The South African wine tour with a different set of wheels

FRANSCHHOEK WESTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY, 02. 2020 - Rickety Bridge Winery Railway Station for Tourist Tram ride between Vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley Southern Africa
By James Harrison


Just an hour outside Cape Town lies a stunning wine region that puts South Africa on the international wine-making scene.

Nestled in and amongst South African mountains, this otherworldly region hosts scenery resembling classic oil paintings of lush vineyards on rolling hills that seemingly continue endlessly.

And the quality of the drop more than matches the surroundings. Locally produced subtle Sémillon sits alongside the iconic South African Pinotage for wine-lovers to tour via the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

View of the mountains around Franschhoek

The tram? Wait a second, are we in the Melbourne CBD or the mountains of the Western Cape? No, we’re still in South Africa where the Franschhoek Wine Tram awaits connoisseurs, novices and those that reckon they can fake their way through a wine tasting without giving away they can’t differentiate a Pinot noir from a Shiraz.

The double-decker tram seamlessly choo-choos and chugs along the tracks, transporting wine lovers across the region with a glass of bubbly in hand to showcase the historically and culturally rich spot.

Franschhoek’s modern origins date back over 300 years when persecuted French protestants fled subjugation from the ruling Catholics and found themselves in Southern Africa via the Dutch East India Company. With them, they brought European viticulture and winemaking that turned this spot into a bustling array of wineries.

As for the tram itself, it was launched in 2012 using tracks originally built in 1904 for farmers transporting their produce to market. The tracks hosted steam locomotives until being outdone by their diesel-fuelled successors in the 70s but the lack of use meant the railway line diminished in decades to come. 

Time to hop on the tram!

But much like mullets, moustaches and bell bottoms, the track made a comeback from the 70s and into the 21st century and it’s now the groundwork for the Franschhoek Wine Tram we know today.

For those exploring the region via the tram, five routes venture to ten different wineries, however, travellers usually only end up visiting a few in a day to maximise how much they do in each winery.

Our group’s first stop was the Richard Branson-owned Mont Rochelle for a mid-morning wine tasting and food pairing that proved to be a dive into fine culture. Those in the Industry will be all too familiar with Branson’s iconic Virgin imagery out the front of the winery that awaits keen Instagrammers looking to get their shot.

View from out the front of Mont Rochelle

Wine tasting at Mont Rochelle

A sommelier will lead a group through a tasting, instructing everyone on the proper method for how to enjoy the pairing. It’s a palette explosion at Mont Rochelle where Chardonnay is paired with panko-crusted goat’s cheese, Syrah sits alongside sirloin and Sauvignon Blanc accompanies baby marrow and chickpea taquitos. 

Next stop, Grande Provence! This lavish winery is a picturesque dream where wine drinkers sit amongst vibrant nature to enjoy elegant chardonnays or full-bodied reds. Wander around after the last course and gaze at the avant-garde statues and if you like what you see, venture indoors and see if one of the pieces for sale makes the money burn a hole in your pocket.

Avante-garde art in the garden of Grande Provence

For dessert, Haute Cabrière awaits sugar-craving tram goers. But first, a tour around the estate takes travellers on a journey through wine-making, the magic of barreling and cork popping (with a sword that is). Enjoy the fruits of their labour with gorgeously crafted pastel de nata and croissants while reflecting on the magic of the day before returning to the terminal.

This is one version of experiences offered, but it’s certainly not the only way to lap up the Franschhoek Wine Tram. 

A Curated Wine Experience takes travellers to three wineries and has all meals, tastings and pairings included, while the Hop-On-Hop-Off experience allows travellers to craft their own day, although it’s advised they book 24 hours ahead at their chosen wineries to secure spots.

Large Groups can organise their own bespoke tours and if there at the right time of year, travellers can enjoy the Festival of Lights, where the wonders of Franschhoek meet the magic of Christmas.

And of course, you’ll want to buy wines along the way from the incredible array of estates but you’d, understandably, rather not lug them around all day while sipping Sauvignon Blanc. Not to worry, because travellers can leave their wine on the tram so the only extra weight they’ll be carrying will be from the day’s indulgence. Sounds perfect to us!

Featured Image: Franschhoek Wine Tram (iStock/Gerold Grotelueschen)

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