Scenic Splendour & Sensory Delights!
Embark on a delightful hop-on hop-off wine tour like no other with the Franschhoek Wine Tram. From wine tastings & cellar tours to picnics, chocolate pairings & even olive tastings, the tram offers a plethora of activities to satisfy every palate & age. Indulge in the flavours of the vine, savour artisanal delights, & uncover the secrets of wine-making in this renowned region.
Choose from a vibrant array of routes, each a unique colour, with stops showcasing distinct attractions & highlights. For an unforgettable family-friendly funday, opt for the Red Line consisting of wineries with dedicated areas for tots; or, for the winos, take the Purple Line to unearth some of Franschhoek's most exceptional wine farms.
Hop aboard and raise a glass as we journey through our favourite family-friendly Franschhoek Wine Tram Wineries (in no particular order)!
*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication. See winery website for up-to-date info!
Boschendal
Surrounded by grandiose mountain ranges, this historic farm offers a biodiverse paradise of interweaving fynbos & bountiful fruit orchards. Picnic under the shade of old oak trees, feast on farm-to-fork fare & revel in the exceptional aromas of their acclaimed wines.
Uncover the artistry & allure of Boschendal's incomparable wines, where each sip tells a unique story of brilliant craftsmanship. Two enticing venues await exploration: the Cellar Door & the Werf. The Cellar Door is set beneath a glorious canopy of ancient oaks with the Rhone Homestead as the backdrop, while the historic Werf precinct welcomes you in the tastefully transformed original cellar of the Manor House.
Tasting options cater to all preferences & budgets, including the Under the Oaks Tasting @R50pp, 1685 Range Tasting @R85pp, White or Red Wine Tasting @R125pp, MCC Tasting @R85pp, and the Premium Tasting @R250pp. For an unforgettable pairing experience, choose from the MCC & Oyster Pairing @R150pp, Cheese & Wine Pairing @R150pp, Charcuterie & Wine Pairing @R150pp, and the Chocolatier's Wine Pairing @R150pp.
Boschendal presents an array of culinary creations, with The Werf Restaurant taking centre stage offering contemporary dining with each dish inspired by the bountiful Werf Food Garden. Spoil yourself with their tasting menu, featuring signature dishes paired expertly with their wines, or opt for one of their current specials - a tempting 3-course lunch @R395pp or 4-course dinner @R495pp. Boschendal also houses 2 additional dining destinations - The Deli Restaurant and Cellar Door Eats.
The Deli Restaurant provides a casual family-friendly setting for hearty farm-style breakfasts, crispy wood-fired pizzas & seasonal farm-fresh meals. For a more laid back snack, visit Cellar Door Eats with an array of platters highlighting the farm's finest produce, as well as sandwiches, burgers & pizzas. Don't miss their irresistible pizza & wine special @R150pp!
A must-visit is their charismatic Homeware Shop featuring locally sourced fabrics, ceramics & unique gifts, along with their Farm Shop & Butchery which showcases farm-fresh produce curated products from local suppliers including Black Angus beef, delectable baked goods, free-range eggs & more.
What’s for tots? Boschendal, the ultimate family-friendly farm, offers an abundance of activities & educational escapades for all ages. Traverse the idyllic Franschhoek Valley on horseback or mountain bike & inhabit the beauty of the farm through running & hiking.
Tots will adore the Tree House Playground where they can unleash their imagination, and Farm Animal Encounters, both part of the Free-Range Kids Program tailored for ages 5-14 - includes farm tours, wild foraging & a diverse itinerary of outdoor challenges to spark their curiosity.
Check out our previous blog for more info.
Vrede en Lust
Indulge in award-winning boutique wines from the Paarl, Simonsberg-Paarl & Elgin regions, unwind in vast verdant gardens under ancient oaks, & embrace the mystical essence of Franschhoek at Vrede en Lust.
Board an extraordinary wine journey guided by the esteemed Red Ladies with panoramic views of the Simonsberg-Paarl mountains. For a delightful introduction, the Premium Tasting @R90pp presents 5 carefully selected wines, or for the illustrious palate, opt for the Flagship Tasting @R120pp showcasing a distinguished selection of wines.
Tantalize your taste buds with the Lindt Chocolate & Wine Pairing @R150pp, or, for a savoury treat, the Dalewood Cheese & Wine Pairing @R170pp is an exceptional alternative.
Relish in a culinary voyage, where 2 remarkable restaurants await - Lust Bistro & Bakery and Savoye - each offering a unique & memorable dining experience. Beat the winter blues with their cosy crackling fireplaces & hearty homemade meals. Lust is a sanctuary for epicures, serving flavoursome foods from early breakfast to bistro-style lunches.
Don't miss their daily blackboard specials, featuring an ever-changing selection of dishes, something to satisfy every craving! Set in the Manor House Garden amidst age-old oaks & spirited squirrels is Savoye, a Spanish-influenced restaurant serving an assortment of tapas with a leisurely dining experience. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to feast on a range of small plates bursting with flavour.
What’s for tots? Vrede en Lust is a haven for families, offering a pleasant blend of relaxation, play & culinary exploration to keep the tots entertained. When hunger strikes, visit their restaurant for an interactive personalized pizza- & sandwich-making experience! The Bistro & Bakery boasts a safe kiddies outside play area opposite featuring a wooden jungle gym, sandpit, slide, swing & trampoline, ensuring endless hours of fun!
Grande Provence
Historic Cape Dutch architecture meets modern class to exude timeless charm at Grande Provence. Engross yourself in the enchanting gardens that encompass the estate and experience the allure of the Franschhoek Valley as you indulge in fine wines & tantalizing dishes.
Cosy up in their tempting tasting area, where elegance & chic industrial create a memorable ambiance. Embark on a heavenly taste trip with a selection of 4 wine tasting options - the Tram Tasting @R120pp, Angels Tears Tasting @R120pp, Grande Provence Premium Tasting @R150pp or the Flagship Tasting @R150pp. Elevate your experience with their exceptional wine pairing options – the Oyster Pairing @R180pp, Hummus Pairing @R180pp, or, for those with a sweet tooth, the Nougat Pairing @R180pp!
Discover culinary bliss at the Bistro at Grande Provence where local SA heritage food meets modern innovation. There's something to satisfy every palate… juicy burgers, cheesy crispy pizzas, creamy comfort pasta dishes… the list goes on! Enjoy peace of mind with your meal as your tot clambers on the nearby jungle gym.
Treat yourself at The Restaurant with their set Winter Lunch menus (2-course @R395pp or 3-course @R495pp) or take advantage of their special offer - a pizza & a glass of wine only @R250pp! For a lighter fare, peruse their wine bar menu offering appetizing snacks & light meals to satisfy the peckish.
What’s for tots? While adults revel in the range of tasting & pairing options, tots can try their own tongues at a grape juice tasting, ensuring fun for all! Take advantage of their family-friendly bistro with a diverse menu catering to all ages & the adjacent jungle gym nestled in their gorgeous garden. Engage in their interactive workshops for both tots & adults with painting, pottery, photography & more.
Rickety Bridge Winery
Set against the gentle slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, Rickety Bridge exudes historic charm with a breath-taking vista encompassing the majestic Wemmershoek Mountain range. Within the estate's embrace, you'll discover & engulf yourself in an unforgettable experience where history, beauty & luxury intertwine.
Perched on a floating terrace, their warm inviting tasting room offers a harmonious ambiance with comfy seating & striking views of the vineyards. Choose from a multitude of tasting & pairing options: Estate Tasting @R75pp, Printer's Devil Tasting @R95pp, Paulina's Reserve Tasting @R110pp, Cap Classique Tasting @R110pp, & Icon Range Tasting @R170pp.
Non-alcoholic tastings are available for designated drivers (3 refreshing flavored ice teas paired with 3 yummy snacks), as well as a special limited-edition Kiddies Pairing @R90pp for the tots. For an enticing combination, try the Curated Cheese & Wine Pairing @R135pp or Panna Cotta & Wine Pairing @R180pp. Your taste buds will thank you!
Experience the charm of Paulina's Restaurant, a bistro-style gem named after the esteemed former owner that takes pride in showcasing seasonal dishes celebrating local producers & farmers. Cosy up to the fireplace & delve into their magnificent range of award-winning wines to enhance your dining adventure. For a flavour journey, try the Potjiekos Experience - craft your own personalized potjiekos @R500pp from an array of ingredients & spices accompanied by an invigorating glass of Rickety Bridge wine.
What’s for tots? Treat your little ones to their very own Kiddies Pairing, featuring 3 non-alcoholic drinks & sweet treats. For young appetites, Paulina's Restaurant offers a thoughtfully crafted Children's Menu with chicken nuggets & chips, cheese pizza, spaghetti bolognese & more. Parents can unwind knowing the play area (with swings, slides & more!) is a stone’s throw away from the restaurant & tasting room, ensuring hours of fun for all.
Dieu Donné Vineyards
Dieu Donné invites visitors to bask in its French-Mauritian heritage with superb wines crafted for universal enjoyment. Soak in beautiful, sweeping views of the Franschhoek Valley & Simonsberg Mountains – an ideal sunset selfie spot!
The knowledgeable & friendly staff are eager to guide you through your unique wine odyssey in the comfort of the tasting room, exuding warmth & relaxation. Choose from the Botanical Range inspired by local flora @R110pp, the easy-drinking New World-styled wines of the Classic Range @R80pp, or the Old-World reds of the Premium Range @R120pp, comparable to renowned wine regions.
Country Grand, the latest onsite restaurant, offers a cool countryside café mood with a touch of sophistication. Delight in country-style dishes crafted with fresh local ingredients alongside wood-fired pizzas & melt-in-your-mouth pastries.
Don't miss out on their enticing specials, such as the Mon - Thurs Pizza & Wine Special @R150 or the Burger & Beer Special @R120. Indulge in a lovely lunch with their weekly Sunday Roast for only R195!
What’s for tots? Country Grand offers mouthwatering classics your tots will love, like wood-fired pizzas & juicy burgers! With a stunning lawn and sweeping scenery, tots can somersault & cartwheel to their hearts’ content while onlooking parents admire the awe-inspiring aesthetics.
Look out for Part 2 where we uncover the rest of our family-friendly Franschhoek Wine Tram Favourites!
Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite spots to visit & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Cape Winelands & beyond!
Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland adventures.
Click here to check out our previous blog “Babylonstoren - Simonsberg's Scenic Sanctuary”!
Important info:
Boschendal: https://boschendal.com/ ; enquiries@boschendal.co.za ; 021 870 4200
Tasting Room Trading Hours: Daily 10am – 5:30pm
The Werf Trading Hours: Breakfast daily 8am – 11am ; Lunch daily 12pm – 5pm ;
Dinner Thu – Sat 6pm - 9pm
The Deli Restaurant Trading Hours: Daily for Breakfast 8am – 11:30am ;
Lunch 11:30am – 4pm ; Light Snacking 4pm - 6pm ; Dinner 6pm - 10pm
Vrede en Lust: https://www.vnl.co.za/ ; info@vnl.co.za ; 021 874 1611
Tasting Room Trading Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm
Lust Trading Hours: Mon - Sat 7:30am – 5pm ; Sun & Public Holidays 8am – 4pm
Savoye Trading Hours: Daily 11am - 9pm
Grande Provence: https://www.grandeprovence.co.za/ ; reservations@grandeprovence.co.za ; 021 876 8600
Tasting Room Trading Hours: Daily 10am - 5:30pm
The Bistro Trading Hours: Daily Breakfast 9am - 11am ; Light Lunch 12pm - 4pm
The Restaurant Trading Hours: Daily 12pm - 5:30pm
Rickety Bridge: https://ricketybridge.com/ ; reservations@ricketybridge.com ;
021 876 2129
Tasting Room Trading Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm
Paulina's Restaurant Trading Hours: Daily Breakfast 9am - 11am ; Lunch 11am - 5pm
Dieu Donné: https://www.dieudonnevineyards.com/ ; 021 224 0667
Tasting Room Trading Hours: Mon - Thurs 10am - 4:30pm ; Fri 10am - 3:30pm ;
Sat 10:30am - 4:30pm ; Sun 10:30am - 3:30pm
Country Grand Trading Hours: Thurs 5pm - 10pm ; Fri & Sat 11am - 10pm ; Sun 11am - 5pm