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24 Hour Franschhoek Scenic Meander
- 1. 24 Hour FranschhoekScenic Meander There we were on a cloud covered arrival in Franschhoek, just in time for the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Driving from Hermanus to this charming village took us along the narrow yet scenic R44 cutting through Villiersdorp draped with the most beautiful Canola fields - all you see is what seems like gently sprayed shade of yellows on the side of the road. For a cosmopolitan girl as myself accustomed to skyscraper buildings - my sense of reality got a bit blurred, it was captivating all the way… This scenic journey lasted half an hour or so leading us to what I imagined must make for the perfect testing ground for performance cars - the Frasschhoek Pass. According to most online references, it was built in 1822 and completed in 1825 authorised by then Governor, Lord Charles Somerset. It served as the main gateway to the Overberg until the construction of Sir Lowry’s Pass in 1830, offering a more direct route from Cape Town… I was looking forward to the breathtaking views with the mountains, valley and vistas as a backdrop… I imagined how incredible the drive would be… From a distance we could see the clouds, yet still under the illusion of the sunny and picturesque R43 the sudden darkening and now grey covered pass took me by surprise… I will have to go back this very route another time on a clear day and re-experience the drive on the Franschhoek Pass as we literally went through an enormous blanket of clouds. You know the feeling one gets (well, I sometimes do) when on board a flight, and the plane zips through the white/ grey layer and the captain warns of turbulence ahead/ seatbelt/ don’t go to the bathroom, etc.…? I had that feeling. Only this time I was the driver hence the urge to pray…, not so
- 2. much for myselfbut for my passenger tucked in the seat next to me… prayed that I would bring her out of this ‘emotional adventure’ into the light of day safely …😊 It got real… 09h30 we were parked on the side of Main Street, Franschhoek just in time for our scheduled Wine Tram journey departing at 10h00. It was freezing but we were padded and unperturbed! Our scenic meander saw us going through a few wine estates, we elected to go into three of these starting with Grande Provence. We tasted a few variations and were happy with white wines, and that was before 11h00 in the morning – the perks of being on holiday🍷🍷 We then ventured outside into their spectacular gardens home to a magnificent outdoor art display, superb works might I add… It was great fun walking around the open art exhibition where we tried our photographic skills, I became creative director of this spontaneous undertaking executed with pure finesse👌👌 Onwards continued the scenic meander with a stop for a light lunch at Mont Rochelle. The mushroom soup was served with freshly baked bread that took me back into my family's kitchen - crunchy on the outside and oh so fluffy and steamy on the inside, warmed my heart. The highlight of our escapade, was the visit at La Bri for Chocolate and Wine Pairing. Theirs are "Signature Wines Created With Style". We concur with the sentiment and loved the uniquely styled bottles each with a label of a Cape flower except for the Syrah labelled with a herb. This old boutique estate has a history dating back to 1694, which is worth mentioning and recognizing (www.labri.co.za). Did you know that Franschhoek was once called Olifantshoek? It is so hard to imagine large herds of elephants roaming this quaint valley in yester years… that with the modernity and sophistication of this boutique estate in the valley makes the history the more dreamlike. What I still remember from our tasting was the unique marriage of the Cranberry Delight wrapped in the aromatic handcrafted Belgian dark chocolate sourced in the village, paired with the decadent Merlot, …"a match made in La Bri heaven” indeed 👌👌 We ventured back to the Main Road for a pleasurable walk browsing through some stores and street vendors, all in Franschhoek style and refinement, even their street signs are worth a second glance! We found some gems and had to shop because one never knows if one will return to a location… We loved the Franschhoek Museum and Karoo Classics amongst others- Ostrich leather bags, belts, purses, etc.… a feast for the eyes all over the store and some cuddle me pretty mohair scarves too… A trap we enthusiastically fell into.
- 3. Our day endedwith dinner at Café BonBon highly recommended by a friend, once a local of the village. This restaurant had understated luxury, stylish comfort and warm ambience. The welcome by our hostess was attentive and sincere - we felt as though we were the only guests and yet there were other patrons. And, what could be better than fire- places dotted around every cozy nook in the restaurant on a cold evening? Try their roast pork belly (off the bone), with mash potatoes, and some veg, jus. Perfect winter dish that I enjoyed, our hostess recommended we pair it with a bottle of Chocolate Block (I do not think one can ever go wrong with this excellent and drinkable wine). For desert I had Crème Brulee and a cappuccino making it a perfect dining experience to end off a perfect day in the charming village💜 http://www.lapetite.co.za/cafe-bonbon We stayed at Calais Guest House (walking distance from Main Road), in the open plan studio suite with a double bedroom area and en-suite bathroom with shower, lounge, kitchenette equipped with tea/ coffee facilities and fridge. Our room was spacious, tastefully decorated, comfortable and luxurious. In the morning we had a warm a la carte breakfast and journeyed off towards Camps Bay winding-up our trip with a full day visit at a Spa, and high-tea with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, where we enjoyed the most picture-perfect sunset 👌👌 Signed Rebecca Kambule, Owner at REMPO Consulting, www.rempo.joburg T @r_kambule Credits Getty Images: Canola Fields Image