Franschhoek Wine Tram

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THE BEST WAY TO VIEW THE CAPE WINELANDS

Hop on board and discover the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley in the best way possible! We can’t wait to share this unforgettable journey with you.

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!

Take your pick between eight different lines, each visiting a selection of wine estates showcasing a separate part of the Franschhoek Valley.

The Hop-on Hop-off experience allows you to curate and plan your own day. You get to choose how long you spend at each spot (within the line schedule, of course), where you eat, where you drink, and the activities you partake in.

Your experience begins at either the Franschhoek Terminal or the Groot Drakenstein Terminal (depending on the line), where you can grab a coffee, and browse our merchandise while waiting for your journey to start.

From the terminals, you will be transported around your selected line’s loop of stops on a combination of double-decker tram and open-air tram-bus, allowing you to disembark when you like.

  • Bookings open to adults and kids (kids under three go free).
  • Lines depart between 9:30am & 1:30pm (check the terminal of departure for the specific line).
  • Visit a number of wine estates over the course of a day.
  • Includes a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley.
  • Curate your day around your preferences.
  • Spend as much time as you like at each stop.
  • Plan and book your own tastings, activities and dining.
  • Wine purchased while on the tour can be handed to one of our staff members for safekeeping and collected at the end of your tour.

Curated Wine Experience

Designed for the true wine-lovers and foodies, the Curated Wine Experience is a real treat for the senses! A knowledgeable wine guide accompanies you to a selection of wine estates for premium tastings and pairings, a cellar & vineyard tour, and a specially curated three-course lunch. Discover your love for food and wine in a new light!

Your 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 interactive experience, you will be guided through, and have an opportunity to sample, the subtle tastes of terroir, and learn about the local grape varieties, cultivars and the aspects of viticulture unique to Southern Africa.

A tour of the estate wine cellar will be followed by a specially curated three-course lunch at the estate restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit two additional top Franschhoek wine estates, enjoying a premium wine tasting at each estate.

Prepare to leave this experience feeling more knowledgeable and connected to the local wine culture, and ready to discover the Franschhoek valley further.

  • Bookings open to adults only.
  • Depart from the Franschhoek Terminal at 10:30am.
  • Visit three renowned Franschhoek wine estates.
  • Travel by double-decker tram and tram-bus.
  • Includes thorough wine lecture by knowledgeable wine guide, followed by a guided cellar tour (when available).
  • Includes a three-course lunch at a top wine estate restaurant.
  • End off the day with premium wine tastings.
  • Return to the Franschhoek village at approximately 5pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it essential to book in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended as we have a limited number of tickets available per day.

Which days are you closed?

The service runs daily except during the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival (3rd weekend of September), 24th December, 25th December, 31st December and 1st January. Between 13 May and 15 September, only certain lines are operated during weekdays.

Do you pay entrance fees at the various wineries?

No except for Babylonstoren, located on the purple and orange lines.

How do wine tasting and dining work on the tour?

Wine tastings can be purchased at each wine estate directly. Passengers may dine at one of several restaurants on the tour. In order to avoid disappointment, we advise passengers to make lunch reservations at least 24 hours in advance of travel.

Where can I store the wine I purchase while on the tour?

Wine bottles can be left with the host and will be available for collection upon your return at the Franschhoek Terminal or Groot Drakenstein Terminal.

Are there food and beverages available to purchase at the terminal?

We offer a fresh selection of coffees, cold beverages, Beignets (delicious French pastry) and toasted sandwiches at our Franschhoek Terminal, and a selection of coffees and cold beverages at our Groot Drakenstein Terminal.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at the Franschhoek Terminal located on the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street.

Purple and Orange line passengers (only) may also depart from our Groot Drakenstein Terminal, located on the corner of R310 Main Road & R45.

Do I have to start the tour at the terminal?

Yes, you need to start your tour at our either our Franschhoek Terminal (for lines blue, green, red, yellow, pink, and grey) or at our Groot Drakenstein Terminal (for lines purple and orange).

How long before my scheduled departure time should I check-in?

Arriving 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time guarantees a seat otherwise departures may be delayed.

How long will I stay at each stop?

The intervals depend on the line you travel on:

Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines: 1-hour intervals

Purple and Orange lines: 40-minute intervals

Pink and Grey lines: 30-minute intervals

Where can I park my car?

Please make use of the free parking conveniently located at the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street at our Franschhoek Terminal.

Purple and Orange line passengers who wish to depart from our Groot Drakenstein Terminal can park their cars at the station located on the corner of the R45 and R310 roads.

Can I travel on the tram and buses with a wheelchair?

Our safari-style buses and our trams cannot accommodate passengers with wheelchairs.

We have purchased some wines and didn’t have a chance to collect them at the end of our tour, what now?

Wines are kept for 7 days before being discarded. Remember to have your wine sticker available as wines will not be released without this.

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