Spring has finally sprung after Cape Town’s (much-needed) rainfall season. With the weather slowly getting warmer, what better way to celebrate than to explore Franschhoek, Cape Town’s very own little ‘French corner’. When participating in a Stellenbosch wine tram, you can do some wine tasting and enjoy the beautiful scenery in all its bright and blooming glory!
Also Read: Franschhoek wine tasting tours.
The drive from Cape Town to Franschhoek can take up to 45 minutes. Therefore, jumping into the driver’s seat after a full day of drinking is definitely not recommended.
This explains why the wine tram in Franschhoek has become a popular alternative for tourists and fellow vino-lovers. And what better way to indulge, yet also ensure you are getting home safe and sound at the end of a relaxing day on a wine train in Stellenbosch?
Know before you book:
- The area can get very hot in summer
- Crowded during peak season
- Being a tourist destination it can get quite pricey
Highlights:
- See the picturesque wine valley
- Taste many different wines
- Take beautiful photos
What we liked: Experiencing the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in a truly unique way.
Our Favorite Wine Tram Stellenbosch
Let’s have a look at our best Stellenbosch trams to explore the best wineries in the region.
Hop-on Hop-off Wine Tram From Cape Town
On this 8-hour Stellenbosch tram tour, you’ll discover the best that the beautiful Franschhoek Valley has to offer. Expect to see rolling valleys, acres of vineyard and picturesque mountainside. You’ll get the opportunity to hop-on and hop-off the bus at any of the exquisite wine farms in the area. Essentially you’ll be creating your own tour, with the luxury of a gorgeous tram to lift you around.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy Franschhoek Valley the best way possible on the Franschhoek wine tram.
- Transfer from Cape Town to Franschhoek Valley
- Entrance to the Franschhoek tram
- Live guided commentary on the tram
- Wine tasting on the tram
- Cost of wine tastings
- Cost of lunch
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Valley Wine Day Trip
Whether you’re taking this trip for the incredible wines or the stunning scenery, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed! On this tour, you’ll be taken on a day trip through Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl to explore some of the very best wine regions in the Cape. You may even get the opportunity to explore the Stellenbosch wine tram, depending on which tour you choose.
If you do venture on the Stellenbosch wine tram, make note of your favourite vineyards. You can buy Stellenbosch wine online when you return home. Having a cupboard full of your favourite red, white or pink will remind you of your tram experience and keep your palette singing.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy this scenic tour that offers many great photo opportunities!
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- 3 Wine tastings
- Cellar tour
- Entry to Neethlingshof Estate
- Entry to Fairview Wine and Cheese
- Entry to Dieu Donne Vineyards and Views
- Food and drink
- Gratuities
- Tram ride
About the Franschhoek Wine Tram
The hop-on-hop-off wine tram is the best way to experience the culture and soul of the Franschhoek Valley. The home to some of the most popular wine farms in the Cape Winelands, offering the best value for money.
A railway tram or tram-bus will take passengers to various farms where they can hop-off and explore by enjoying a wine-tasting, grabbing some lunch or simply wandering through the beautiful vineyards. Once ready, passengers can hop-on again and continue with the rest of the tour.
Check TicketsStellenbosch Wine Tram Map & Routes
The tour now offers direct transfer services from Cape Town and surrounding areas to Franschhoek. Transfers are done privately to each booking. For more information, you can download the Franschhoek Wine Tram Brochure.
Each tour starts at the ticket office situated on Huguenot Road in Franschhoek. The tours are narrated and inform passengers of the history of the Franschhoek wine cultivation. The lines include a combination of a tram bus and tram-train, depending on the route. Passengers will be navigated to which one they should hop-on along the way. To choose which Franschhoek Wine Route is best for you, below is a list of the different tram lines and the wine farms included on each line:
Blue/Green Line
Departing from the ticket office at 10 am daily, these routes showcase the boutique wine estates, along with stunning backdrops of the mountains. There are a number of activities you can enjoy amongst these wine farms, including picnics, olive tasting and cellar tours.
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Blue Line
You will begin the tour with the tram-bus and finish off on the double-decker railway tram. Here’s the Franschhoek wine tram route map:
STOP 2 – Holden Manz
STOP 3 – La Bourgogne
STOP 4 – Glenwood
STOP 5 – La Couronne
STOP 6 – Rickety Bridge
STOP 7 – Grande Provence
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Green Line
With the Green Line, you start the tour on the railway tram and finish on the tram-bus.
STOP 1 – Rickety Bridge
STOP 2 – Grande Province
STOP 3 – Franschhoek Village
STOP 4 – La Bri
STOP 5 – Holden Manz
STOP 6 – La Bourgogne
STOP 7 – La Couronne
Red/Yellow Line
The Red and Yellow tours explore the internationally well-known wine estates that Franschhoek has to offer boasting vast and lush green vineyards. Both lines depart from the ticket office at 10:30 am daily.
Ideal for parents who need to take a little breather – most of these wine farms have a dedicated play-areas for children. Other activities include chocolate and biltong pairing as well as a variety of cheeses to tickle your tastebuds.
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Red Line
You will start the tour on the tram-bus and finish off the tour on the tram.
STOP 2 – Holden Manz
STOP 3 – Mont Rochelle
STOP 4 – Chamonix
STOP 5 – Dieu Donne
STOP 6 – Rickety Bridge
STOP 7 – Grande Province
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Yellow Line
The Yellow line offers 8 stops in total, and your tour begins on the tram and ends of on the tram-bus.
STOP 2 – Grande Province
STOP 3 – Franschhoek Village
STOP 4 – Haute Cabriere
STOP 5 – Holden Manz
STOP 6 – Mont Rochelle
STOP 7 – Chamonix
STOP 8 – Dieu Donne
Orange/Purple Line:
The early bird catches the worm! Starting off at 09:30, these two lines showcase the scenic Western area of the Franschhoek Valley. Both tours mainly commence on the tram-bus and include two stops on the railway tram.
Not only is this region home to the Huguenot Memorial Museum, but it also offers more luxurious activities to indulge in, including a Lindt chocolate pairing and an on-site spa. Yes, please!
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Orange Line
This line includes 8 stops on the following wine farms:
STOP 2 – Babylonstoren
STOP 3 – Backsberg
STOP 4 – Glen Carlou
STOP 5 – Vrede en Lust
STOP 6 – Plaisir de Merle
STOP 7 – Allee Bleue
STOP 8 – Boschendal
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Purple Line
Also including 8 stops, the tour visits the following wine farms:
STOP 2 – Boschendal
STOP 3 – Zorgvliet
STOP 4 – Plaisir de Merle
STOP 5 – Vrede en Lust
STOP 6 – Noble Hill
STOP 7 – Babylonstoren
STOP 8 – Backsberg
Grey/Pink Line
Welcoming the two newbies of the tram tour! Ideal for smaller groups, these lines take passengers on a journey through the Franschhoek Valley on a single-decker railway tram and tram-bus. Tours kick off at 10 am daily.
Ideal for foodies, these tours include activities such as bread-making courses, wine and food pairing, as well as culinary gift shops to splash out on treats for the kitchen.
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Grey Line
This line includes 1 stop on the tram and allows passengers to hop off at the following wine farms:
STOP 2 – Franschhoek Cellar
STOP 3 – Maison
STOP 4 – Leopard’s Leap
STOP 5 – Moreson
STOP 6 – Eikehof
STOP 7 – Paserene
Franschhoek Wine Tram – Pink Line:
Also including 1 stop on the tram, this line explores a total of 8 wine farms:
STOP 2 – Moreson
STOP 3 – Eikehof
STOP 4 – Paserene
STOP 5 – Franschhoek Village
STOP 6 – Le Lude
STOP 7 – Franschhoek Cellar
STOP 8 – Maison
FAQs About Stellenbosch Wine Train
Here are a few answers to common questions about the wine tram in Stellenbosch before you go.
Which Is Better, the Wine Tram in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch?
Both destinations offer a unique and memorable perspective of the vineyards in the Cape Winelands. The one you choose depends on your personal preferences. The Franschhoek tram allows you to visit multiple wine estates, while Stellenbosch provides more fine dining options as well.
How Long Does the Stellenbosch Wine Tour Take?
The Stellenbosch wine tram tour is an 8-hour experience that takes you through the Franschhoek Valley. The tour kicks off from Cape Town, ventures into Franschhoek Valley, and lets you spend about an hour per wine estate.
When Is the Best Time to Do a Stellenbosch Wine Tram Tour?
Go during spring and summer for the best experience. Also, try to hop on the tram as early as possible. This allows you to claim the best seats, with the finest views, and to visit more wine estates in your day.
What to Wear on a Wine Tram Tour Through Stellenbosch?
Since this activity is mainly done through the warmer months, it’s best to wear light, breathable layers. Bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler days in spring. Always wear sun protection, including SPF and a hat. Lastly, make sure to wear comfy shoes.
What Wine Is Stellenbosch Known for?
The area offers sensational wines, probably the best in South Africa. That said, this charming region is renowned for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux Blends.
Last updated on November 22nd, 2024 at 08:18 am
A fantastic well organised trip. A fantastic wee organised trip. The choice of vineyards was superb. The host and hostesses were very professional and the whole trip ran like clockwork. The only negative was that the information booklet we were given on departure would have been handy prior to the trip so we could review the day trip.
A complete experience. Meets all that is described in the package. We visited 3 wineries, two with wine tasting and cheese and meat. The third wine tasting only. All very good! The stops were good, as was the ride on the Wine Train. The guide was very good, speaking clear English.