Which Franschhoek Wine Tram Line Won Our Hearts? Blue vs. Red Revealed

🍇 Stop Four: Mont Rochelle Wine Estate

Wayne and I were especially curious about Mont Rochelle. We had celebrated his birthday here on a past visit and were excited to share that experience with Denise. While this return didn’t feel quite as magical as our first, the tasting room and atmosphere were still pleasant.

The space itself was bright and open, a large white room softened with wood-paneled features and neatly aligned tables. Though we felt the restaurant and hotel fell a bit short compared to our first visit, the winery itself remains a special destination in Franschhoek.

Mont Rochelle is more than a winery—it’s a full luxury experience. Owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition, the estate spans 39 hectares, with 12 under vine. Their wines range from the approachable Little Rock collection (including the popular Little Rock Rouge) to elegant varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. For something extra special, the flagship Miko Red and Miko White honor former owner Miko Rwayitare.

🍷 Stop Five: Franschhoek Cellar Winery

Our final stop of the day was Franschhoek Cellar, located on the site of the town’s historic railway station. Unlike some of the valley’s luxury estates, this winery felt fun, approachable, and family-friendly—a perfect place to unwind at the end of a full day.

The estate is arranged as a cluster of buildings, with the tasting room, restaurant, and event spaces all connected by a lively, open-air courtyard. Inside, the tasting room was large and rustic, with high wooden-beamed ceilings. They were preparing for two events—a birthday and a bridal celebration—yet the staff made us feel right at home.

Our tasting featured six red and white wines, paired with handmade chocolates and cheeses. The cheese and chocolate were my favorites (maybe because I was a little hungry by then!). While we didn’t purchase wine here, one surprise completely won us over: the restaurant, The World is My Runway.

As we waited for the tram back, we enjoyed light appetizers that were out of this world. My spring rolls, paired with a bold Red 12-Mile Shiraz, made for one of the best pairings of the entire day. Delicious, unexpected, and worth the stop all on their own!

💰 Practical Details

• Tram Ticket: R 330 (about $19 USD) for a full-day hop-on hop-off ticket (Blue or Red Line).
  
  

• Wine Tastings: Typically range from R60–R260 ($3.50–$15 USD) per person, depending on the estate and selection.

✨ Final Thoughts

So, which line did we love best—Blue or Red?

👉 Verdict: You can’t go wrong with either line. The Blue Line shines with history and intimacy, while the Red Line offers variety and contrasts—from modern minimalism to relaxed, family-style fun. And if you’re staying longer, don’t forget there are still three more routes to try—Navy, Orange, and Pink.

👉 Have you visited any of these wineries? Which was your favorite? Share your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear!

Our two days in Franschhoek, South Africa, gave us some of the most cherished memories of this trip—from breathtaking vineyards and heartfelt winery stories to laughter shared on the tram. On our final day, Denise added her own unforgettable twist. As we strolled through town, she spotted a van boldly labeled “First Born.” Of course, it wasn’t really hers, but that didn’t stop her from striking a pose and claiming it with a big grin, while holding her gifts from the wine tram. The moment was playful, spontaneous, and so very Denise—making it the perfect way to close out our Franschhoek adventure.

Though our time here has ended, this is not goodbye forever. We fully intend to return one day. But for now, our travels continue to Zimbabwe, a destination tied to the very heart of why we made this journey in the first place. You won’t want to miss what’s ahead.

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