Franschhoek
Franschhoek, the 'French corner' founded by Huguenots, pairs a stunning mountain setting with some of the Cape's finest Méthode Cap Classique sparkling and aromatic whites.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Mediterranean, warm, sheltered valley |
| Geography | Pretty mountain valley founded by French Huguenots |
| Key appellations | Franschhoek WO · The Berg River · Wemmershoek |
| Main grapes | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, MCC |
| Famous for | French heritage, MCC sparkling, Culinary capital |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Franschhoek
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the world's most planted white grape and a remarkable blank canvas for terroir and winemaking. F…
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its electric, zesty character and unmistakable aromatics — gooseberry, grass…
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is one of the world's great black grapes, capable of extraordinary power …
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is Burgundy's great gift to the wine world — light in colour yet profound in flavour, haunting in i…
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Franschhoek
Franschhoek's tasting tram, superb restaurants and boutique estates make it the Cape's most charming and food-focused wine town.
ZA Explore all of South Africa
Country-wide wine guide with regions, grapes, classification and food culture.