Franschhoek Wine Tram

Breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine and fine wines. These are the hallmarks of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands!

When the Huguenots first settled in this spectacular valley over 300 years ago, they brought with them their traditions and knowledge in winemaking and viticulture from their native France. Today, the Franschhoek Valley offers a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, to large cellars that offer organised tours and tastings.

The tracks upon which the Franschhoek Wine Tram now runs, were originally built in 1904 to serve as an alternative to ox-drawn carts for farmers wanting to get their produce to market.

For many years, steam locomotives operated along the route until diesel locomotives took over in the 1970s, and then, in the 1990s, as the need for rail transport decreased, service along the railway line diminished. For more than a decade the railway line remained dormant until it was revived and returned to full-time service in 2012 as what we know and love today, the Franschhoek Wine Tram!

The original single-decker tram, otherwise known as the ‘Brill Tram’, was built primarily for guest comfort and taking in the views, and ultimately offered the Franschhoek visitor a brand new way to explore the Franschhoek valley.

The newly constructed double-decker trams, which were introduced to the tracks in 2017, were modelled after the Blackpool Corporation Double Deck Balcony Tramcar circa 1923. The almost five-metre tall double-decker trams give passengers a unique and unparalleled vantage point from which to survey and experience the local countryside.

Franschhoek Wine Tram Curated Wine Experience

Enhance your visit to the Cape Winelands by immersing yourself in the world-renowned winemaking culture of the Franschhoek Valley while discovering local wines under the expert guidance of a knowledgeable wine guide and sampling the best of local cuisine.

Tour Experience:
The day starts with a journey by tram to a local wine estate where a knowledgeable wine guide weaves the facts, figures and scientific aspects of winemaking into interesting stories about Franschhoek’ s history of wine and culture.

During this engaging and interactive experience, guests will be guided through, and have an opportunity to sample, the subtle tastes of terroir, as well as learn about the local grape varieties, cultivars and the aspects of viticulture which are unique to Southern Africa.

After the morning lecture, guests will join the wine guide on a tour of the estate wine cellar followed by a specially curated three-course gourmet lunch at the estate restaurant.

In the afternoon, guests will visit two local wine estates in Franschhoek, enjoying a premium wine pairing at each estate.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• • Depart from the Franschhoek Terminal at 10:30 am.
  • The passage on the double-decker railway tram to a local wine estate.
  • Wine lecture by a knowledgeable wine guide.
  • Guided cellar tour (when available).
  • Three-course lunch.
  • Premium wine tastings at two additional wine estates.
  • Return to the Franschhoek Village at approximately 4 pm.

Hop-on Hop-off Experience

Our most popular option, the Hop-on Hop-off Experience, allows you to do just that – hop on and off as you like, experiencing the different activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or just a stroll through the vineyards. And when you’re ready, simply hop-on to continue your journey! The tour allows you to experience breath-taking mountain views while stopping at as many as eight wine estates.

• Suitable for adults and kids.
• Choose between 8 different lines.
• Visit up to 6wine estates.
• 2–7 hour experience (as per your preference).
• Activities, tastings, lunch, cellar tours, etc. not included, but can be booked directly with each estate.