All Aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram Adventure

This Wine Tram was the ultimate adventure—from the bus, to the tram, and even the tractor-trailer. Wayne, my sister Denise, and I set out for two unforgettable days, filled not just with wine but also with awe-inspiring, breathtaking views of Franschhoek, South Africa.

Of course, the wine was the star of the show, but the journey itself was every bit as rewarding.

Day One: Hopping on the Blue Line

From the moment we arrived at the tram station, we were greeted with warm smiles and gracious staff. Soon after, we boarded the bus where we met our lively and memorable host, Victoria. She knew exactly how to kick this Wine Tram party off right—and it only got better from there. We had chosen the Blue Line, which includes about eight wine estates: La Bri, Holden Manz, Maison, Eikehof, Klein Goederust, Grande Provence, Franschhoek Cellar, and Rickety Bridge.

🍇 Stop One: La Bri Winery

La Bri Winery gave us some of the most beautiful outdoor views I’ve ever experienced during a tasting—immaculate vineyards with mountains in the distance that begged to be photographed.

Their wines—ranging from Chardonnay and Viognier to Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bordeaux blends—are highly rated, with many earning 4.5–5 stars in Platter’s Wine Guide. Each label is beautifully tied to indigenous Cape flowers (or herbs for Syrah).

Although they offer tastings paired with chocolate, biltong, or Turkish delight, we had already eaten, so we kept it to wine only. Our favorites were:

• La Bri Affinity
  

• La Bri Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
  

• La Bri Barrel Select Chardonnay
  

• La Bri Syrah “1064”
  

⭐ Our Rating: 4.8 / 5.0

🍷 Stop Two: Eikehof Winery

Eikehof was a gem. The tasting room was medium-sized and cozy, with rustic beams, warm wood, and an atmosphere that felt like home. We sat at what looked like a beautifully carved Amish-style wooden table, soaking in the calming views of vineyards, farm animals, and even an old Chevy truck parked outside.

The winery is family-run—owned by the Malherbe family for four generations since the early 1900s—and spans 23 hectares. Their claim to fame? One of the oldest Semillon bush vine blocks in South Africa, planted in 1902.

Here, we did indulge in a pairing. Highlights included:

• Bush Vine Semillon (a premium, oak-aged release)
  

• Grandpa’s 1942 Ford Cape Ruby (a fortified port-style wine)
  

• A delicious cheese and charcuterie platter
  

Denise and I loved the sweeter wines, while Wayne couldn’t stop admiring that vintage Chevy outside.

⭐ Our Rating: 4.9 / 5.0

🚜 Stops Three & Four: Klein Goederust + Rickety Bridge

The tractor ride between estates added to the adventure, carrying us next to Klein Goederust and Rickety Bridge.

Klein Goederust was full of charm (more on that later—spoiler: it became our favorite). But Rickety Bridge, sadly, left us underwhelmed. The space was small and modern, but felt cramped. Service was rushed, and although we tried their pizza with our new friends, it was not a highlight.

⭐ Our Rating: 2.0 / 5.0

📌 Day One Recap

• La Bri Winery – 4.8 / 5.0
  

• Eikehof Winery – 4.9 / 5.0
  

• Rickety Bridge Winery – 2.0 / 5.0
  

Have you visited any of these wineries? Which one was your favorite? 🍷✨ Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear!

Day One gave us some highs, a few lows, and plenty of glasses raised in between. But our story doesn’t end here. Klein Goederust completely changed the game—and gave us one unforgettable reason we’ll always return. Stay tuned!