Franschhoek Cellar: A Hub of Food, Wine + Family-Friendly Activity

Dating back to the 1940s, Franschhoek Cellar is one of the stalwarts of the Franschhoek Valley and deservedly an official stop on the popular Franschhoek Wine Tram. It recently underwent a renovation, transforming the former co-op into an easygoing and multifaceted venue and making it an ideal outing for the entire family.

In addition to a spacious indoor wine-tasting area for informal and expert-led tastings, there’s a large outdoor courtyard for enjoying alfresco lunches under the trees, an all-day diner-style eatery, complete with glorious views across the vineyards, plus a number of event spaces for functions of varying sizes.

With a delightful Grand Central-style buzz, this approachable venue (just over an hour from Cape Town), it’s well worth taking the drive for.

The Tasting Room at Franschhoek Cellar

It goes without saying that Franschhoek Cellar’s reason for being is intrinsically linked with wine and the heritage of wine production in the valley. The dedicated Tasting Room is a double-volume space where trained experts lead a variety of tastings (13 in total). Choose from their hugely popular cheese-and-wine Pairing (six local cheeses and six wines for just R120), or sit down for the fascinating Pinotage Experience featuring five local pinos paired with a variety of flavoured biltongs and nuts – it’s a fascinating foray into the Cape’s most famous grape.
Good to know Wine sales are available for Franschhoek Cellar, Bellingham and Brampton.

The Garden Room at Franschhoek Cellar

Franschhoek Cellar takes huge pride in its wine offerings and is understandably proud of its beautiful, rustic position and verdant valley views. The shared breakfast and lunch menus in The Garden and The Platform Bar & Bistro are reflective of both key aspects of the experience. The menu is contained and the style is robust – think Eggs Benedict or a good old fry up at The Platform for breakfast, flavour-crammed salads for lunch and their popular charcuterie and nibbles board, aptly named The Famous Valley Board.

Kids are catered for on their own menu (the milkshakes are magical) and bar snacks like fries and biltong are also available throughout the day. Of course, wine is a major focus here, but artisanal beers are also a welcome, food-friendly feature.

Family-friendly in Franschhoek

One of the major drawcards of Franschhoek Cellar is its family-friendly atmosphere. The large outdoor area includes an oversized chess set (that’s sure to keep older kids off their screens), and there are board games galore. One of the clinchers is that Franschhoek Cellar is one of the only destinations in the valley with dedicated childminders in a safe and enclosed undercover play area.

A hub of opportunities

Franschhoek Cellar’s variety of carefully conceived spaces lends itself to social gathering – whether you’re after quick coffee for two in the Grape & Bean coffeeshop or you’re looking to host a conference or a wedding for 200! Each venue has its own personality and a dedicated team to ensure your event runs smoothly. There are even two cottages to rent on the property should you need to sleep over.

Taking pride of place on Franschhoek’s Main Road, Franschhoek Cellar is a multifaceted destination that reflects its wine and rural heritage with a series of diverse and dynamic offerings.

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Contact 073 350 8070 fhccellardoor@dgb.co.za
Where to find it R45, Franschhoek Main Road
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