ALL ABOARD THE FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Franschhoek Wine Tram, but only recently managed to experience it for myself. The brief was simple: spend a day in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley; hop on the Wine Tram, hop off at a wine farm, and repeat.

There are 14 wine estates of various shapes and sizes currently partnered with the tram, and unfortunately you simply don’t have enough time to visit them all in one sitting. If you arrive early in Franschhoek, you can book your spot on one of the four ‘lines’ serviced by the Wine Tram (starting from 10 am) and spend a hour at up to six estates along the way. The later you arrive, the fewer wine farms you’ll have time to visit, but if you fancy staying a little longer as one of the estates, just catch the next tram in an hour.

It’s an awesome concept and truly unique – there’s nothing like it in the whole world.

Check out Cape Town Etc’s video feature on the Franschhoek Wine Tram below:

The vintage tram itself only services a short route between two of the best known estates in the area, Grande Provence and Rickety Bridge. You actually hop on to a wine bus to visit the other estates, and I’d strongly recommend you do because there are many hidden gems along the route.

The scheduling of the busses and trams is quite frankly, impeccable. They leave promptly from the ticket office in the centre of town every 15 minutes, and I was told exactly when to expect my next ride after being dropped off at the next stop. I never had to wait for a bus or tram for too long, and if I did, the incredible scenery of the Franschhoek Valley provided ample distraction by way of photo opportunities.

OF NOTE
Where Franschhoek Square, 32 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, 7690
When Daily from 10 am (weather permitting), view online brochure for schedule
Cost R200 per adult, R85 per child (age 2–17) – includes passage, guided tour and two free wine tastings at selected estates (booking online beforehand is highly recommended during December–January season)
Contact +27 21 300 0338, [email protected], www.winetram.co.za