If you’re planning a trip to the Cape Winelands, there’s one experience you shouldn’t skip: the Franschhoek Wine Tram. It’s one of the most scenic and seamless ways to explore some of the best wine estates in South Africa, offering a curated route through historic vineyards, working farms, and world-class tasting rooms — all without the need to drive.
As a couple traveling through the region, we chose the Orange Line, and over the course of one sunny, well-paced day, we visited three standout wineries that delivered not only exceptional wine but also atmosphere, service, and soul. Here’s what our experience looked like — plus a few tips if you’re planning your own wine tram itinerary.
Stop 1: Noble Hill Wine Estate
Best for: a peaceful start and expressive, minimal-intervention wines
Our first stop of the day was Noble Hill, a small family-run winery with views that stretch out over the Simonsberg mountains. It’s a quiet, unpretentious estate focused on organically-grown wines. We opted for a guided tasting on the terrace and sampled a well-balanced mix of whites and reds.
The standout? Their Viognier — delicate, floral and perfectly balanced. This was the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time, sipping slowly and watching the breeze move across the estate. Noble Hill also has a Latin-inspired restaurant, Cosecha, that looked worth a visit.
Stop 2: Babylonstoren Wine Estate
Best for: a full sensory experience — wine, gardens, food, and architecture
From tranquil to show-stopping — our second stop was Babylonstoren, and it was the highlight of the day. This sprawling farm estate is not just a winery, but a fully immersive destination with organic gardens, greenhouses, fine dining, a spa, boutique hotel, and concept stores. It’s the kind of place that appears in travel magazines for good reason.
We explored the gardens, then sat down in their Tasting Room for a tasting of seven estate wines, each one elegant and cleanly made. The Chenin Blanc and Mourvèdre Rosé were especially memorable. For lunch we tried one of their platters which featured their freshly baked artisan bread together with crisp vegetables freshly picked from their gardens. Everything here feels beautifully curated, without being over-designed.
Pro tip: The tasting room operates on a first-come, first-served basis however another option would be to make a lunch reservation at one of their restaurant offerings in advance. The estate gets busy, especially in peak season.
Stop 3: Boschendal Wine Estate
Best for: historic charm and indulgent chocolate pairings
We ended our day at Boschendal, one of the oldest wine farms in the country, with deep roots and modern polish. The estate is grand yet welcoming, with vast lawns, shaded seating areas, and Cape Dutch architecture that feels lifted from a storybook.
We opted for the 1685 Range Chocolate and Wine Pairing — a decadent, thoughtfully presented tasting that matched small-batch chocolates with estate wines. Each pairing was balanced and surprisingly nuanced, adding a sweet finish to our day of exploration.
There’s also a deli, farm shop, and open-air dining if you plan to stay longer.
Tips for Planning Your Franschhoek Wine Tram Day
- Start early: The first departure gives you time to explore at your own pace.
- Choose your line wisely: Each line visits different estates — research in advance.
- Book ahead: For lunch and any specialty tastings (like pairings), reserve early.
- Don’t overpack your day: 3–4 stops is the sweet spot if you want to actually enjoy them.
- Bring water and sunscreen: Basic but essential — the sun can sneak up on you.
Why the Franschhoek Wine Tram is Worth It
The Franschhoek Wine Tram combines convenience with charm. It’s one of the few ways to experience multiple wine farms without rushing or compromising. The views between stops are worth the ticket alone — golden fields, mountain backdrops, and vineyard rows that look like they were drawn by hand.
As a couple, we appreciated how relaxed everything felt. There was no pressure to “do it all,” and each estate brought its own personality to the day. By the time we returned to the station, a little sun-warmed and wine-happy, we were already talking about doing a different route next time.
