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Franschhoek   elevation = 260m        population approx 13000

Welcome to Franschhoek, Valley of the Huguenots, one of the premier destinations in the World of Wine.

Not surprising when one considers that this fertile ground is where the French first made wine in South Africa 300 years ago. Today, that noble tradition is carried forward by the members of the Vignerons de Franschhoek.

Thirty wine farms, including some of South Africa's most respected names, who produce many of South Africa's top wines.

All the noble cultivars and classic styles are on show here. From superb whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc to the rich reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Not to mention the valley's renowned methode Cap Classique Sparkling wines and Ports. And you'll be happy to know most farms readily welcome visitors for tastings.

But Franschhoek's finer tastes don't end with wine. The picturesque valley also offers some of South Africa's most acclaimed restaurants and with everything from delicious Cape country fare to sublime French cuisine, it's not surprising that the area if known as the "Wine and Food Capital of the Cape". There's a menu here for every taste, and every pocket.

History
In 1688, after fleeing religious persecution in their own country, the French Huguenots settled in Franschhoek.

The first farm in the valley, Keerweder, was allotted to Heinrich Müller in 1692. Today this farm is the largest in the valley and retains its original name.

The Huguenots that settled in the Cape were originally allotted farms farther down the valley but they were unhappy with the soil conditions in these areas.

The area, above the Berg River and towards the end of the valley, where the soils were more fertile, was originally know as Oliphantshoek (elephants corner), as elephants found it the ideal place to raise their young. It was here, in 1694, that the first nine farms were allotted by Simon van der Stel, then Governor of the Cape.

All of these farms are still in existence, although many have been sub-divided to a much-reduced size. Even today, many of the village’s inhabitants are direct descendants of the original settlers, as reflected in their surnames (family names).

The area became known as “de France hoek” (French corner), due to its inhabitants being mainly French speaking. They were, however, forced to adopt the language of the Dutch settlers but did so willingly, as the French language represented what they were fleeing from. It is reported that within one generation, Dutch was widely spoken.

Today, despite many farms etc. still having French names, there is little French influence in the Franschhoek valley. One notable exception is the Bastille Festival, which is celebrated in July every year.

Of course, the biggest legacy that was left by the early settlers was the wine; something for which we are all still grateful.

Full details of the history of Franschhoek and the Huguenots can be found at the Franschhoek museum.

Distance from Cape Town International airport   79 km
Distance from Stellenbosch   39 km