The quaint village of Franschhoek (French Corner) in South Africa’s Cape Winelands is commonly referred to as the country’s food and wine capital. Here is why.
Franschhoek may be small, but its tree-lined streets overflow with a collection of world-class restaurants, vineyards, galleries and antique shops.
The area has a lot of French influence. This harks back to the time a community of French Huguenots were granted land there by the Dutch government after fleeing their homeland when Protestantism was outlawed in France in 1685.
Today, many of the vineyards still have their original French names paired with historic Cape Dutch architecture.
The Franschhoek Wine Route has some of the best wine estates in the country where you can spend the afternoon sipping on fine South African wines.
Some wineries to add to your list include the 300-year-old Grand Provence Heritage Wine Estate, the Dieu Donne Winery with its incredible views of the Franschhoek valley and the Rickety Bridge winery.
If you don’t want to worry about driving, take the Franschhoek Wine Tram. You can take full-day hop-on, hop-off tour that stops at five estates around the beautiful Franschhoek Valley.
When it comes to having a meal out, spoiled for choice is an understatement.
Try Café BonBon, a cute spot for french meals, La Petite Colombe where you can experience fine dining at its best or Bread & Wine where you can snack on incredible homemade charcuterie,
There is also a village market dedicated to the lovers of quality, seasonal food.
Make sure you arrive in Franschhoek with a good appetite!