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The month of March has great significance in the wine industry, in that it symbolises the celebration of the harvest. With this in mind, make your way to Franschhoek for the inaugural Vendange Celebration (French for harvest) on Saturday, 13 March, visitors are invited to join in with the celebrations of harvest. In keeping with the French heritage and, true to tradition, a long and exceptionally colourful harvest table will be set up in the centre of the town, welcoming locals and visitors to sit down to a sumptuous feast. A traditionally bountiful French inspired feast of mouth watering delights, prepared by some of the village’s passionate chefs, awaits. As if that wasn’t enough, guests will also get the opportunity to mingle with some of Franschhoek’s well-known and award-winning winemakers and sample the area’s finest wines.
Before tucking in, guests are invited to work up a hefty appetite and partake in the age old art of grape stomping. With just under a ton of grapes being made available for this popular festival activity, it is certainly an event not to be missed.
As Franschhoek has so much to offer, visitors are encouraged to come early and make the most of the celebrations. This should give you ample time for a leisurely stroll down the main road, uncovering world-class shops and boutiques, allowing for an intimate and relaxed shopping experience, before the festivities get under way.
Turn the celebration into a weekend of discovery. Book into one of the town’s luxuriously quaint, yet affordable B&B’s or guest houses, and discover all that Franschhoek has to offer. Visit www.franschhoek.org.za/accommodation for accommodation suggestions.
Tickets to this unforgettable event cost R550 per person (R450 per person for Franschhoek locals). Your all inclusive ticket includes, amongst others, entry to the Vendange Celebration, participation in the grape stomping, live entertainment, a bountiful feast, as well as an abundance of some of Franschhoek’s award-winning wines.
Contact Carmen at 021 876 2861 or office@franschhoek.org.za for ticket purchases, times or any other queries. Alternatively tickets can be purchased through Franschhoek Info Centre, situated on the Franschhoek main road. What better way to experience another ‘Great Franschhoek Adventure’.
Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories. Why not spoil your loved one this Valentine's and spend a romantic weekend in Franschhoek...
Click here for more information about Franschhoek Valentine's getaways and specials.
Some things to do and places to enjoy in Franschhoek with children:
Chocolate tour, disa tour at La Motte, horse riding,
cycling through the vineyards, picnics, Museum van de Caab and much more...
Click here for a full list of activities and ideas.
Visit Franschhoek this festive season for a special shopping experience. During the following weekends some of the shops in Franschhoek will be extending their shopping hours:
Visit the following Franschhoek shops and wineries to enjoy some evening shopping until 19h00 on Friday and Saturday evenings:
David Walters at Roubaix House Gallery
Join Touches and Tastes for an in-house wine tasting experience with Moreson
Masquerade Antiques and Things
Cooksensuals (only open until 18h30)
Visit Cabrière between 17h00 and 19h00 on 2 Jan, 8 - 9 Jan, 15 - 16 Jan 2010 and receive a free glass of Pierre Jourdan Brut.
Follow Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association on Twitter
The following tourism products and offerings have joined FWVTA since July 2009:
Accommodation • 169 on Pearl Valley • Boland Werf • Courchevel • Elephant Lodge • Franschhoek Manor • Goodings Groves Olive Farm Guesthouse • La Petite Vigne • Pearl Golf Lodges • The Ivy
Shopping and business • Baraka • Foto Artists Studio
Tours and activities • C G Wine Tours
Services • The Conservatory
Wellness • Kymric Hall
Wineries • Leopard's Leap Wines • Maison Estate • Richeneau Wine Estate
Associate Members • Mwest Travels
The Franschhoek Valley - first settled by French Huguenot refugees in 1688 - mixes magical ingredients to create unforgettable experiences.
When it comes to accommodation in Franschhoek the options are endless, with accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Decide between classic auberges, boutique hotels, lavish country lodges, cosy B&Bs, pleasant guesthouses or comfortable self-catering cottages.
Franschhoek is the gourmet capital of South Africa. Franschhoek restaurants will treat you to cuisine that is delectably indulgent, ranging from gourmet to rustic with something to please every palate.
Franschhoek’s wine estates encircle the village. On these award-winning wine estates acclaimed winemakers create glorious wines. Tantalise your taste buds with wine tastings overlooking the vineyards where the grapes were harvested … each one an exceptional experience heightened by the beauty of its setting in this the most beautiful wine valley in the world. So beautiful in fact that getting married in Franschhoek is extremely popular with couples from all over the world.
If you want to know what to do in Franschhoek spending a day wandering along the tree-lined streets is the perfect way to start. The main street is the heart of this vibrant village, lined with shops and specialist stores it is always buzzing. Visit all the Franschhoek arts and crafts studios and galleries – you are bound to find that something special you weren’t even looking for! Even better, visit on one of the fun-filled days when one of the numerous Franschhoek festivals is on.
Then, of course, there is the great outdoors. The Franschhoek Valley and the adjacent Dwars River Valley offers energetic hiking, walking, cycling, horse-riding, fly fishing and golf. There is even something for those looking for an activity with a kick: adrenaline junkies can paraglide to the perfect aerial view of the village.
Come and be part of the many-splendoured tapestry that is Franschhoek.
05 Feb 2010-07 Feb 2010
Grand Opening of Place Vendome
Join us for the Grand Opening of Place Vendome Lifestyle Centre!
Selected shops will be offering a 10% discount for opening weekend.
Contact Werner Smit 021 867 4042 / 074 106 4793....
06 Feb 2010-07 Feb 2010
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13 Feb 2010-13 Feb 2010
Drakenstein Correctional Services, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison before it was renamed in 1998, is the historic place where Madiba took his first steps to freedom after many years of inca...
09 Feb 2010
Franschhoek Vendange Celebration
The month of March has great significance in the wine industry, in that it symbolises the celebration of the harvest. With this in mind, make your way to Franschhoek for the inaugural Vendange Cele...
02 Feb 2010
Successful season for Jazz on Friday
Cape Dutch Connection’s Jazz on Friday, which kicked off on 30 October at La Brasserie in Franschhoek, is having one of its most successful seasons ever, says leader of the jazz band, Derk Blaiss...
26 Jan 2010
Heartland/Hartland exhibition: Grande Provence
EXHIBITION: “HEARTLAND/HARTLAND”
ARTISTS: JANE EPPEL (painting), MILA POSTHUMUS REYNEKE (painting) & MARIEKE PRINSLOO (sculpture)
DATES : 14 February – 10 March 2010
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