Visiting South Africa’s Premier Wine Tasting Destination – Franschhoek
In our humble opinion, the Franschhoek Wine Tram is the best way to experience Franschhoek, South Africa’s premier wine destination. Franschhoek’s history goes back over 300 years and had its start in France during the 1600s. During this time there was religious persecution that resulted in an exodus to the Netherlands of over 200,000 Protestants. Since they were considered refugees, they were later shipped to the Southern tip of Africa (South Africa). The Dutch authorities later gave several of the Huguenot (French Protestant of 16th 17th centuries) families land, which they began to transform from a wilderness environment to the beautiful valley plains that exist today.
The double-decker trams mimic the Blackpool Corporation Tramsway Double Deck Balcony Tramcar of circa 1923. Its vintage style is appropriate for the picturesque setting of Franschhoek. The trams five-meter tall gives passengers a great viewing experience, as it allows them to see the vastness of the region and take in the sweeping views of the valley’s countryside. Each open-air tram can comfortably accommodate up to 76 passengers.
With so many amazing wine estates and farms to visit, choosing where to start can be quite overwhelming. Availing yourself of the popular wine tram’s Hop-on Hop-off experience takes the guesswork out of deciding where to go. There are eight tour lines to choose from. Choosing the line that you’ll ride will be the toughest decision that you will have to make. However, be assured that you can’t go wrong with any of the tour lines that you choose, as each one offers something truly unique.
Your wine tram experience will start at the Franschhoek Terminal, located conveniently on the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street. Passengers are transported via the tram and tram-bus in a loop of stops, which allows passengers to hop-on and off at the stops they choose. Passengers can familiarize themselves with the various wine estates, activities, and dining options they offer by visiting the different tram lines online before their visit. Viewing the various tram lines before visiting also enables passengers to view the time-line so that they can successfully plan out their day. Unfortunately, it's impossible to visit every wine estate on each line, which is why it is highly recommended that every passenger perform some research before purchasing his or her tram tickets. Transfers to and from the tram station are available upon request.
Tasting wine isn’t the only thing that passengers can do while visiting the various wine farms, they can also enjoy award-winning dining experiences. Since there are so many world-class restaurants on the Franschhoek wine estates, reservations are encouraged, as seating fills up quickly. Also available at many of the wine estates are art exhibits, museums, curated shopping experiences, on-site bakeries, deli’s, winemaking, cellar tours, picnic baskets (complete with food & wine), and more.
Your wine experience in Franschhoek is sure to be one that you won’t forget if you include the Franschhoek Wine Tram in your itinerary. Whether it is a romantic weekend getaway, honeymoon weekend, or time with friends and family, the wine tram will serve you well. It is the most convenient and practical way to see the Franschhoek Valley and visit several wine estates in the region.
