Winter is synonymous with red wine, good food and the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends. What better place to experience all of this than in the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley? During the winter months visitors to South Africa’s gourmet capital and home to some of the country’s finest wines, can look forward to an unforgettable ‘Secret Season’ of winter offerings, which will run from June until August.
Snuggle up in Franschhoek in front of a welcoming fireplace, indulge in delectable chocolates and bubbly from the valley, or sip red wine while tucking into mature cheeses and crusty bread; rubbing shoulders with the locals. On sunny winter days, challenge a local to a game of boulle, stroll around in the art galleries or have tea and scones at one of the many cafes in the Main street.
The Valley’s luxuriously quaint, yet affordable B&B’s, guest houses and award-winning boutique hotels will be offering visitors ‘Value Added’ packages, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and recharge your batteries. A weekend or simply an overnight stay will allow you ample time for a leisurely stroll down the main road, uncovering world-class shops and boutiques. Park the car, wrap up warmly and head out with every intention of losing track of time in an old bookshop oriscovering treasures in an antique shop or potter’s studio. This is the time to slow down and enjoy the champagne air; the changing colour of the leaves; the creeping mountain shadows of a wintery day; and, the burst of earthen smells from herbs and winter flowers in cottage gardens.
Wine enthusiasts will be in for a treat as a selection of fine wines will also be on offer from some of Franschhoek’s well-known wine estates. Not to be overlooked are some of Franschhoek’s fine dining restaurants which will be offering their sumptuous winter warmer menus.
Known throughout the country as hosting unforgettable lifestyle festivals, don’t miss out on these two taking place during the Franschhoek Secret Season:
Get your tastebuds on high alert for Cook Franschhoek, interactive themed demonstrations, hosted by award-winning chefs and winemakers from the area, will take place over the weekend of 10th, 11th and 12th June. Demos range from delicacies such as pig’s head cheese to making a simple yet mouth watering lemon meringue. Chefs will share their best cooking secrets and leave you begging for more.
The annual Bastille Festival takes place over the weekend of 16th and 17th of July, where locals and visitors will be celebrating the Valley’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage. A focal point of the festival is the Food and Wine Marquee, which draws people to the hub of activity. A highlight this year is Le Marche Fraincais, or French Corner Market in the Town Hall, featuring cheeses, preserves and jams, cakes and savouries, all with a French flair. The Boules Tournament, Fencing competition, Waiters Race amd Barrel Rolling, as well as the Minstrel March are well known attractions to regular Festival visitors and locals alike.
Visit the Franschhoek Wine Valley Food & Wine Route as part of your journey of discovery. Tailormake your trip, taking the concept of a food and wine experience to an entirely new level. Don’t miss a tasting of sublime schnapps made in the valley and book a tour of the chocolate workshop, where you’ll get to taste the essence of the fascinating cocoa bean.
Take a fresh look at Franschhoek this winter – you certainly won’t regret it and you will come back for more. Make this magical valley your number one winter destination.
For further information on the Secret Season, participating accommodation establishments, restaurants and wine estates, as well as other offerings, visit www.franschhoek.org.za.
