The delights of Franschhoek are universal: Clinking glasses of Cap Classique beneath centuries-old oak trees, dining inside restored Cape Dutch farmhouses and winding through mountain passes between wineries, all interlaced with hefty doses of world-class vino, scenery and art. It’s this limitless allure that has travellers descend with near-insatiable fervency, and often all at the same time – at least that’s how it can feel when trying to secure a table in peak summer. As such, we’re declaring the off season the new secret season, when the most local version of the gourmet capital comes alive.
Epice
Adventure through an inventive menu inspired by the magic of spices
What happens when you blend ancient spices with modern-day techniques? Head chef Charné Sampson considers the question, and her tasting menu at fine-dining restaurant Epice, tucked away inside Le Quartier Français, is the answer. The minimalist space feels sleek yet warm and intimate thanks to spice-themed interior colours and a roaring fireplace – making it ideal for a special date-night dinner or, better yet, a cosy lunch. This winter, guests can take advantage of a special lunch offering from Friday to Sunday until 31 August 2026 at R695 per person. Mainstays – such as the cumin and sweet potato bread with beef drippings and Ethiopian chilli (also known as berbere) or glistening, lightly-seared Cape Point tuna accented by asada, jalapeño and avocado – remain sublime. They’re followed by locally sourced lamb so marbled it’s like eating butter. Beside it, carrots team with broccoli, asparagus and Sauce Vierge. Everything is in balance. “Ouma’s milk tart” sprinkled with lime zest serves as petits fours – best washed down with a cinnamon espresso martini. From an unexpected address to the direction of its kitchen, Epice is full of surprises. And in the best possible ways. Add well-versed staff and you can see why this fine-diner is still red hot nearly seven years on.
Le Quartier Français, corner of Berg & Wilhelmina Streets, Franschhoek
021 492 4044
La Motte Wine Estate
Sample a selection of sought-after bottles from the source
From the moment you see the Wine Bearer sculpture, you know you’re somewhere extraordinary. Newly reopened after its extensive renovation, La Motte Wine Estate is one of the most impressive wineries in the valley. Inside the new tasting room, you’ll find leather couches, a blazing fire and views into the maturation cellar. Book a varietal-specific tasting that compares La Motte wines in standard glassware and Riedel stems designed for each grape variety, or simply turn up and casually enjoy a tasting of their most popular wines, including MCC, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, Syrah and the limited-volume Pierneef Collection. Offering a dazzling assortment of tastings, there’s ample opportunity to explore back vintages and to understand the processes and philosophy behind it all. You can continue the experience at home by grabbing goods such as freshly baked sourdough, local cheeses and artisanal charcuterie from Spens – La Motte’s farm shop. Beyond affable tasting staff, there are elegant, art-filled spaces that encourage serenity and propose contemplation. Or, for the curious-minded, take part in elaborate tastings of older vintages and current-vintage counterparts. A place highly awarded and greatly recognised – for all the right reasons.
R45 Main Road, Franschhoek
021 876 8820
La Petite Ferme Restaurant
Catch the most atmospheric landscapes of the season
The refurbished La Petite Ferme Restaurant is always a good idea for sophisticated cuisine and superb wines, but never more so than in winter. 180-degree views of the towering trees, dormant vineyards, mist-covered hills and occasionally snow-dusted mountain peaks are breathtaking by day. Lunch here feels like you’re immersed in nature somewhere far, far away. Recently appointed head chef Richard Carstens’ love of molecular gastronomy is present in the technique of his rich, comforting dishes, and there’s similar fascination with local produce. There are two- and three-course à la carte menus, but choose the latter, which might include butter-poached mussels with vibrant tomatoes and thinly sliced zucchini in a creamy ginger sauce; beef fillet flavoured with red wine and accompanied by pommes Anna, winter greens and a black pepper velouté; and sweet-yet-savoury Gorgonzola ice cream mingling yoghurt, walnuts and honeycomb. There’s much of interest to drink, too. The wine list places the best of local makers (Colmant, Le Lude, Pierre Jourdan) alongside La Petite Ferme labels and local beers. Case in point: A glass of La Petite Ferme Verdict. The noticeable tannins make this Bordeaux-style blend an excellent choice to match with steak and other red meat dishes.
La Petite Ferme, Lambrechts Road (Franschhoek Pass), Franschhoek
021 876 3016
Arum
Plan the perfect cocktail-forward dinner date
It’s unmistakably modern. And yet it’s still very Boschendal. Foodie couples will love Arum’s winter special, now on for both lunch and dinner until 24 September 2026 at R595 per person. The menu kicks off with a bread course, followed by a choice of Arum’s signature octopus dish or seared springbok tataki served with a marinated egg, daikon, XO sauce and tempura mushrooms. On the more substantial side, both the 21-day dry-aged beef fillet and the pan-roasted kingklip are standouts. Coupled with estate-grown mushrooms, charred and pickled onion, onion rings and potato cakes, the beef is a formidable offering. The fish is simply perfect: Crisp sourdough crust, firm, Arctic-white flaky flesh and the right contrast from the prawn farce, date chutney and Cape Malay velouté to make it all balance. The hits keep coming, too, with dessert. The pain perdu had plums standing in for blueberries on this occasion, while the Madagascan chocolate crémeux is a feather-light mouthful of chocolate, candied orange, olive oil and a honey tuile. Push the boat out further still with a nightcap at the bar – you’ll go bananas over the potent espresso martini, which features transparent coffee liqueur, cacao-washed rum and banana oleo-saccharum and espresso foam. At night it’s dark and a little sexy.
Boschendal, R310 Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
079 640 5284
Hey Joe Brewing Co
Taste award-winning craft beer – then prolong the pleasure with a stayover
Franschhoek is having a craft beer moment. Check out the freshly renovated Hey Joe Brewing Co, the local gem brewing Belgian-inspired craft beers. Combining the atmosphere of a restaurant with the smarts of a microbrewery, this unique beer experience perfectly embodies the region’s inclusive beer scene. Swing by for house-brewed suds and globally inspired pub grub. Friendly staff will take you through flights and share intel on brews such as the Belgian Pale Ale – with notes of apricot, plum, caramel and honeyed malts – plus the Belgian Lager, a 5% ABV lager made the Belgian way. Other drops to look out for include the Blonde, a smooth golden pour, and the Witbier, a crisp, easy-drinking classic. Want to go to bed tipsy and happy without so much as a thought for how to get home? Book a sleepover at the spanking-new @Franschhoek Hotel on the same property. Stepping into the chic and minimalist guest rooms is a bit like exhaling – the deep soaking tubs help with that too. Free from clutter or fussiness, the thoughtful simplicity feels like pure luxury. Each room offers views of the surrounding countryside, with hi-tech features spanning flatscreen TVs, coffee makers, heating and air conditioning. Cosy up and let the seasonal blues disappear.
R45 Main Road, Franschhoek
066 150 9681
