Franschhoek Valley is a small, broad vineyard-lined valley that is home to some of South Arica’s most celebrated estates. It’s also a top tourist destination. Franschhoek likes in the south-east corner of Paarl, in South Africa’s Western Cape. Franschhoek has been producing wine since the 17th Century. Franschhoek is also associated with the production of Cap Classique sparkling wine produced mainly from Chardonnay – Pinot Noir blends.
The charming and picturesque vineyards of Franschhoek sit within a clearly defined valley. The Wemmershoek Mountains to the north separate it from the Breede River Valley, while the Groot Drakenstein and Franschhoek Mountains to the south protect it from heavy oceanic influences. The Berg River, originating in the Drakenstein Mountains, runs through the center of Franschhoek towards Paarl.
Soils in Franschhoek are largely made up of alluvial sandstone, although there are deposits of granite on the slopes of the mountains in the north. Vineyards were planted as far back as the late 1600s by exiled French Huguenots, who brought their viticultural knowledge and wine-soaked history to their new home in South Africa. Franschhoek (“French Corner” in Dutch) still retains a heavy French influence today. One reason it’s so popular as a tourist destination.
