Hilary - The Winemom

Top 5 Romantic Wineries - Franschhoek Wine Tram

Romantic Retreats, Serene Surroundings & Enchanting Wine Experiences!

Board an extraordinary, romantic escapade through the heart of wine country with the Franschhoek Wine Tram, where a world of wine wonders eagerly awaits. From vineyard vistas to delectable duos that dance upon the palate, this distinctive hop-on hop-off journey promises a treasure trove of enticing encounters to captivate even the most inquisitive adventurer.

See our top picks (in no particular order) for a day of romantic rendezvous in the riveting Franschhoek Wine Valley!

*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication. See winery website for up-to-date info!

Haute Cabriére

Haute Cabriére exudes an enchanting ambiance with incredible panoramic vistas of the valley below, intertwining the beauty of nature with the delights of wine. This charming farm concentrates on Chardonnay & Pinot Noir grapes, yielding wines of unparalleled allure.

Haute Cabriere Franschhoek Wine Tasting — Photo Creds: Haute Cabriere

Step into a realm of rustic refinement, where weathered wooden furniture, flickering candlelight & attractive artworks set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Prepare for a symphony of flavours with 4 wine tasting options, each a testament to the mastery of Pierre Jourdan & Haute Cabriére. The Pierre Jourdan Discovery Tasting @R110pp offers a sip of 4 traditional Method Cap Classiques, enhanced by an optional macaron pairing, while the Family Favourites Tasting @R95pp involves a quartet of wines cherished by the von Arnim family & their esteemed guests.

Haute Cabriere Franschhoek Winery Cellar — Photo Creds: Haute Cabriere

For Chardonnay fans, the Shades of Chardonnay selection @R90pp unveils the multifaceted expressions of this noble grape, from unwooded to oaked, still to sparkling. Or, for Pinot Noir enthusiasts, Shades of Pinot Noir unveils 5 captivating wines, spanning rosé to crimson, steel-tank fermented to barrel-aged @R100pp.

Haute Cabriere Franschhoek Bakery — Photo Creds: Haute Cabriere

Snuggled on the sun-drenched terrace is the restaurant, an enticing culinary haven with a fusion of French gastronomy & the vibrant essence of SA. Revel in culinary marvels like seared tuna steaks garnished with zesty lemon & parsley butter, succulent roast duck legs dancing in a delicate orange gravy, or, for an exotic twist, savour Asian slow-cooked lamb shanks nestled atop fragrant coconut rice.

Haute Cabriere Franschhoek Wine — Photo Creds: Haute Cabriere

Embrace the majestic mountains, a haven for hiking, trail running, & mountain biking, or engage in the magnificence of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, adorned with abundant flora & fauna. Immerse yourself in serenity at the farm's restful dam, where the sky's reflection dances upon the water's surface.

Holden Manz

This cutting-edge winery offers an opulent 5-star manor, rejuvenating spa, dreamy wedding venue and so much more, weaving an irresistible tapestry of luxury. As a homage to its French roots, the estate joyously commemorates Bastille Day, an exquisite fusion of heritage and revelry. Blessed with an exceptional terroir, the estate's acclaimed wines crafted from luscious red grape varietals grace palates with unrivalled distinction.

A vinous voyage awaits at the Tasting Venue, a splendid sanctuary exuding appeal & sophistication, beckoning with its inviting hearth & breezy balcony. For an immersive experience, peruse the collection of estate wines accompanied by an art ensemble inspiring boundless creativity & passion. Choose between the gold tasting @R110pp, platinum tasting @R130pp or the diamond tasting @R150pp depending on how many wines you wish to sample. Only into white wines? Opt for their signature whites tasting @R170pp, or, inversely, sample their signature reds @R190pp. For the astute aficionado, the connoisseur’s tasting @R295pp unveils 8 sumptuous wines encompassing rosé, whites & reds. As a cherished tram guest, delight in a generous 10% discount on cellar door prices.

Holden Manz Franschhoek Winery Restaurant

Franschhoek Kitchen beckons with its gastronomic prowess, crafting delectable à la carte creations sourced from the bountiful harvests of local artisans. Bask in the breathtaking vistas that unfurl from the lofty balcony or the cozy confines of the dining area, where every glance unveils the vineyard's vivid artistry. The menu offers a fantastic range of flavours, including a medley of vibrant salads, succulent burgers, artisanal pizzas & lip-smacking desserts, each morsel a celebration of flavours.

Holden Manz Franschhoek Winery — Photo Creds: Holden Manz

Sumptuous picnics await, meticulously crafted for two kindred souls to share, accompanied by an esteemed bottle of the estate’s award-winning wine, freshly baked bread, an array of cheeses & charcuterie, a decadent dessert & more @R750 per basket (vegetarian & tot’s options available).

Situated in a realm of romance, this dazzling destination is the perfect place to get away with your partner - relish in heavenly fare & fabulous wines amidst lush lawns & soothing melodies of the nearby river, setting the stage for endless moments of serenity & scenic grandeur.

Le Lude

Within the embrace of the Barrow family's vision, this extraordinary estate is dedicated to crafting exquisite Cap Classique sparkling wines. Encircled by fertile vineyards abundant with the luscious fruits of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier, this optimal terroir weaves complexity into every sip.

Within the intimate confines of the tasting room, a unique encounter awaits. Visitors are invited to trial the estate's finest offerings in an atmosphere of warmth & comfort. As the crackling fireplace warms the room on cooler days, the veranda beckons on sun-kissed afternoons. Delve into a choice of 2 tasting options: The Reservé selection @R110pp & the Vintage selection @R360pp. For an extra touch of culinary bliss, the bubbly & canapé pairing presents an array of delights @R130pp, from roasted pear with whipped Feta Cheese on Baguette to the indulgent Triple Chocolate Lamington.

Let Le Lude's wine tasting room be your gateway to a world of effervescent wonders and epicurean delight. Step into the enchanting world of Le Lude's wine tasting room, where every sip of their exquisite sparkling wines is complemented by an enticing array of culinary creations.

Le Lude Franschhoek Restaurant — Photo Creds: Le Lude

For vegetarians, the second selection offers a delightful array of meat-free marvels. And, for those with a sweet tooth, the third selection showcases sweet sensations - succumb to the allure of the Raspberry Macaroon, zesty Lemonade Madelaine, & Salted Caramel Profiteroles, a bite-sized wonder that melds rich caramel & a hint of salt into a delectable masterpiece!

Feast on French-inspired cuisine at Le Lude's chic restaurant, the Orangerie, where French flair meets local flair. With a seasonal menu showcasing fresh, local ingredients, this dining experience is a true delight. Treat yourself & your loved one to a romantic dinner of salmon gravlax, duck breast, beef fillet or mushroom risotto… the list goes on!

Le Lude Franschhoek Hotel — Photo Creds: Le Lude

The Lily Pond House offers a luxurious escape with views overlooking a tranquil pond & gorgeous green garden - the perfect guesthouse for couples seeking privacy or small families in search of an idyllic retreat. The house seamlessly blends modern amenities with timeless charm to provide an inviting sanctuary for the getaway of a lifetime.

Maison

Steeped in heritage, the farm embraces its past as a barn whilst exuding contemporary charm. The farm beckons with a tree-lined path, inviting you to uncover its treasures. Experience a fusion of flavours & embrace the farm's remarkable evolution, where history & innovation overlap.

Maison's Tasting Room, set amidst awe-inspiring vineyards & grand mountain ranges, offers a glimpse into the essence of their wines with 2 modest tasting options – 4 wondrous wines @R70pp or 6 superb samples for only R100pp! Bask in the beauty of the surroundings while savouring each sip, meticulously crafted in petite French oak barrels to unveil unparalleled depth & character. Elevate your indulgence with inviting appetizers like fresh oysters, charcuterie & cheese boards.

Chef's Warehouse, located in the refurbished farmhouse, exudes a realm of cozy elegance with wooden floors, pristine white walls & expansive windows. Experience a contemporary set-menu lunch or dinner like no other with a tapestry of global tapas reimagined – a spectacularly sensual culinary symphony not to be missed!

Maison's renowned wines are expertly paired with each course, elevating the dining experience to new heights. With ever-evolving menus, sample extraordinary creations like linefish sashimi with black garlic, coal-seared tuna, dark chocolate mousse adorned with honeycomb & more! (The menu also caters to various dietary preferences, with pescatarian, vegetarian & vegan options available!).

Paserene

The artistry of winemaking unfolds at Paserene with priceless wines that embody the essence of its 3 distinct terroirs. The wines are adorned with bespoke labels, curated by visionary artists to capture the very soul of Paserene.

Step into the Paserene Nest, a quaint tasting lounge inspired by the migratory swallow's intricate nest, a symbol of Paserene itself. Gaze upon the gentle ripples of the small dam or the illustriousness of the Franschhoek mountains, engaging yourself in nature's embrace.

Discover a trio of extraordinary ranges, each imbued with its own unique character & style - Elements, Paserene, & The Shiner. The Elements Range entices with 5 remarkable wines, ranging from R55-R99 per glass, each revealing a unique expression of Paserene's artistry. Experience the epitome of elegance with The Paserene Range (R65-R185 per glass) or savour the enigmatic personalities in The Shiner Range, an ever-changing selection of vintage-specific wines.

Paserene offers a multitude of small plates to harmoniously complement the wines' exquisite flavour profiles. For couples looking to share a bite, they present a platter for 2, featuring a thoughtfully curated assortment of small plates @R380.

With so many exceptionally exquisite wineries nestled in the Franschhoek Valley, why not make a romantic weekend of it and indulge yourself for just a bit longer….

See our 10 Top Family-Friendly Spots to Visit on our other blogs if you’re looking for more wonderful wineries to wonder!

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.