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A Light Start before a big day

Today marked one of the most anticipated experiences of the holiday: our visit to the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

In preparation for a day of wine tastings, I chose a light breakfast of granola, fresh fruit, yoghurt, and a drizzle of honey. This provided a refreshing and balanced start to the morning without feeling too heavy.

At 10 o’clock, our driver arrived to transport us to the tram depot. We had been allocated to the pink line, and each of us received a small pink sticker resembling a ticket, which made it simple to identify our group throughout the day.

Before we had even reached our first stop, wine was served on board. It was an enjoyable and unexpected introduction to the experience, setting a relaxed and celebratory tone for the day ahead.

 First stop Rickety Bridge

Our first winery visit was to Rickety Bridge. When the tram came to a stop, we transferred onto a tractor for the short journey to the estate. Although brief, the ride was notably uneven and perhaps even bumpier than parts of our safari experience.

Once seated at our table, we were presented with the tasting menus. I was eager to learn more about the background and character of each wine, and I selected a tasting flight consisting of a red, a white, and a sparkling wine. The sparkling option was named “PCP”, a title that felt somewhat unexpected for such an elegant setting.

My sister and I chose the same selection. Although the wines did not appeal to me as much as I had hoped, the experience itself was still very enjoyable. It was a pleasure to sit in the sunshine, sample the wines, and spend quality time together as a family—something that does not happen often with all six of us present.

Before boarding the next tram, I made a quick restroom stop, and shortly afterwards we continued on to the next stage of the tour.

Second stop at The Oyster and art shop.

Our next stop was at a winery known for its oyster and wine pairings. As this was not particularly to my taste, I opted for a latte instead and sampled a small milk tart canapé from Mum’s plate, which, despite its size, was very enjoyable.

Before returning to the tram, I visited a local market stall run by an artist who hand-painted each of his items. I purchased a mug as a souvenir, as I tend to prefer practical keepsakes over decorative pieces. I find it especially meaningful to bring home items that can be used regularly, rather than objects that are displayed only occasionally.

Late lunch stop

By this point in the day, everyone was ready for something to eat, so we decided to stop for lunch at a restaurant recommended by our driver. The journey took longer than expected, particularly after we were directed onto a bus that unexpectedly returned to the depot rather than taking us to our intended destination. Understandably, this led to some frustration, especially as the whole family was becoming increasingly hungry.

We eventually arrived at around 3 o’clock and went straight inside to find a table. Although it felt rather late for lunch, we made the most of the situation. I considered ordering either the Chakalaka pizza or the baked Camembert, but ultimately chose the Camembert, as did Mum. It was rich, warm, and satisfyingly indulgent, pairing well with my Coke Zero and providing a welcome pause in the middle of a busy day.

Before leaving, I took a brief look around the gift shop. We then contacted our driver and arranged to be collected directly from the restaurant rather than returning to the tram depot. This proved to be a practical decision, saving both time and energy after a full and eventful day.

Back to the hotel and evening plans

I appear to have briefly fallen asleep during the return journey to the hotel, which was understandable after a long, warm day filled with food, conversation, and wine. Upon our return, we allowed ourselves some time to rest before preparing to go out again for dinner at a local steakhouse.

The restaurant was only a short walk from the hotel, so we left early to ensure we had ample time to arrive comfortably. Once seated, I ordered a burger and chips, which proved to be a very satisfying choice.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the dessert drink: a chocolate vodka martini. Smooth, sweet, and pleasantly strong, it became one of the most memorable indulgences of the trip.

You could do the sommelier badge here which I was going to complete while I was in South Africa but I was poorly for the whole trip so I didn’t end up doing the badge.