Franschhoek, South Africa ?
I've been dying to share, and it's as beautiful as you imagined!
I hope you've got a big monitor....
Cruising in from Cape Town to Paarl, let's start with, Babylonstoren, a historic Dutch farm with spectacular gardens and charming café. Watch chefs harvest your lunch (or pick your own!) and enjoy with a refreshing glass of estate wine
I've been dying to share, and it's as beautiful as you imagined!
I hope you've got a big monitor....
Speaking of wine - you've come to the right place here in the Western Cape. Sip a little history from your glass at Meerlust, breathe in brilliant flavors and stunning views from your lake island perch at Stark-Condé. You'll feel right at home with a visit to Eikehof, then leave yourself some time to meander at La Motte, where you can hike a wilderness trail before your impressive estate tour and tasting. Do not miss the valley's very best Pinot Noir at Chamonix where you can relax on the tree-entangled terrace of acclaimed chef Reuben Riffel's Racine.
And then there is Boekenhoutskloof! The namesake of Marc Kent's premier label, along with The Chocolate Block, The Wolftrap and Porcupine Ridge. Spectacularly perched in the Franschhoek hills, with a wooded river trail and sweeping vistas, it's a befok venue for a lekker braai.
Check out Marc's awesome gathering of 10 Cape Winemakers (and their wines!) and Chef Reuben Riffel's bountiful braai
And spectacular scenery.
Yes, it's that awesome
OK, you weren't in attendance to that feast, but if you can score a coveted reservation at Foliage, take
it! Chef Chris Erasmus’s forage-inspired,
rustic meets hip fare is literally mind-blowing! #mouthgasm
So you're feed and watered.. now, where to stay in Franschhoek? Do it!- Stay at the best of the best- Le Quartier Francais, a darling boutique
labyrinth of courtyard suites and poolside quarters. Or..., (shhhhh!...) you can still treat yourself to their plush linens, peaceful grounds and yum, fantastic breakfast while on a budget at
Delicious, LQF’s sister self-service property.
It’s the best deal in town, and smack in the heart of it.
With Franschhoek's gastronomic
possibilities, you really can’t go wrong. So gander your gut through the cool courtyards to explore
gallery-boutiques like Ebony, African Moods, and Indian Summer. Then, beautify at the beautiful at Kymric Hall salon.
Maybe stop in at Reuben's for one last tipple
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| Hey, that's a pomegranate tree |
just some more typical gorgeousness
My visit would not have been if not for these super stars
Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof Winery; Reuben Riffel, chef, restaurateur, and author; Pieter Badenhorst, Fleur du Cap; Andries Burger, Paul Cluver Wines; Pieter “Bubbles” Ferreira, Graham Beck Wines; Lizelle Gerber, Boschendal; Rudiger Gretschel, Vinimark; Gavin Bruwer Slabbert, Raats Family Wines; Martin Smith, Vilafonté & Paserene Vineyards; Rebecca Tanner, Fable Mountain Vineyards; Debbie Thompson, Simonsig Wine Estate; Maree Louw, Natural Light Photography; Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out
THANK YOU!!
I can't wait to return!
