Out and about in Franschhoek
Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place where the grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa's different winegrowing appellations.
South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
At the end of the 1680s, some 200 Protestant Huguenot immigrants fleeing Catholic persecution in France arrived at the Cape and were settled at the upper end of the Drakenstein valley, a territory that over time came to be called Franschhoek (French Corner). The ward of Franschhoek lies in the district of Paarl and is exceptionally scenic, being almost completely enclosed by mountains: the Groot Drakenstein and Franschhoek ranges meet at the top of the valley, while the Klein Drakenstein and Simonsberg ranges line the way as you approach from Paarl.
WHERE TO EAT
The town is billed as "the gourmet capital of South Africa" and is home to many top restaurants. Here are just some of WINE magazine's favourites:
• Bouillabaise for tapas-like seafood.
Tel 021 876 4430.
• Bread & Wine at Môreson, a very relaxed venue where smoked meats and freshly baked bread are specialities. Tel 021 876 3692.
• La Petite Ferme for trout and one of the best views of the valley.
Tel 021 876 3016.
• Reuben's for bistro food with a modern twist.
Tel 021 876 3772.
• The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français for bold, conceptually challenging fine dining.
Tel 021 876 2151.
WHAT TO DO
Play a round of golf at nearby Pearl Valley Golf Estates (on R301), always meticulously maintained and site of the 2008 South African Open. Tel 021 876 8000. Take a hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, situated to the east of the town and featuring spectacular mountain peaks and wild kloofs. Permits required. Tel 021 876 4792.
WHERE TO STAY
Franschhoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association lists 109 diff erent accommodation establishment, from cosy B&Bs to deluxe country lodges. Visit www.franschhoek.org.za and be spoilt for choice.
WINES TO TRY
Wine quality remains work in progress: vineyard plantings have not always been ideally located and climate and soil conditions vary considerably. Many producers buy grapes from outside the ward, allowing them to make a better-quality product while retaining a fashionable address. Boekenhoutskloof is an obvious exception, with both its highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon made from locally grown grapes (although its even more acclaimed Syrah is Wine of Origin Wellington!). The wines alongside are all exclusively made from Franschhoek-grown grapes.
