshments)
For Reservations: +27 (0) 21 876 8820 or tasting@la-motte.co.za
LA MOTTE FARM SHOP
The Flavour of fresh, farm-baked bread will lure visitors to this quint country shop with its many charming take- home reminder of La Motte.
The Variety of baking includes artisan bread such as Ouma’s breads, a shiraz loaf, pot bread and fruited rye loaf, and a tempting array of cakes and other confectionery.
This shop also offers a large selection of gift items exclusively designed for La Motte, including hand made stationery, books, Hannelie Rupert CDs, fine porcelain, vases, hand-carved bread knives, spice blends from the farm kitchen and La Motte’s own coffee blend. The range of Arômes de La Motte body products, made from essential oils, harvested on the estate, is also available as a wonderful gift idea. In season, fresh produce and flowers grown on the estate can be purchased.
Visitors can relax on the stoep or in the garden, enjoying a winelands Tea complemented by a selection of treats by the farm shop.
Open from Monday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
Light refreshments served in the garden: Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
Closed on Christian Religious public holidays.
Contact Details
T: +27 (0)21 876 8840
BOSCHENDAL
THE TREE HOUSE PLAYGROUND
(Acorn hideouts, slides, walkways, platforms, mushroom pods and pyramids and pump track) are open to all Boschendal young guests. We’ve taken the necessary precautions to provide a safe outdoor play area for free range kids. Please note that this area is not supervised by The Tree House staff. It is vital parents understand their children are their own responsibility, so all visiting guests on the farm can make use of this outdoor play area at their own risk.
PUMP TRACK
Our MTB pump track which is located next to The Tree House Playground is open to all Boschendal visitors. Bring your own bike or rent a bike from our MTB Trail Centre. Contact 074 502 0997 or email trailcentre@bmtsa.co.za.
Please book 24hrs in advance reservations1@boschendal.co.za
Booking enquiries: +27 (021) 870-4210
FREE RANGE KIDS GO WILD
OUR FAVOURITE GUIDES ARE BACK AND READY TO TAKE YOU ON AN OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
Kids aged 5 – 14 years once again have the chance to enjoy an authentic outdoor farm experience under the leadership and professional guidance of our Tree House team whilst you unwind and take a well-deserved break. Our Tree House Playground and Pump Track is also open.
VIEW THE PROGRAMME BELOW TO SEE WHAT THE FREE RANGE KIDS WILL LEARN.
*only available for in-house guests
For a more personalised and exceptional experience:
Our guides will be at the boma 5 minutes prior to the morning and afternoon activities to brief and collect the kids.
Please ensure the kids are wearing masks, have comfortable clothes they don’t mind getting dirty and a bottle of water.
Kids must bring a backpack with snacks and water.
The outdoor guides will bring along a first aid kit and hand sanitizer for their safety.
We take a maximum of 10 kids per time slot for each experience so bookings are essential.
The programs are designed for kids education only. Parents are not recommended to join.
FREE RANGE KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT THE TREE HOUSE
We are offering unforgettable birthday celebrations at The Tree House for exclusive bookings.
Kids can enjoy a celebration with friends while connecting with nature and learning more about responsible farming, wild foraging, forgotten skills, feasting on delicious treats and have loads of fun. We would love to create a custom itinerary with you! With limited availability, be sure to book in time, so your kids don’t miss out! Maximum 20 kids allowed per birthday celebration in order for us to follow the necessary safety procedures like social distancing, mask-wearing and sanitising.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Tree House! Contact our reservations team or set up your site visit to plan a perfect day at Boschendal.
Email: reservations1@boschendal.co.za
Tel: 021 870 4211
THE JAM JAR
The Jam Jar is a boutique, owner managed business, where the proprietor handcrafts her jams, marmalades & preserves. Customers at the shop can view the jam-making in progress. No preservatives or colourants are used & even pectin is home-made. All the fruit is sources either on the farm or from local producers within the valley. The jar labels are stylish & transparent to show off the brilliant colours of the product. There is endless variety to the colour and taste sensations. Great for personal use or as an unusual gift from the Franschhoek area.
*Closed on Monday’s
Telephone +27 (0)21 874 1637
Email jill@thejamjar.cc
HUGUENOT FINE CHOCOLATES
Our boutique chocolaterie, in the main street of Franschhoek offers a delicious range of chocolates, made from the finest imported Belgian chocolate.
Partners, Danver Windvogel & Denver Adonis are Belgian-qualified chocolatiers. Chocolates are made in view of visitors to the chocolaterie. The Chocolate Experience, a half-hour programme of tasting, demonstrations and chocolate history, is held regularly.
Our chocolates are sold loose or beautifully packaged in a variety of attractive boxes. All of our chocolates are hand-crafted by us from the finest imported Belgian dark, milk and white chocolate. We have an attractive variety of special packaging and chocolate for corporate, special events and weddings. In our shop you can find a variety of gifts, biscuits & novelties.
“Come and enjoy our popular show, ‘The Chocolate Experience for only R50!’”
A half hour program, outlining the story of chocolate, a chocolate tasting and a demonstration of how chocolates are made. (purchasing only during current regulations)
Daily at 11h00 and again at 15h00. Guests receive a two-pack of chocolates.
We have a wonderful selection of chocolates made from the imported Belgian chocolate!
A wide variety of boxed chocolate, local jams and gourmet products also available.
There are also a few additional experiences starting at R100 to R350.
To make a booking call 021 876 4096.
Address: 1 Daniel Hugo St, Franschhoek, 7690
Open 08:00 ⋅ Closes 5:30PM
Phone: 021 876 4096
DALEWOOD FROMAGE
Dalewood Fromage is a small, intensive, artisanal farm cheesery on the R45 (the Klapmuts-Simondium Road) owned and managed by the Visser family. It all started when a strawberry farmer with a small herd of Jersey cows and a big dream of cheese-making took the leap, and the dream turned to reality almost overnight!
Rob Visser, cheese-maker extraordinaire and second-generation farmer, is actively involved in every step of cheese-making from growing pastures, feeding the Jersey herd, to making the cheese!
Dalewood uses only their own milk (100% Jersey), so the cheese is authentic Estate cheese The Farm is also as bio-dynamic as possible; no unnecessary antibiotics or growth or milk-producing hormones are given to the cows and no unnecessary fertilizers or insecticides used in the pastures. An enormous bonus is that the cheese is also completely suitable for vegetarians and contains no preservatives, flavourants or colourants.
The range of cheese made by Dalewood is quite extensive, and includes firm favorites like the Wineland range of Camembert’s and Brie’s, popular for their smooth and creamy pâtes and the fact that they don’t need to be ripened!
Estate Cheese: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00
For more information please visit their website www.dalewood.co.za
TERBODORE COFFEE ROASTERS
Not much has changed since we roasted our very first batch of coffee back in 2004 on the Terbodore farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Sure, the batches got bigger as word of our coffee spread and our commitment to the craft grew. But despite our pursuit for the perfect cup, our Great Dane, now grey around the muzzle, still has a keener interest in the whereabouts of farm cats rather than the rich, defined flavours of the perfect brew.
Still his presence has become symbolic of everything that we strive for the moment we fire up the roaster – heritage, courage, patience and dependability.
From the first day we started roasting, we took great care to procure only the finest green coffee beans. Combining skill and patience, we sift and roast our beans, consistently producing coffee we gladly put our name to. We pride ourselves on one of the most honest coffee brands around, not compromising on the taste and never forgetting who we are.
Then there is our companion’s courage, something we needed in no short supply to open our second roastery in Franschhoek. Thanks to this leap of faith, we can make our coffee available to connoisseurs around the country – still produced with the same love and meticulous care as we did in 2004.
Our Franschhoek roastery moved from Goederust Farm in April 2017, further up the road and closer to town. The custom-built production facility and office is located next to our new Big Dog Café.
We hope that you enjoy our product and craft as much as we do. Because as artisanal coffee roasters we feel that life is long enough for a slowly percolated cup, even in dog years.
Address: 13 Fabriek St, Franschhoek, 7690
Phone: 021 876 4716
VIRGIN TERRITORY OLIVE OIL
Virgin Territory is is cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil that is harvested by hand at Noble Hill wine estate in Simonsberg-Paarl from a grove of 600 trees planted amongst the vineyards. The oil has the distinctive spiciness of a premium, small-batch product. It is equally delicious on salads, used in recipes, or just sprinkled with a little pepper and dipped with your favourite ciabatta.
Virgin Territory is available in two sizes: 500ml and 200ml. In addition to the classic Frantoio, Kalamata, Manzanillo, and Mission blend, the 200ml size is available in five infused flavours: Dill & Onion, Garlic, Curry, Chili, and Peri Peri.
Telephone +27 (0)21 874 3844
Email info@noblehill.com
Website http://www.noblehill.com
Spend the night in this SA barn filled with rescue animals and a painting pig called Pigcasso
You must have heard of Pigcasso, the 750kg painting pig prodigy who released her signature abstract expressionist collection last year.
Pigcasso also became the first African and first non-human artist to design the international SWATCH watch. Now South Africans have the chance to stay in a barn filled with rescued animals and get to meet the famous pig. If you want to see Pigcasso in action, then you would have to get an artwork commissioned. Farm Sanctuary, located in the Franschhoek Valley, is where travellers go for a bit of solitude.
The barn sleeps two with a king size bed, indoor fireplace, dining area and other modern conveniences needed for a pleasant stay.
Day visitors can meet the farm animals for free between 11am and 3pm daily, but donations are accepted.
Travellers wanting to stay for the night will pay R1 750 a night, including a cleaning fee for two people on a self-catering basis. Call 072 977 4521.