Fun and Affordable: Experience the Franschhoek Wine Tram

When I wake up bright and early on a Saturday morning, full of excitement and anticipation, I know that there’s something truly special waiting for me. Today is no different. Today, I’m heading to Franschhoek to catch the 10h00 Franschhoek Wine Tram.

Just a reminder: The current cost for a Franschhoek wine tram ride is R200 per person. For the most up-to-date information on routes and booking, please visit www.winetram.co.za.

When I arrived in the “French gourmet capital” of the winelands, I knew I had to get my hands on a croissant. After exploring and indulging in the charming shops on Huguenot Street, I found the perfect spot to satisfy my craving – the deli at Salmon Bar. They had a croissant that was pure perfection, with its flaky texture and rich chocolate filling.

As I savored every bite of my croissant, I realized that I had lost track of time and missed the 10 AM departure for the tram-bus. It was a small hiccup, but luckily, the tram-bus ran every hour from the ticket office. So, I found a cozy spot and patiently waited for the next one to arrive.

After exactly one hour, the tram-bus was ready to whisk me away on an adventure. I eagerly climbed aboard, excited for what awaited me at the first of six stops on the journey.

The tram-bus starts its journey at the Huguenot Museum, which is the first stop.

Stop One: The Huguenot Museum

I have to admit, my friends and I didn’t get off at this stop because we were looking for wine. But looking back, it’s a shame we missed out on the chance to learn more about the Huguenots and see their historical artifacts. Our mistake also made the people already at the museum wait for another 40 minutes for the next tram-bus. You see, the tram and tram-bus operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis. So if nobody gets off and the bus is full, nobody can get on.

When I think about it, the Huguenots really transformed this wilderness they were given by the Dutch authorities into the stunning valley we see today. It almost feels impolite not to visit this place! I’ve promised myself to come back to the Huguenot Museum someday and show my admiration for these incredible families. You can reach them at Tel 021-876-2532, or visit their website www.museum.co.za.

When I arrived at Haute Cabrière, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the breathtaking views it offered. Nestled in the Franschhoek Valley, this place is truly a sight to behold.

My Stop: Haute Cabrière

Upon stepping off the tram, I found myself surrounded by an abundance of wine. But it wasn’t just any wine; it was Haute Cabrière’s wine. And let me tell you, it was a treat for the taste buds. As I sipped on their exquisite Pinot Noir, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me.

But it wasn’t just the wine that made this place so special. It was the view. Oh, the view! As I sat there, basking in the warm sunshine, I gazed out at the vast expanse of the Franschhoek Valley. The vineyards, a mix of orange, green, and brown, seemed to go on forever. It was a truly mesmerizing sight.

Lost in the beauty of it all, I didn’t even notice when the next tram-bus arrived. But that’s the thing about Haute Cabrière – time seems to stand still when you’re there. You become so consumed by the moment that everything else fades away.

When you visit this historic wine estate, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a delightful wine tasting. For just R30 per person, you can sample six wines from their Classic Selection. And even if you choose not to indulge in their Exclusive Cap Classique range, priced at R60 per person, you’ll still receive exceptional service fit for a king.

If you’re feeling hungry during your visit, you’re in luck! The Haute Cabrière Cellar Restaurant offers a tantalizing menu with a variety of dishes. You can choose between full and half portions, allowing you to savor many different taste sensations. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, and you’re in for a truly satisfying experience. To make a reservation, call 021-876-8500. To learn more about the estate, visit their website at www.cabriere.co.za.

When I arrived at Dieu Donné Vineyards, I was excited to learn that wine tasting was included in the ticket price. I couldn’t wait to try their wines and experience their beautiful vineyards firsthand.

Stop three: Dieu Donné Vineyards

As I made my way to the tasting room, I couldn’t help but feel a little hungry. The croissants earlier in the day were delicious, but they didn’t quite satisfy my appetite. Luckily, I had the option to purchase a cheese platter for only R70. I also grabbed some extra packets of biscuits for just R3 each.

Once I had my snacks in hand, I found a table on the green lawn outside the tasting room. The view of the vineyards was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn’t think of a better place to enjoy my cheese and biscuits.

The cheese was displayed on a charming heart-shaped cheese board, adding a touch of whimsy to the experience. I savored each bite as I sipped on a selection of Dieu Donné’s wines. The combination of the delicious snacks and the exceptional wines made for a delightful afternoon.

If you’re feeling especially hungry (and you’re willing to spend a bit more), you should definitely check out the famous ROCA restaurant. I decided to stop by myself, and I have to say, I was blown away by the beautiful design and the incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. They give you an absolutely breathtaking view of the Franschhoek Valley. You can contact them at 021-876-2493 or visit their website at www.dieudonnevineyards.com.

I have to tell you, the tasting room over at Chamonix is really something special. It’s like stepping into a magical world.

Our next stop is Chamonix

When I reached Dieu Donné, the tram-bus driver had already figured out that we were up to something. He informed us that if we missed the next departure, we could easily walk for five minutes to the next vineyard on the route. We decided to take the stroll (thankfully downhill) and enjoy the crisp autumn air along with the picturesque trees and gentle stream. It was truly a sight to behold, but the best part was yet to come.

The tasting room at Chamonix is located in a stunning whitewashed blacksmith’s cottage from the late 1700s, and we instantly fell head over heels for it. The inside was nothing short of cozy, and it didn’t take long before we started savoring their eco-friendly wines. However, we were given a fair warning – the last tram-bus would be passing by soon, and if we missed it, the walk back into town would be much longer than five minutes!

If you’re looking for a wonderful place to have lunch, I highly recommend Mon Plasir. This French-style restaurant has received numerous awards for its exceptional cuisine. The location is absolutely stunning, as it is situated right along a picturesque river. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

At Mon Plasir, you can indulge in dishes like fois gras, a Spanish tortilla with smoked salmon and prosciutto, and the classic duck confit. Each bite is bursting with flavor and expertly prepared by talented chefs.

If you’re a food lover like me, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail and the high-quality ingredients used in every dish at Mon Plasir. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence is evident in every bite.

So, next time you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, make sure to visit Mon Plasir. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, you won’t be disappointed by the exceptional food and charming ambiance.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Mon Plasir at Tel 021-876-8400 or visit their website at www.chamonix.co.za.

Hey there! Let’s head over to Paulina’s at Rickety Bridge for a tasty treat.

Stop five: Rickety Bridge

Thanks to the two kids in our group, who were on tram-spotting duty, we didn’t miss our ride at Chamonix. After a fun-filled drive through town, we hopped off the tram-bus and jumped on the tram. This tram was designed to resemble the open-sided Brill Trams used back in 1890. Maybe it was the wine we had earlier, but we were all buzzing with excitement, like a bunch of giddy kids!

The tram took us on a scenic journey through the vineyards. These tracks were built in 1904 as an alternative to using ox-drawn carts to transport produce to the market. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and we couldn’t resist capturing the beauty with our cameras!

When we arrived at Rickety Bridge, we were transferred to a vintage Ford open truck, complete with a canopy made of canvas. This was our “lunch” stop, even though it was closer to dinner time. We dug into the various half-portion options on their menu and savored the delicious food. Personally, I couldn’t get enough of the Franschhoek salmon trout fishcake burger served on a soft purple beetroot roll. It was just what I needed to satisfy my rumbling tummy. As we were indulging in our feast, we almost forgot that a wine tasting was also included in our ticket. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity, so we hurried to the wine tasting room with just 10 minutes to spare before the Ford truck was scheduled to depart. The tasting became a race against time, with the wine tram adventure turning into a grape-infused version of “The Amazing Race”! You can reach Rickety Bridge at 021-876-2129, or visit their website at www.ricketybridgewinery.com.

Autumn colors envelop the Grand Provence Wine Estate, creating a breathtaking scene.

My sixth stop: The magnificent Grand Provence Wine Estate

As I arrived at this remarkable Heritage Wine Estate in a tractor-trailer, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sound we made during our transfer from the tram. The ticket included a welcome drink, but instead of coffee, I was treated to a tasting of their delightful Viognier Chenin Blanc 2012, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although I didn’t have time to explore the estate or partake in its restaurant, gallery, and sculpture garden, I made a mental note to return in the future for a more leisurely visit. If you fancy a visit, you can contact them at 021-876-8600 or visit their website at www.grandeprovence.co.za.

After spending 40 minutes exploring our last destination, it was time for us to make our way back to the town center. As we were climbing up a hill, the tram-bus seemed to struggle a bit. A cheerful passenger jokingly suggested that we all blow into the fuel tank to give it a boost. Although we didn’t actually have to do it, I have a feeling that it might have actually worked!

Hey there! Have you ever considered taking a trip to Franschhoek in autumn? Let me tell you about an amazing experience you can have there – the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram – A Day of Fun and Adventure

I gotta tell you, spending a day on the wine tram was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. It was so much fun that I’m even thinking about doing it again on my birthday!

Here’s the deal: for just R150, you can hop on and off at six awesome spots in the valley. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy wine tastings at Dieu Donné and Rickety Bridge, as well as a welcome drink at Grande Provence. That’s not all! You can also taste different wines, buy your favorites, and choose a place to eat that fits your budget. And let me tell you, the history of Franschhoek is fascinating! You’ll learn all kinds of interesting things, like why roses are grown in vineyards and who supplies Woolworths with their flavored water. It’s an incredible, affordable, and super fun way to explore the Franschhoek Valley.

Contact Details for the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Hey there!

I wanted to share this important piece of news with you. The service you’re using will be undergoing maintenance soon, from 26th May to 7th June 2013. This means that during this period, the service won’t be available. I know this may be a bummer, but it’s crucial to make sure everything runs smoothly and keeps working.

But don’t worry. Once the maintenance is over, the service will be back up and running, ready to serve you better than ever before. Remember, sometimes we need to hit pause to take care of things behind the scenes.

So hang in there! We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We’ll be working hard to get everything back to normal as quickly as possible.

Thanks for being part of our service, and we’ll see you on the other side of the maintenance period!

Franschhoek, a picturesque town in South Africa known for its winelands, offers much more than just a wine tram experience. If you’re looking to explore the town further, I recommend checking out Adel Groenewald’s list of 10 quirky things to do in Franschhoek. You can also enjoy a lovely picnic at one of South Africa’s best spots, with Franschhoek ranking at the top. Don’t miss the opportunity to drive through the Franschhoek Pass, a scenic route that takes you through the beautiful mountains and down to the coast. Along with these attractions, Franschhoek offers a variety of affordable accommodation options for those who wish to extend their stay.