There are many activities to pursue in Franschhoek but those who go there go for the numerous wine experiences which draws the aficionado as well as the newcomer to sniff, swirl and sip these fabulous wines from their origin.

Throughout this small area are the 40+ wineries which offer fantastic cellar door and bistro experiences. It’s often a chance to chat wine with the winemaker or their knowledgeable cellar door staff during an afternoon of wine tasting.

Some of the wines that you’ll definitely want to sample are the Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and the Australian cultivar, Pinotage which is a full-bodied Bordeaux style red. On the white side, you’ll want to try some of the renown chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and of course the Méthode Cap Classiques or MCC.

As all who know love champagne, they know that the name is controlled by the DOC from the champagne region of France. Yet others around the world produce sparkling white wine using similar techniques and even very similar if not arguably better outcomes. Such is the case with Franschhoek Méthode Cap Classiques which is created from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and using the same technique found in France and to of the finest sparkling white wine. Franschhoek is renown for its sparkling white and many of its 40 wineries have produced some of the top bubbly in the world.

One could easily spend weeks visiting the fantastic wineries and cellar doors throughout Franschhoek.  A few that stick out in particular and have won numerous awards as well as provide and exceptional overall wine tourism experiences.

Moreson

Moreson is best known for producing some of the finest chardonnays in the world. In fact, their most prized wine is their Mercator née Premium Chardonnay which has won numerous awards and also garnered the Diners Club Winemaker of the year for their heralded winemaker, Clayton Reabow.

They have a wonderful cellar door experience with friendly staff who will take guests on a wine tasting journey through their extensive offering their other must try on the red side which is another heralded and award-winning Pinotage. The setting is beautiful as well as a French bistro with tables under the large oak trees where guests can sip wine or enjoy some delicious charcuterie nibbles from their rustic farm grocer section of the estate.

Haute Cabriere

Just on the outskirts of town overlooking a picturesque valley of vineyards and the Franschhoek Mountains is where you’ll find Haute Cabriere. Haute Cabriere is one of the premier producers of sparkling wine. The original lands have been producing wine since 1694 and that tradition continues with award-winning wines today. The setting is wonderful with tables under canvas umbrellas on a bluff where guests taste while taking in views. If you love champagne this is your place.   Haute Cabriere is one of its premiere producers of Méthode Cap Classique with award-winning wines produced from their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals.