Franschhoek Wine Tram: ESSENTIAL Guide + Tips

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off experience is the best way to visit the award-winning wine farms of the Cape Winelands in South Africa. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect on the wine tram and how to decide which line to choose.

What could be a better way to experience the gorgeous Cape Winelands than riding on an open-air tram through the countryside? Now imagine hopping on and off at your leisure to visit a series of wineries and sample glass after glass of award-winning wines.

This is exactly what the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on, hop-off experience entails. 

Known for its mountain landscapes, fine cuisines and surplus of wineries, Franschhoek is truly a gem in the Cape Winelands outside of Cape Town.

When we say there is a ‘surplus of wineries’ we mean it. Franschhoek Valley has been crowned the ‘Wine and Gourmet Capital’ of South Africa. It is home to a vast variety of wine estates from quaint, family-owned cellars to some pretty swanky ones. 

Today, you can easily access (and taste!) everything in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley by hopping on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This unique tram runs along some of the very tracks that were used to transport produce back in 1904! Pretty cool, huh?

Oh, and have we mentioned there is … so much wine!?  

Franschhoek Wine Tram Guide

• How does the Franschhoek wine tram work?
• How much does it cost?
• Franschhoek Wine Tram routes
• Best time to go
• How to get there
• FAQs

Psst! This roundup of the best wine farms in Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands will help you plan which route you’ll want to prioritize on the wine tram!

How does the Franschhoek Wine Tram work?

Beginning in Franschhoek Village, the tram offers visitors the choice between 10 different lines (more on that below). Each route covers a number of different wine farms in the valley. 

Transportation includes a combination of the actual tram, open-air trolleys, and pull-behind tractor transports. This will depend on which line you take.   

The hop-on, hop-off experience is exactly what it sounds like: hop off at a stop that interests you and hop back on when you’re ready to keep exploring. This is what makes the tram ‘tour’ so unique. 

You begin the journey equipped with a timetable and list of wineries on your route. The Franschhoek wine tram experience offers you a lot of freedom to decide which estates you want to visit and how long you want to stay at each. You can easily tailor your day to whatever you want.

If you’re feeling ambitious (and thirsty), you can visit every stop on the line you choose. However, that means you’ll be moving about every 30 minutes to an hour (depending on the line) which might feel a bit rushed.

Alternatively, you might opt to visit only a select 2-3 wineries. This allows you more time to explore the grounds, relax with some lunch or even book a separate activity. Cheese and wine pairings, anyone? 

Are you sold!?

Pros of taking the Franschhoek Wine Tram

• You can spend the day sipping a variety of delicious wines without having to worry about driving. Cheers to being safe & responsible!
• Hate making decisions? Taking the Wine Tram means you can visit many farms in one day so you won’t have to settle on just one or two. 
• You don’t have to make reservations ahead of time for tastings*. This means you can hop off, find a cozy spot and unleash the sommelier in you. 
• Despite its name, the Wine Tram isn’t all about wine. Many of the estates offer unique and world-class cuisines so you’ll have the chance to sample some truly delicious foods.
• If you buy wine to take home (yes, please!), you can drop it off with your driver and collect them when you leave. 
• The open-air trams allow you to sit back & soak in the stunning landscapes of the valley. Regardless of the line you choose, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous backdrop for the day. 
• Aside from tastings, many of the wineries offer additional activities like cellar tours, food pairings or horse-drawn carriage rides through the vineyards, spas, etc. You definitely won’t run out of things to do. 
• Um — it’s super fun! You control the pace of the day so you can be as ambitious or laid back as you’d like. 

*Some wineries request you make a reservation if your party is larger than 8 people or if you want to do a pairing tasting. You do need to make a reservation ahead of time if you want to eat at the restaurant. 

Cons of taking the Franschhoek Wine Tram

• Although each line is peppered with a variety of wine farms, making that initial choice can be tough. And once you’ve chosen a line, you have to stick to it.  
• You have to do a bit of pre-planning before the tour and be mindful of the timetable…which can be a little confusing to understand. With that being said, the staff on the Wine Tram are very friendly and can offer help if you’ve gotten a bit lost. 
• Due to the popularity of the Franschhoek Wine Tram, it does get quite crowded during peak season (summer in South Africa) and you definitely have to book ahead of time. 
• If you’re looking to book lunch at a specific restaurant along your route, you need to make reservations ahead of time.
• You must join at one of the terminals in town (Franschhoek or Groot Drakenstein). You cannot join the tram mid-way through.

How much does the Franschhoek Wine Tram cost?

The tram ride itself costs R280 (~$15 USD) for adults and R90 (~$5 USD) for children (3-17) to ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

All tastings, food, drinks and tours are at your own expense and are not included in the tour price.

Naturally, prices will differ per winery, but you can plan for tastings to range from R50 – 250 (~$3 – $15 USD).  

You’ll also have to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the terminal in Franschhoek. This can greatly increase your costs, especially if you are staying in Cape Town. 

This is why we’d recommend booking your Franschhoek Wine Tram experience with Get Your Guide as it includes hotel pick up and drop off on either end, saving you money and the headache of organizing your own logistics. 

We have more information about the cost of transportation below in the how to get there section. 

Franschhoek Wine Tram routes

As we mentioned above, there are 10 different lines (routes) offered for the Franschhoek Wine Tram experience. Below is a breakdown of each line, including which wine farms they stop at and what to expect. 

Purple Line

• Wineries included: Boschendal, Solms Delta, Plaisir, Noble Hill, Babylongstoren, Anura, Bacco, Vrede en Lust 
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal or Groot Drakenstein Terminal 

Not only are the views along the purple line insanely gorgeous, this option allows you to really indulge at each farm since the pickup times occur every hour.

We suggest you do some research beforehand to pick which stops suit your needs and interests, but we’ve listed a few notable stops to give you some ideas.

• The first stop, Boschendal, is one of the oldest wine farms in the area so if you’re into the history of wine-making, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss. 
• At Vrede & Lust you can take a horse-drawn carriage through their endless vineyards which sounds dreamy. 
• Nobel Hill is the perfect place for lunch since it lands in the middle of your tour, but also because the Cosecha Restaurant has rave reviews and locally-sourced food. This estate also has a jungle gym so if you’re traveling with kids, they can get their energy out here.

Psst: This line is quite similar to the orange line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order. 

Orange Line

• Wineries included: Plaisir, Nobel Hill, Babylonstoren, Anura, Bacco, Vrede en Lust, Boschendal, Solms Delta
• Departure location: Groot Drakenstein Terminal 

The orange line will offer you stunning, mountain views as you cruise between the wine farms. Similar to the purple line, pickups occur every hour.

Here are a few highlights from the orange line that you might enjoy.

• Established in 1685, Boschendal is perfect for history enthusiasts and wine-lovers alike. You’ll be treated to tastings underneath shady oak trees alongside charcuterie boards that look almost too good to eat. 
• If you’re really looking to kick back and relax, you need to spend some time at Bacco. They are all about slowing down and immersing yourself in the experience.
  Solms Delta is the perfect choice for an early dinner. Here you’ll dine inside the farm’s historical wine cellar. Seriously, sooo cool! 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the purple line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order. 

Pink Line

• Wineries included: Leopard’s Leap, Chamonix, Dieu Donne, Grand Provence, Rickety Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar, Haute Cabriere, Klein Goederust 
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal  

The pink line is quite popular and offers a diverse collection of farms along its path from high-end to family-friendly. The frequent pick-ups (30-35 minutes) allow you to see a lot of the farms in one day, even if you chose not to do a tasting at them all.

We know one of the hardest parts is choosing which stops to include in your plans so we’ve included a few ‘hot-spots’’ from the pink line.

• If you love wine, but swanky isn’t really your vibe, then definitely stop at the very family-orientated estate: Leopard’s Leap. 
• The Grand Provence estate is 47-acres of beauty. Since there is so much to explore, you’ll likely want to spend some extra time here. Aside from tastings, you can take a cellar tour, book a picnic or dine at their award-winning restaurant. 
• Sip your Shiraz beneath shady Oak trees and explore the historic buildings or Klein Goederust. While this is a rather new winery, it has a truly amazing origin story. 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the grey line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order. 

Grey Line

• Wineries included: Haute Cabriere, Klein Goederust, Grand Provence, Rickety Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar, Leopard’s Leap, Chamonix, Dieu Donne
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal  

Choose the grey line if you want to find some estates with award-winning wines and cuisines. The frequent pick up times (30-35 minutes) allow you a lot of flexibility and you’ll be able to see a variety of estates in one day (if you wish!).

Check out a few of these notable stops on the grey line:

• Not only does Franschhoek Cellar offer incredible wine pairings of both cheese and chocolate, it also has a terrific selection of craft beer. If you’re traveling with young children, definitely add a spot here as they have a supervised playground for your kids.
• Like your wine with a view? Dieu Donne has stunning valley views.
• If you’re a history junkie, Rickety Bridge should definitely be on your list of stops. As one of the original estates given to the French refugees in the 1600s, this winery is flooded with memories of ‘the old days.’ 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the pink line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order. 

Blue Line

• Wineries: Atlas Swift, Pigcasso, Mont Rochelle, La Bri, Holden Manz, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar 
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal  

The blue line is peppered with a series of adorable wine farms and because it leaves every hour, you’ll have plenty of time to explore each one.

We know, we know … how can you possibly choose between eight delicious and gorgeous wineries!? Honestly, you aren’t likely to be disappointed with any stop, but here are a few popular choices if you’re having a hard time making a decision. 

• Your first stop, Atlas Swift is the perfect place to enjoy a tasty breakfast wine. Owned by a husband and wife, this farm has a lovely ambiance. 
• If you’re looking for additional activities (beyond tastings) Grande Provence is your best bet. You could easily spend the whole day here exploring their art gallery, having a romantic picnic, visiting the deli, indulging in a delicious wine pairing or simply strolling through the vineyards.
• La Bri is one of the oldest farms on the blue line. This boutique winery has delicious chocolate pairings so if you’re a fan of wine and sweets … well, you know what to do. 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the green line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order. 

Green Line

• Wineries included: Grand Provence, Rickey Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar, Atlas Swift, Pigasso, Mont Rochelle, La Bri, Holden Manz 
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal  

Like all the routes, the green line cruises through the stunning Franschhoek Valley and offers you a variety of choices when it comes to estates to visit. On the tram, you’ll be joined by friendly guides to answer your questions and offer expert recommendations.

We’ve rounded up a few wine farms you won’t want to skip on this route. 

• Part wine farm + part animal sanctuary, Pigasso is the quirkiest stop on this line. Where else in the world can you enjoy an elegant pinot noir alongist a painting pig!?
  Plan ahead and make a reservation for a picnic lunch at Mount Rochelle. They’ll provide all the supplies (and the wine, obvs) which you can enjoy with perfect views of the dam. 
• If you’re looking for a more laid-back tasting, hop off at Holden Manz. Feeling hungry? Try their oyster pairing!

Psst: This line is quite similar to the blue line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order and the pickup times are more frequent (30 minutes). 

Yellow Line

• Wineries included: Grand Provence, Rickey Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar, Le Lude, Maison, Eikenhof, Lynx, Paserene 
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal  

The yellow line brings you to some of the most intimate and friendly estates in the entire valley. Each farm along this route is quite unique and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about wine culture and the history surrounding each farm. 

We’re sure you won’t be disappointed no matter which estates you choose, but here are a few along the yellow line that really stand out.

• Family-owned Eikenhof is really welcoming and gives off that ‘homie’ vibe. The owners frequently pull up a chair to chat with customers, offer recommendations and share their history. Another cute perk? This wine farm offers a welcome drink.
• Lynx is a small boutique winery with extremely friendly staff members willing to share all their wine knowledge with you from the moment you enter. You’ll have great views overlooking their vineyard and, if you’re up for it, try the wine and brownie pairing.
• If you’re looking to treat yourself, dine at the gourmet French restaurant, Orangerie, at Le Lude. This establishment also specializes in sparkling wines so if that’s your thing, you definitely want to spend some time here. 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the red line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order and the pickup times are a bit longer (1 hour). 

Red Line

• Wineries included: Le Lude, Maison, Eikehof, Lynx, Paserene, Grand Provence, Rickety Bridge, Franschhoek Cellar
• Departure location: Franschhoek Terminal 

If you’re looking to fit in a lot of wineries in one day, the red line is a great choice. There are plenty of fantastic wine farms on this journey with gorgeous views so you might find yourself spending time at just two or three. 

That’s the best part about the Franschhoek Wine Tram —you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

Here are a few noteworthy stops we think you’ll definitely want to check out. 

• Ringed by colossal mountains, the views at Maison are breathtaking. This wine farm is also known for their Pinterest-worthy charcuterie boards. 
  Paserene is a modern and stunning estate that offers picturesque views of the lake, mountain and gardens. 
• Okay, we mentioned this stop earlier as it is a stop on the yellow line, but Eikenhof deserves a bonus shout-out. From the home-like ambiance, to the delicious wine to the outstanding food, this estate is 100% worth a visit. 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the yellow line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order and the pickup times are more frequent (30 minutes). 

Burgundy Line

• Wineries included: Plaisir, Vrede en Lust, Boschendal, Solms Delta, Allee Bleue, Camberley, Bartinney, Le Pommier, Zorgvliet
• Departure location: Groot Drakenstein Terminal 

Enjoy the valley views as you make your way to several vineyards to sample some of the best wines in South Africa. The burgundy line is a great choice as it offers visitors to choose from a  mix of boutique wine farms.

Here are a few stops we think you’ll love.

• Since all ages are welcome on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, Le Pommier is a great choice if you’ve traveling with your family. Not only do they cater to parents who, let’s be honest, might need a glass of wine more than anyone, but they also have juice and pizza pairings for the littles.
•  Allee Bleue is one of the oldest estates in the valley and has outstanding wine reviews. Whether you’re a novice or connoisseur, you’ll find something delicious to sip on at this farm.
• Traveling on a budget? Vrede en Lust offers free wine tastings which is always a win in our book. This estate also has a bistro, wood-fired breads and all-day breakfast! 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the navy line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order.

Navy Line

• Wineries included: Allee Bleue, Camberley, Bartinney, Le Pommier, Zorgvliet, Plaisir, Boschendal, Solms Delta
• Departure location: Groot Drakenstein Terminal 

With pickup times every hour, the navy line offers visitors time to really settle into each estate. On this line there are a lot of adorable boutique wine farms which cater to foodies and aspiring sommeliers alike.

Here are the stand-out stops on the navy line.

• Visit Bartinney for the outstanding views of their gardens and vineyard. 
• Not only does Plaisir offer wine tastings, but they also have a gin tasting which is perfect if your pallet needs a little shake up! 
• Whether you like red, white or rose, Zorgvliet has you covered with their unique wines and pairings. The best part? You can visit all-year round as they have a cozy fire during the chilly months or a gorgeous patio overlooking their farm (complete with horses!) in the summer. 

Psst: This line is quite similar to the burgandy line in that it offers a visit to the same estates, but in a different order.

Best time to go on the Franschhoek Wine Tram

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is open all year with the exception of December 24, 25, 31, and the 1st of January.  

Weather-wise, the best time to visit is during the summer in South Africa (December, January & February). Naturally, this is also the busiest season which might not be your cup of … wine.

Be aware that during this time the tram will likely book out quickly and it is going to be crowded (if not full).

So, if you’re traveling during peak season, try to get on the first tram of the day. You’ll be able to avoid some of the crowds, but also make the most out of your day. 

If your schedule allows, we also recommend taking the tour on a weekday as it is considerably less crowded than weekends. Be aware, however, not all lines are open everyday of the week.

Another ideal time to visit is during the fall season (March, April & May). The air is chilly and you can witness the fall foliage in the valley … with wine!

Psst! You’ll find our guide to the best time to visit South Africa helpful to get the full breakdown on what makes each season distinct and unique to help cater to your trip.

How to get there

There are a few options to get to the Franschhoek Wine Tram, depending on where you are staying. With two starting terminals, it is quite convenient no matter where you are traveling from. 

Book a ticket with pick-up and drop-off from Cape Town

If you’re based in Cape Town, the most convenient way to get to the Wine Tram (and our top recommendation) is via this pick-up and drop-off option. 

It’s quite affordable and you can try as much wine as you want knowing that a professional DD will bring you back to your accommodation at the conclusion of the day. 

Self-drive

Another option is to rent a car to drive yourself to Franschhoek to board the tram. We recommend using Discover Cars to find the most affordable rates. (I’ve personally used Discover Cars for a car rental in Cape Town and it saved me a lot of money when comparing the rates to other sites!)

Needless to say, the Franschhoek Wine Tram involves a lot of wine consumption so be mindful not to drink and drive.

If you choose to rent a car, we recommend coordinating a designated driver in advance or book accommodation in Franschhoek for the night. 

Uber

If you’re traveling from Cape Town, Ubers are readily available to Franschhoek and it will likely cost around $35 depending on the traffic and location from the city.

While this is a fairly affordable option, the downside is the return trip from the winelands (after 5 p.m.) isn’t as easily accessible. It is a long trip, often with no aircon and you might be waiting awhile to get a ride back. 

Hire a driver and shuttle

Reveler Tours is a great company I’ve used before to arrange large group shuttles for getting to and from the winelands and back to Cape Town. Their prices are very reasonable and I’ve always had really good experiences with their drivers. (Ask for Cameron, he’s the best!)

You can even contact them through Whatsapp to easily coordinate a ride.

FAQs about the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Do you have more questions about the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on, hop-off experience? We’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions below. 

If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, you can pop your question into the comments and we’ll do our best to get back to you. 

Where does the Franschhoek Wine Tram leave from?

There are two terminals in town: Franschhoek Terminal and Groot Drakenstein.

Franschhoek is the most popular terminal and nearly all of the lines begin and end here. The purple, orange, navy and burgundy lines also depart from the Groot Drakenstein terminal.

Where does the Franschhoek Wine Tram end?

Your tour begins and ends at the same terminal you began at, either Franschhoek Terminal or Groot Drakenstein. 

Alternatively, you could choose to skip the last ride back and stay longer at your preferred winery. Just know you’ll have to arrange your own transportation from there. 

How do you book the Franschhoek Wine Tram?

If you’d like to take advantage of the pick up and drop off deal from Cape Town, book this ticket. We think this is the easiest way to enjoy the tour and well worth the price. 

Another option is booking through the Franschhoek Wine Tram’s official website. Just choose the line you prefer from the menu and the rest is pretty self-explanatory.

Which line is the best?

Unfortunately, this is a hard question to answer; this completely depends on your preferences and what days you are available. 

Our biggest critique of the Franschhoek Wine Tram is the surplus of amazing options offered on each line. How do you decide!? 

Earlier in this guide we’ve highlighted the timeline and some notable stops of each line. If you’re having a hard time deciding, double-check these lists as you begin to plan.

The best advice we can give is to do a bit of research ahead of time in case there is something you definitely don’t want to miss on your line. Going with the flow, however, is equally as fun. You might stumble upon something you really love, but didn’t expect!

Many people opt to visit the tour more than once so they can try a few different lines. I’ve personally done 3 or 4 different lines on the Wine Tram (I’ve actually lost count!). 

If you have the time, we say: DO IT!

Honestly, every line has something amazing to offer and you’ll have a different experience every time—you won’t leave disappointed. 

Do you need to book the Franschhoek Wine Tram in advance?

Yes! Lines do sell out quite quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. You can book your reservations online. 

How many wineries can you visit in one day on the tram?

This also depends on your personal timing, preferences and how quickly you can chug a glass of wine — just kidding!…sort of.

Each line offers around 8 stops, but we’d recommend planning to visit just 3 or 4. This allows you to indulge and genuinely enjoy your time at each wine farm without adhering to a strict schedule.

Especially if you are in a large group, the wine tastings get drawn out and always take longer than you think. It’s harder than you realize to round up all your friends and try to stick to a strict schedule if you are trying to move too fast.

FYI: Don’t forget to pick a place on the route for lunch and make a reservation ahead of time!

Is there food on the Franschhoek Wine Tram routes?

Yes! Many of the wine farms have restaurants. However you’ll want to book these ahead of time by contacting the restaurant directly.

In addition to meals, most of the estates also offer food pairings, charcuterie boards and other light snacks available to order. For these types of meals, you often do not have to reserve anything ahead of time. 

Does the tram run on time?

Yes. They are very timely.

If you miss your ride, you’ll have to wait for the next one (and depending on the schedule, that might set you back another hour). 

Just make sure you know when the last shuttle of the day is so you don’t miss your ride back to the terminal!

What is the average price of a wine tasting at the wine estates?

Per person prices for wine tastings on the Franschhoek Wine Tram range from R50 – 250 (~$3 – $15 USD). A lot of the wine farms included in the routes have special rates for the Wine Tram (which is why you can find such great deals!). 

Can I bring my kids on the Franschhoek Wine Tram?

All ages are welcome on the Wine Tram, but the most kid-friendly routes are Blue & Green lines.

Check out some of our recommendations above for specific estates that cater to kids by offering non-alcoholic tastings and have supervised jungle-gyms.

What happens if it rains on the day of my wine tram booking?

The tram and other transport methods are all covered, but open-air. They will still run if it’s raining, however in very rare cases heavy rain could cause the tour to be canceled.

For chillier days, you’ll be offered a blanket.

If you’re at all concerned about cancellations, it is best to call the company ahead of time to double check.

How long before my scheduled departure time do I need to check in?

To be safe, check in around 15 minutes before your departure time at the terminal. 

And if you are meeting friends who are perpetually late, consider telling them it’s 30 minutes before and if you get there early, stay and have a coffee at the cafe. 

Can I join the tour at a wine estate?

Unfortunately, no. You must join from the departure terminal only and cannot join mid-way through at an estate.

You might also like…

• Absolute Best Wine Farms in Stellenbosch & the Cape Winelands
• Totally Fun Things to Do in Cape Town
• Coolest Airbnbs in Cape Town
• South African Garden Route: Itinerary + Tips

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We want to hear from you!

Are you considering doing the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on, hop-off experience and have more questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!