The Franschhoek Wine Walk is a guided, private-access walking experience through one of South Africa’s most picturesque valleys. Covering approximately seven kilometres, the walk connects a curated selection of Franschhoek’s boutique wine estates, offering visitors a unique way to explore the valley’s vineyards, heritage, and award-winning wines.
A Walk-Through History and Vineyards
The tour begins in the Franschhoek centre at the Dutch Reformed Church, one of Franschhoek’s oldest landmarks and a fitting starting point for a journey through the valley’s rich history. From there, guests follow scenic farm paths towards the vineyards, learning about the region’s cultivars, soil types, and terroir along the way.
Franschhoek, known as “the French Corner,” was established by the French Huguenots in 1688, whose winemaking traditions remain deeply embedded in the valley. Today, the Wine Walk combines this heritage with modern craftsmanship, allowing visitors to experience the connection between land, grape, and glass firsthand.
Estate Visits and Tastings
The first stop on the walk is Mont Rochelle, where guests enjoy their initial tasting under the shade of oak trees. The tasting typically includes a Pierre Jourdan Brut to start the day, followed by a selection of Mont Rochelle’s estate wines accompanied by insights into the cultivars and growing conditions that define Franschhoek’s style.
From Mont Rochelle, the route continues to Leeu Estate, the Mullineux & Leeu Wine Studio known for its architectural elegance and deep cultural roots. Here, visitors taste a further range of six wines while learning about the estate’s philosophy and the valley’s enduring wine heritage.
A short tuk-tuk ride concludes the walking section of the day, taking guests to La Côte, a tranquil estate recognised for its serene setting and the pair of white swans that glide across its reflective dam. The experience ends here with a relaxed three-course, small-plate lunch paired with curated wines.
Participants taste around a dozen wines and enjoy a locally inspired lunch in a peaceful vineyard setting. The walk itself is relaxed and accessible, designed for wine enthusiasts of all fitness levels. Group sizes are kept small to encourage engagement with the guide and winemakers, and to allow time for discussion about viticulture, winemaking, and the valley’s heritage.
The Franschhoek Wine Walk offers more than a series of tastings; it provides a deeper appreciation of the region’s craftsmanship and history. By walking through the vineyards, guests gain a true sense of the landscape that has made Franschhoek one of the country’s most celebrated wine destinations.
More information
- Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Duration: Around 4–5 hours (including tastings and lunch)
- Includes: Guided walk, wine tastings at three estates, and a three-course sharing lunch
- Difficulty: Easy, suitable for most fitness levels
- Highlights: Private vineyard access, expert guides, local food and wine pairings, and Franschhoek’s spectacular scenery
- Cost: R2200 per person
