|
|
| SOUTH AFRICA - FRANSCHHOEK: A STATE OF BLISS by Eldrid Retief    The French call it “la vie en rose”, a state of bliss that comes from living the good life, and I did not have to look further than Franschhoek (literally “French Corner”) to find it. South Africa’s own gorgeously Gallic wine valley, tightly hemmed in by towering mountains, epitomizes the food and wine heartland of the country. Chic Franschhoek, on the banks of the Berg River, complements the artistry of its chefs and winemakers with its breathtaking beauty. You could call it a one-street village lined with wine estates, shops and galleries filled with antiques, art, crafts and bric-a-brac, but you would not be doing justice to this delightful village or to the scenic valley, where vineyards stretch across the mountain slopes and mighty oaks tower over original Cape Dutch homesteads. It was the French Huguenots, fleeing their oppression in the 17th century at the hands of Louis XIV, who gave the valley and the town its ambience. Their heritage lives on today at the Huguenot Memorial Museum which stands proudly at the top of the village. The museum pays homage to those brave pioneers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell. It’s a treasure trove of their lives. But pride of place in the museum is reserved for the Huguenots' crucial import – their knowledge of the grape – a legacy found everywhere along Franschhoek’s own wine route (officially called "Vignerons de Franschhoek"). As my guide Pauline May drives me along part of the route to sample some wines, I can see the occasional homestead from the road. Names such as La Couronne, Dieu Donné, Cabriére and Chamonix testify to the French influence. There is variety among the 29 wine cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, and large cellars that offer organized tours and conducted tastings. At Mont Rochelle, for instance, I am taken in hand by Fergill Fortuin and Lauren Webers who not only give me a tasting but give my palate an instant lesson in comparing varietals and vintages. The adventurous can explore the vineyards by mountain bike or even try some wine-tasting on horseback. There are some seventeen restaurants attached to wineries, others are scattered around Franschhoek. Its claim to be the gourmet capital of South Africa is well-founded: Eight of South Africa's "Top 100" restaurants are tucked away in this tiny corner of the country; so are three of the country’s 5-star chefs. The spectacular mountains surrounding Franschhoek provide the perfect setting for numerous walking trails for energetic visitors. The La Motte Forestry Station offers hiking, horse riding, fly-fishing and cycling. You can even cast for trout in various streams and dams surrounding the village or at Dewdale Fly Fishing, South Africa’s first fly-fishing academy. The more sedate can take a carriage ride through the village to some of the wine farms. Winelands Golf Tours offers exclusive golf tours. The nearby village of Pniel at the foot of the Simonsberg was established by the descendants of the first freed slaves and opens another window to the area’s heritage. Pniel has a number of historical sites. I came away from Franschhoek enchanted. Nor am I alone. The international magazine Travel & Leisure wrote: ‘The Franschhoek valley is one of South Africa’s most beautiful spots, a picture-postcard village with a single main street and a major weekend scene. If you are going to choose one place in the Winelands as your base, Franschhoek should be it.’ SCRIBBLES ETCETERAS Franschhoek has a wide range of accommodation for all budgets, but just outside the village located in an authentic Cape Dutch-style manor house on a 30-hectare working wine estate, is Klein Genot Wine & Country Estate – one of South Africa’s most luxurious country-style guesthouses. The very name is enough to draw you - Klein Genot. It means “a little Indulgence”. but prepare to be massively indulged. Positioned, built and run according to Feng Shui philosophy, Klein Genot is auspiciously located at the convergence of the Stony Brook and Franschhoek rivers and boasts the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Franschhoek Mountains.  Proprietor and hostess of Klein Genot, Angie Diamond, was adamant that each of the six suites be fitted with only the most beautiful hand-made furnishings, hand quilted French linens and original artworks. Suites are individually decorated and each boasts a private patio and indoor fireplace. For more information, visit Klein Genot’s website at www.kleingenot.com or email info@kleingenot.com. Photo courtesy South African Tourism |
||
| DESTINATIONS: Africa / Asia / Australasia / Canada / Caribbean / Europe / Latin America / Mediterranean / Middle East / United States CRUISES: Cruises Around the World / Competitive Cruise Quotes HOTELS: Canada Hotels / USA Hotels / Top Hotels HOME: Home Page / Contact Us / Submissions |
||
| ABOUT US: Travel Scribbles features hundreds of travel articles and travel stories with writing from some of the best travel writers covering hundreds of destinations from Africa and Asia to Europe, Canada and the USA. Personal experiences, travel guides, cruise reviews, wry commentary and even poetry on vacation destinations fills the pages of Travel Scribbles. We are always interested in submissions so if you have an experience of a destination you would like to share with our readers, or if you have any comments on our site - please feel free to contact us at info@travelscribbles.com |
||
 |
||