Franschhoek Wine Tram: Every little thing You Must Know Earlier than You Go
Winetasting in South Africa is one thing else. Whereas the wine is nice, the mixture with the dreamy valley that’s surrounded by mountains is unmatched. A go to to the wine space Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in South Africa can’t miss! Subsequent to nice wineries, there are many nice eating places to be discovered in addition to boutique outlets. Nonetheless, most significantly, there’s a lengthy listing of excellent wineries. The easiest way to discover the wineries in Franschhoek? The well-known Franschhoek Wine Tram! On this Franschhoek journey information, I’ll inform you all of the ins and outs on find out how to use the wine tram, the perfect Franschhoek wine tram routes and the whole lot you could know!
Someday of wine tasting not sufficient? Take a look at the perfect wineries in Stellenbosch too!
The place to remain in Franschhoek
Neighbourgood Franschhoek ~€75, Centre-Ville Guest House ~€85, Maison du Cap ~€165, Rickety Bridge Manor House €160, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyards ~€650
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How does the Franschhoek Wine Tram work?
The Franschhoek wine tram is a hop-on-hop-off system that lets you go to a number of wine estates in sooner or later, with out having to drive your self. Relying on the road you select, you journey partly by tram and partly by bus. At first, we had been a bit drawn again by having to make use of a bus, nonetheless, this was a approach higher expertise than anticipated!
Here’s a fast overview of how the Franschhoek Wine Tram works:
- You’ll be able to select from 5 totally different strains, every stopping at 6 to eight wineries. Every line is color-coded.
- When shopping for tickets, you’ll be able to select a departure time to unfold the crowds
- Some routes embrace a bus switch between estates, nonetheless, this bus is totally in type
- There are two terminals: Franschhoek Terminal (on the town) or Groot Drakenstein Terminal. The orange and navy line begin from the Groot Drakenstein Terminal. A bus can deliver you there.
- Wine tastings are usually not included within the ticket, however could be purchased on the estates you need to cease.
- The tram takes a typical route and leaves each hour. This implies, each hour you’ll be able to change to a brand new property.
- You’ll be able to finest e book your ticket upfront, particularly in excessive season (December/January)
You should purchase your tickets on the official wine tram website. A ticket prices R330 (~€15).
My high tip: Don’t stress an excessive amount of concerning the departure occasions on the property. After all check out them, however be sure you don’t spend your full day in a rush with solely 1-hour per property. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a Uber to chop some routes quick. Generally, as a result of course of the bus or tram, journey time is likely to be an hour to a sure property, whereas a Uber solely takes 10 minutes.
All Franschhoek wine tram routes
There are 5 wine tram routes in complete, every protecting totally different estates / wineries within the Franschhoek area. The blue, orange, pink, purple and navy all go to a unique assortment of wineries, nonetheless, there may be some overlap between the routes.
Blue Line: Holden Manz, La Bri, Franschhoek Cellar, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Klein Goederust, Maison, Eikehof
Orange Line: Boschendal, Plaisir, Vrede en Lust, Noble Hill, Babylonstoren, Bacco
Pink Line: Dieu Donné, Chamonix, Pigcasso, Franschhoek Cellar, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Atlas Swift, Leopard’s Leap
Pink Line: Haute Cabriere, Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek Cellar, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Paserene, Lynx
Navy Line: Bartinney, Le Pommier, Camberley, Zorgvliet, Boschendal, Allée Bleue, Plaisir, Vrede & Lust
Every route has it personal vibe, some are extra targeted on surroundings whereas others are targeted on wine or meals choices. You may get a full overview of the entire on the Wine Tram webiste. On this Franschhoek Wine Tram journey information, I’ll share my take!
The perfect Franschhoek wine tram route: The Orange line and our model
After thorough analysis, we picked the Orange Line, and we’d suggest it should you’re in search of a balanced day with a mixture of nice ambiance, wine high quality and views.
Initially, we doubted a bit as we discovered some stretches needed to be achieved with the Franschhoek Wine Tram bus. Nonetheless, the appear and feel is much like the tram, so we didn’t really feel it impacted the expertise.
Additionally, the Orange Line is lengthy. Bear in mind that it’s virtually not possible to go to all wineries on the route. Particularly between some estates, journey time is lengthy. That’s why we for instance took a Uber from Boschendal to Babylonstoren.
For those who can, attempt to make a reserving at Babylonstoren for lunch (e book effectively upfront, I’m speaking extra months than days). Babylonstoren is a phenomenal property, nonetheless, we weren’t blown away by the wines and the lunch expertise is meant to be wonderful.
What our day on the Orange Line appeared like:
We jumped on the primary tram / bus, leaving at 8:45AM. After a welcome drink on the tram, we disembarked at Boschendal, the place we did our first tasting. We determined to not go away with the crowds and rush to get the whole lot achieved in an hour, however took our time and left after 1,5 hours by Uber. The following cease: Babylonstoren. Enjoyable reality, we arrived earlier than most of our group did, so this was a superb choice. After some wines and a platter in addition to strolling across the property, we took the Wine Tram Bus to Bacco Property. This was my favorite wine property of the journey! Their wines had been nice, they’d some wonderful bites and the views had been beautiful. Additionally, it wasn’t one of the crucial in style estates on the way in which. After Bacco, we took the bus and tram to Plaisir! This was the ultimate wine property of the day, the place we loved some wines and pizza. Additionally right here, we determined to not stress for the ultimate tram again into Franschhoek, however really took a taxi residence after we felt prepared.
2025 replace: Franschhoek wine tram Orange line closed: Navy Line because the Various
As of 2025, the favored Orange Line of the Franschhoek Wine Tram is briefly closed as a consequence of roadworks. As a substitute, the Navy Line presents a wonderful substitute with a terrific choice of wineries and exquisite scenary. This line consists of among the identical estates because the Orange Line does.
To profit from your day, I’d recommed to go to Boschendal first, as it’s an iconic property. Afterwards, head to Plaisir the place you may also get pleasure from lunch. From right here, you can also make your approach again to the Terminal and take the bus (or you’ll be able to take a Uber) to Camberley. Finish the day at Bartinney for the wonderful views.
Alternatively, you could possibly after all nonetheless add in Babylonstoren or Bacco by Uber, however of this makes you permit the route fairly a bit, making the tram probably not price it.
Ideas for benefiting from the Franschhoek wine tram
- Initially, don’t attempt to go to all stops on the tram line. Decide ~4 to nonetheless be sure you benefit from the expertise.
- Many estates supply platters, picnic or lunch, so no must deliver meals.
- You don’t need to make reservations for the stops in your route! The ticket / sticker with the tram line is sufficient to have a assured spot for a tasting.
- An Uber between estates is an effective way to optimize your time / reduce quick on the journey time. Be certain to do the mathematics and probably do it as soon as throughout your journey.
- Deliver sunscreen and water, summer time will get scorching and naturally you could hydrate effectively when tasting wine.
- Tasting costs vary from R75 – R150 (~€4-8) relying on the property
Closing verdict: Is the Franschhoek Wine Tram price it?
I’ve to say, we had been doubting on taking the Franschhoek Wine Tram. We had some estates in thoughts we needed to go to and knew we may additionally do that by Uber and probably even spend much less (we had been with 3 individuals). Nonetheless, we agreed that we couldn’t miss this well-known Franschhoek expertise, so nonetheless went! And, after all, I additionally needed to have the ability to write my full trustworthy overview.
In the end, I’d nonetheless argue it’s price it. The expertise is enjoyable, the tram is cute and it’s an expertise you’ll be able to’t do elsewhere. Additionally, it’s a enjoyable expertise when you’re a wine lover however no wine skilled. There is no such thing as a must analysis and determine on which estates to go to, it takes restricted planning and also you’ll go to some enjoyable wineries within the Cape Winelands.
In case you are a wine lover and have fairly some wine information, it is likely to be higher to select your favorite estates and take a Uber, nonetheless, a day on the Franschhoek Wine Tram is huge enjoyable, additionally as you meet different vacationers who’re on the identical journey!
The perfect eating places in Franschhoek
I can inform, if you’re visiting Franschhoek, likelihood is you’re spending a variety of your time at wine estates. Nonetheless, if you would like an incredible meals and eating expertise and you’re within the temper for a splurge, you’ll be able to go to La Petite Colombe, which is one among South Africa’s finest eating places. We went right here for lunch. Be certain to e book early! Additionally, good to set the value expectations, together with wines, you’ll be able to count on to pay round €200 per particular person. We actually loved our day by day breakfast at Motherdough, the place they’d essentially the most wonderful sweets and sandwiches.
Different in style eating places in Franschhoek are for instance Cooks Warehouse at Maison, Epice and Reuben’s. In case you are utterly achieved with wine and crave some bites and beer, then a go to to The Franschhoek Beer Co. can’t miss throughout your go to to Franschhoek. Hari Kitchen is a superb place if you’re in search of African meals.
The perfect inns in Franschhoek
What you see as the perfect lodge in Franschhoek utterly relies on what you’re in search of. There may be a lot to supply! You’ll be able to select an condo within the ‘middle’ of Franschhoek, or determine to remain your nights at one of many well-known (or much less well-known) wine estates.
Throughout our keep in Franschhoek, we stayed at Neighbourgood, a contemporary and centrally lcoated spot that was good for exploring city and catching the tram. As talked about, there are additionally loads of wine estates good to remain the night time. I can assure you, that when searching for lodging, you don’t know what to decide on, as the whole lot seems to be so wonderful!
Neighbourgood Franschhoek: These trendy and centrally situated self-service appartements are the whole lot you’ll be able to hope for and for a terrific value. This place undoubtedly wins on worth for cash! There may be loads of room within the appartment, a kitchen, a bit outside space and airconditioning. You’ll be able to e book your keep for ~€75.
Centre-Ville Guest House: One other nice central location, even with a tiny pool. It’s solely a 5-minute stroll to the town middle. You’ll be able to e book a room right here beginning ~€85.
Maison du Cap: This stunning location has trendy rooms, a terrific swimming pool, non-public parking and all of the services you is likely to be in search of. Whereas it feels a bit extra distant, it nonetheless has a central location. You’ll be able to e book a room for ~€165.
Rickety Bridge Manor House: Do you need to keep at one of the crucial well-known wine estates of the Franschhoek area? Staying at Rickety Bridge is strictly what you’re in search of. The place is situated within the midst of the vineyards, has a pool and a beautiful restaurant. You’ll be able to e book your keep for €160.
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyards: In case you are seeking to splurge, that is an incredible place close to Franschhoek. The rooms are wonderful and the views much more so. The swimming pool is overlooking the mountains and the service is top-notch. In case you are in for a deal with, that is the place to be. You’ll be able to e book a room for ~€650 an evening.
Franschhoek Wine Tram: Steadily Requested Questions
What’s the Franschhoek Wine Tram?
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on-hop-off wine tour that takes you to some nice wine estates within the Franschhoek Valley. It makes use of a mix of lovely trams and buses, which lets you get pleasure from a number of tastings with out having to drive. For the time being, you’ll be able to benefit from the scenic panorama.
How does the Wine Tram work?
There are a number of Franschhoek Wine Tram routes. You’ll be able to select a selected route – all routes are color-coded – when reserving your ticket. Every route consists of round 6 to eight wineries. You’ll be able to hop on and off the tram or tram-bus and luxuriate in a tasting on the wineries. You’re assured a tasting spot when visiting a vineyard that’s at your route. The ticket covers transport, however wine tastings are paid individually at every property.
The place can I purchase tickets for the Wine Tram?
You should purchase tickets on-line at winetram.co.za for all routes. Particularly in excessive season, I’d suggest to e book upfront.
What are the perfect routes on the Franschhoek Wine Tram?
The most well-liked line is the Orange Line, which is nice for a balanced day of scenic views and various wine estates, together with some in style ones equivalent to Babylons Toren. Sadly, the Orange Line is closed as a consequence of street works in 2025. The Navy Line is a superb various.
Common routes embrace the Orange Line, Purple Line, and Pink Line. The Orange Line is nice for a balanced day of scenic views and various wine estates. The Purple Line consists of iconic wineries like Vrede en Lust and Rickety Bridge.
What’s the finest various to the orange line?
Now the orange line of the Franschhoek Wine Tram is closed, the Navy Route is the perfect various, protecting among the identical wine estates and heading to stunning views of the Franschhoek valley.
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