Noble cultivars plus classic styles can be found in Franschoek. From superb whites like the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot. The Franschoek valley is also renowned for Cap Classique Sparkling wines and Ports. Most farms readily welcome visitors for tasting and tours.
Visiting Franschoek is a delightful experience. This small village, tucked away in a valley, surrounded by mountains, is only an 60 min trip from Cape Town. Every day but especially on Sundays, visitors flood into Franschoek.
If you're planning to drive to Franschhoek, allow at least 1:30 hour from Cape Town, situated 83 km from Cape Town, along the N1.
This makes it perfect for a daytrip and its close proximity to Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Wellington to Somerset West makes it ideal to explore the Winelands.
Cape Town is positioned on the 34th latitude south, which equates it more or less with Casablanca, Los Angeles or Sydney. Cape Town however has a Mediterranean climate. In summer it is pleasantly warm with the hottest days often cooled by a wind known as the Cape Doctor. It seldom rains in summer, and only briefly if it does. The winters are cool and wet, with the temperature occasionally falling below 10° C.
Founded in 1688 our scenic gem nestles in a rich and fertile valley in the beautiful Heart of the Cape Winelands. Franschoek has many award winning Restaurants for connoisseurs who will find a delicious choice in and around Franschoek. Many of these eateries are award-winning and widely acclaimed both locally and internationally. In season (Oct - Feb), it is wise to phone ahead and book a table.
In South Africa the Graham Beck range of wines is acknowledged as one of the great sources of fine wine from the region. With vineyards on four farms with three distinct vinicultures, in the Cape; Graham Becks has two estates, the original Robertson Cellar and the Franschoek Cellar now operate in tandem.
The areas of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek comprise the magnificent region of the Winelands. These historic towns are fascinating attractions in their own right, not to mention the many surrounding wine farms.
The Cape Winelands has a Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall of the south-western Cape. The rich fertile soils have become world famous for their whites, reds, sherries, ports and brandies. You will be spoilt for choice between small, boutique wineries and the larger, more commercial wine estates.
As well as sampling some of the world's best wines in magnificent surrounds, you can join the winemaker on a tour of his cellar where the harvest is lovingly transformed into award-winning wines.
Attractions and Other Places of Interest:
At the foot of the pass you will find the Huguenot Memorial and Museum which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Huguenots. The museum serves as an information and research centre on the Huguenots and their descendants.
The Jan Joubert's gate bridge is one of the oldest bridges in South Africa and is still in use and is situated in the Franschoek pass.
The Dutch Reformed Church is a National Monument and is open to the public on request.
Franschoek - Valley of the Huguenots, One of the Premier Destinations in the World of Wine by Gerald Crawford. Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address:http://www.12234455.co.za Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
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