Franschhoek
This long-established ward of Paarl was awarded district status in May of 2010. Settled by French Huguenots in 1688, the valley was originally named Oliphantshoek, or Elephants Corner, for the elephants who favored its abundant vegetation and the safety provided by the surrounding mountains. It was renamed Franschhoek in 1805, though the village did not acquire the name Franschhoek until 1860. It is a center for fine restaurants in addition to beautiful landscapes, Cape Dutch architecture, and high quality wine.
The narrow valley is enclosed by high mountains on three sides, and conditions differ greatly moving up the slopes from the valley floor. Mountain shadows limit sunlight at higher elevations, where there is also more wind and rain and higher clay content in the soil. Red varieties grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Pinotage; the most important whites are Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. High quality sparkling wines are made at several properties. |
(Franschhoek, South Africa) 