Franschhoek to Elgin
Franschhoek to Elgin
Jeanri-Tine van Zyl enjoys a meal in South Africa's gourmet capital before heading over the mountains for a wine tasting at Oak Valley Estate.
THE ROUTE:
Few things beat a scenic drive in the Boland, but when a Sunday drive is matched with spectacular wine and food from some of South Africa's best kitchens then it quite rightly turns into one of the best things to do in the Western Cape.
This month's route took us from Franschhoek over Franschhoek Pass to Oak Valley Estate in Elgin.
HISTORY:
According to history sources, before the completion of the Franschhoek Pass in use today, the only route through the Franschhoek mountains was a track left by elephants that used to roam the valley (hence Franschhoek's original name of Olifantshoek). A pass upgrade was commissioned to one SJ Cats in 1818, which delivered marginal improvement.
In 1822 reconstruction of the pass began and was completed a mere three years later. Today the pass includes the oldest road bridge still in use in South Africa, Jan Joubertsgat Bridge, named after the fellow who died there in 1823.
The pass offers an exciting drive of hairpin bends and magnifi cent views, matched by hiking trails in the Hottentots Holland Reserve.
A large stretch of the pass runs along the largest dam in the Western Cape, built in the 1970s, Theewaterskloof Dam. The dam is so named due to the colour of the water resembling a cup of water or ‘tea-water'.
A massive fire that raged in the Franschhoek mountains (part of the Hottentots Holland mountain range) earlier this year has left a charred mass along stretches of road, but there are still several pockets of the Cape's famous fynbos growing against slopes. Closer to Grabouw, indigenous wild flora give way to hectares of apple trees - a lovely sight in spring when in full bloom.
FIRST STOP: FRANSCHHOEK
Franschhoek is South Africa's gourmet capital, which means there is no shortage of dining options. In town Huguenot Road runs past WINE favourites French Connection Bistro (tel 021 876 4056), Le Quartier Français' Tasting Room and iCi (tel 021 876 2151) as well as Bouillabaisse (tel 021 876 4430).
Not on the main road is the Salmon Bar at The Yard, a dining venue set in the middle of a square à la France. Book an outside table and proceed to match imported salmon or local trout with bubbly to your heart's content. Go early - it's going to be a long lunch (tel 021 876 4591).
On the wine side you are spoiled for choice with Boekenhoutskloof, Chamonix, Cabrière, Colmant and Graham Beck just some of the wineries found within a small radius of each other.
Book a cellar tour at Cabrière, home to eccentric Achim von Arnim, to see the king of traditional sabrage in action. Situated at the foot of Franschhoek pass, Cabrière is a good place to stop for a bite as they also run a commendable restaurant (tel 021 876 8500).
THE DRIVE: FRANSCHHOEK PASS TO OAK VALLEY
The full drive is approximately 51km (R45 turning right onto the R321), and in essence follows the circumference of the Hottentots Holland Reserve. The reserve encompasses 42 000ha, stretching from Elgin in the south and beyond Villiersdorp in the north.
Driving on the R321 you'll pass the reserve entrance at Nuweberg, approximately 11km from Grabouw. You can either explore this beautiful landscape on foot (as part of the Boland Hiking Trail) or simply stop at the numerous designated viewpoints along the route. From these you will not only see the summits of majestic peaks, but also fantastic views of the greater Franschhoek valley and Theewaterskloof Dam.
Oak Valley Estate in Elgin Owned by Anthony Rawbone-Viljoen, Oak Valley Estate is one of the top-producing wineries to come out of Elgin. In his will grandfather Sir Antonie Viljoen forbade any heir to the property to ever cut down the old English oaks on the farm, and today the farm boasts over 4 000 of these trees. It makes for a beautiful entry to the farm where visitors can taste and buy wines from its cosy tasting room.
Favourites are the Oak Valley Blend 2004, with a recent tasting confirming the ageing potential of the estate's Sauvignon Blanc - the Oak Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2005 simply makes for incredible drinking now. Tel 021 859 2510.
