The Franschhoek Wine Tram is the most civilised wine-tasting experience in South Africa — a hop-on hop-off service using vintage tram cars and tram buses that winds through the Franschhoek Valley, stopping at 30+ wine estates along two routes. The tram recreates (loosely) the historic railway that once connected Franschhoek to Paarl, and the combination of gentle pace, vineyard scenery, and the licence to taste wine at multiple estates without driving makes it the most popular wine-tourism attraction in the Western Cape.
The tram stops cover a range of estates — from the grand historic properties (Boschendal, founded 1685, whose Cape Dutch homestead under ancient oaks is the defining image of Winelands elegance) to the contemporary (Leopard's Leap, with its modern tasting room and sculpture garden). Most estates charge a modest tasting fee that is waived with a wine purchase, and the wines — Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Pinotage, and the Cap Classique sparkling wines that are South Africa's answer to Champagne — represent the best of the Cape's production.
The tram runs daily and must be booked in advance (it sells out regularly in peak season, November through March). The two routes (red and blue) can be combined for a full day, though most visitors find that 4-5 estates is the comfortable limit before tasting fatigue sets in. The return to Cape Town (by car or pre-arranged transfer) follows roads through vineyards with mountain backdrops that make the designated-driver sacrifice worthwhile.
Verified Facts
The wine tram stops at 30+ estates along two routes
Boschendal estate was founded in 1685
Cap Classique is South Africa's traditional-method sparkling wine
Peak season runs from November through March
Get walking directions
Franschhoek Station, Franschhoek
