Franschhoek

Next stop for the Favreau party was South Africa's famous Cape Winelands. We made the short drive north east from Cape Town to the Franschhoek Valley (Afrikaans for "the French corner"). It's probably the only place in the country where people can come close to pronouncing "Favreau"; Pepere was right at home.

In a prior post I compared Cape Town to the San Francisco Bay Area and I think the association has held up during my debriefs with everyone. Similar vibe, geography, weather, and proximity to winelands. They do not, however, share the same price points. Napa feels very bust and commercial in comparison to the homely and farm feeling of many of the wineries in South Africa. Once of the most amazing thing about South Africa is the value of wine. They may not win any international competitions, but I believe it is the best darn value anywhere (and their tastings are still free). Even on a restaurant menu, it is tough to find a bottle more than $20.

My good friend Malcolm Gooding owns a bed and breakfast on an olive farm near the center of Franschhoek, Goodings Groves. The place was spectacular (and not just cause we had the hook up). The first night we arrived we lite up the braai (bbq) and enjoyed a relaxing evening around the dinner table and in front of the fire playing cards. In the morning, the manager Mareaze made another one of those South African breakfasts where you think the meal is over after the muffins, fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt... then they ask for your eggs and bacon order. Everyone was stuffed but it was a necessary base for all the drinking we were about to do.

Steaks and veggies off the braai... family meal in Franschhoek

Brad, Pepere, and Mom at Goodings Groves

Goodings Groves Olive Farm

In our first full day in Franschhoek we did it in typical fashion; We started early and went all day. To get some perspective we drove up the pass out the back side of the valley to look back in the morning light.

Franschhoek Valley

Franschhoek Valley

Afterwards we headed back into town and walked the streets. Franschhoek is a fun tourist community known for having the best restaurants in the country. We weaved in and out of craft stores, found a reservation for the evening, and got to see some of the iconic cape dutch architecture.

Dutch Reformed Church in Franschhoek

The clock struck noon and we headed for the wine farms. Our first stop was the Boekenhoutskloof Winery (try and pronounce that!). We sat outside in the sun and enjoyed a free tasting of all their wines. Everyone's favorite was their Chocolate Block label and we walked away with numerous bottles. Second stop was the Rickety Bridge winery. The team wasn't as excited about the wine as we with the spreads and jams available to snack on. The last, and most spectacular, winery of them all was La Motte. They have an immaculate property with gardens, a museum, restaurant, and tasting room. The tasting room has large leather couches where you gnaw on a crusty baguette and sample their collection. Our favorites were the Millennium and the Shiraz Viognier. 

La Motte Winery

Rickety Bridge Winery

All the Favreau males

That evening we had a late birthday dinner for me at The Grillroom. I had a memorable kudu shank (still can't pass up game meat on a menu) and the mussels starter was delicious. After a day of drinking we crashed early back at the b&b excited to start the next leg of our adventure. The wake-up call at 4:50 came early and we rushed off to catch our flight to Victoria Falls!