Leave your car keys at home and visit Stellenbosch, the vinous capital of South Africa, by tram. By Sanne Welman
Most visitors to wine farms arrive by car or tour bus. But what if you could explore South Africa’s beautiful vineyards in a unique way?
When I saw the Instagrammable photos of the wine tram, I knew I had to try it. At that stage I didn’t even know which wineries I wanted to visit, but the idea that I could travel by tram through the scenic Winelands was a fairytale in itself.
The wine tram offers visitors the opportunity to explore the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in a unique and relaxed way. On board a double-decker tram and open-air tram bus, you can visit some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.
Planning your dream trip
The Franschhoek wine tram works according to the hop-on hop-off principle. The service runs throughout the day and your day ticket allows you to rejoin when it suits you.
There are a total of eight lines to choose from. Each line offers an extensive selection of wine farms that you can visit. How did I choose a route? Now I am not an amazing wine connoisseur (although I did feel like one after my wine tour by tram). When it came to making the choice, I first looked at my shortlist of farms to visit. Then I went to look at the various lines to determine which featured my preferred wine estates.
For me the orange line was the best choice. This route is a good choice if you want to see many highlights in a short time. The orange route takes in the following wine farms: Noble Hill, Babylonstoren, Backsberg, Vrede en Lust, Plaisir de Merle, Allee Bleue, Solms Delta, Boschendal.
On the way by wine tram
In the early morning we left for the Franschhoek Terminal (on the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street in Franschhoek) to start our journey. An open bus took us to the tram, and from that point we continued our journey by tram. The entire day was extremely well organised. At places where the tram could not proceed, the tram bus was waiting to take us further.
Along the way you have the option of stopping off at a total of eight wine farms. The advantage of this experience is that you do not have to make a reservation for a wine tasting. The estates are prepared for your visit.
The gems of the route
A few wines further on, I can conclude that my personal favourites were Babylonstoren, Vrede & Lust and Boschendal.
Babylonstoren is undoubtedly a must for all international visitors. Every wine farm has something to offer for visitors, but this pearl of the Winelands is already an attraction in its own right. At Babylonstoren you can walk off all the wines you consumed by exploring the estate’s 3.5-hectare farm garden. You can truly enjoy yourself there for hours.
Suitable for everyone
Drinking wine is only for adults, but the wine tram is suitable for young and old. Small children often play with trains at home, so imagine their delight at a life-size double-decker tram. While the parents enjoy the delicious wines, the kids can run around in the vineyards.
How to explore the Winelands by tram
The wine tram tour starts and ends at the Franschhoek Terminal. You can find it on the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street in Franschhoek.
Price: Adult: R260 / Child (3-17) R90
How to book Purchase your tickets online
Book in time so that you are assured that you can visit your favourite wine farms in the Winelands by tram.
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