WHET YOUR APPETITE

Franschhoek boasts many memorable wining and dining options. Here are a few of the best:

DRINK Allée Bleue

Named for the magnificent blue eucalypts that line the entrance, Allée Bleue is the place for pinotage, a must- try when visiting the wine’s country of origin. alleebleue. co. za

Babylonstoren

One of the bestpreserved Cape Dutch farms in Franschhoek, Babylonstoren is a dreamy allrounder. As well as wine tasting, the labyrinthine gardens are well worth your time. babylonstoren. com

Chamonix

Vineyard, farmland and sprawling game reserve, Chamonix has a vast offering, but the wines still manage to stand out at this impressive estate, located on the eastern slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains. chamonix. co. za

Mont Rochelle

A member of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection, Mont Rochelle is a stunning

26- bedroom hotel complete with a wine cellar dating back to the 1850s. virginlimitededition.com/en/montrochelle

Vrede en Lust

There’s not a spot in Franschhoek that doesn’t come complete with jaw- dropping views, but those of the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain from the Vrede en Lust deck are hard to beat. Book in advance for a chocolatematched wine tasting. vnl. co. za

Foliage

Local ingredients are foraged each day by chef and owner Chris Erasmus, and innovative dishes are the result. Foliage is considered by many to be Franschhoek’s premium restaurant. foliage.co.za

Chefs Warehouse at Maison

The winelands edition of Liam Tomlin’s renowned tapas concept opened at Maison Estate in 2017. Inspired by the on-site organic vegetable garden, chef David Schneider has put his own spin on the Tapas for Two formula. maisonestate.co.za/ restaurant

Pierneef à La Motte

La Motte wine farm’s on-site restaurant offers traditional cuisine with a modern interpretation. la-motte.com

Le Coin Français

French-inspired cuisine is right at home on Franschhoek’s main street, which might be why chef Darren Badenhorst’s first solo venture (he headed the awardwinning Grande Provence kitchen for seven years) is such a hit. That, and the flavourful creations. lecoinfrancais.co.za

Reuben’s

This glass- fronted eatery has oodles of street appeal but it’s what inside that counts. Namely, celebrity chef Reuben Riffel’s signature dishes, such as peppered springbok steak. reubens. co. za

GETTING THERE

Africa travel specialists Bench Africa can organise your trip to Franschhoek. The company’s 13- day Luxury Signature Safari Special includes three nights in Franschhoek, as well as four nights in Cape Town and five nights on luxury safari. Visit benchafrica.com