Notes from the valley
Between April and May the vineyards around Franschhoek put on their finest show. As the harvest wraps up, row after row of vines turns crimson, amber and gold against the mountains. The days are still warm, the evenings are crisp, and the tasting rooms are a little quieter. Many guests find it the most beautiful time of year to visit. Light the wood-burning stove, open a bottle of something red and watch the colours change.
Start with coffee on the shaded terrace while the sun climbs over the peaks. Stroll to the Mill House Bakery at La Cotte for fresh pastries, or let the morning drift by at the pool. After lunch, hop on the Wine Tram for an afternoon of tastings without needing to drive. Then come home in time to fire up the grill, and stay outside until the stars come out over the mountains.
Franschhoek means “French corner”, a name that dates back to the Huguenot families who settled the valley in the late 1600s and brought their winemaking traditions with them. Their legacy lives on in the farm names, the food and the Huguenot Monument at the top of the village. It is a lovely walk from Huguenot Road, and the gardens and mountain backdrop make it well worth the visit.