Everything you need to know about the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Mont Rochelle is a stop on one of the Wine Tram routes, and this is a hop-on, hop-off service offering picturesque vineyards, beautiful scenery, fine wines, and world-class cuisine as you travel. Here, guests will have the chance to visit some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates, travelling on an open-air tram.  

Here we will share everything you need to know about the Wine Tram, so when you arrive at Mont Rochelle, all you need to decide is which winery to head to first.  

The History of The Wine Trams

Originally built in 1904 as an alternative to ox-drawn carts, the tracks helped farmers get their produce to the market. They were later used by locomotives until the need for rail transport diminished entirely. For more than a decade, the railway line remained dormant until it was revived and returned to full-time service in 2012 as the Franschhoek Wine Tram!  

The Trams

The original single-decker tram, otherwise known as the ‘Brill Tram’, was totally unique and allowed guests to travel in comfort whilst taking in the views of the impressive Franschhoek valley.  Then in 2017, the newly constructed double-decker trams were introduced. The almost five-metre-tall double-decker trams give passengers an unparalleled vantage point from which to enjoy the scenery. There are also buses, which have been introduced to allow guests to visit the harder-to-reach wineries.  

How does it work?

There are multiple different routes to choose from, each visiting a different selection of wine estates (typically up to six wineries). You will just need to choose which colour-coded route you want to do.  

Although the route is set, your experience is not; hop on or off the tram at your leisure (there’s a tram or bus to pick you up each hour) and visit the wine estates that take your fancy. We recommend picking three to four on each line and allowing time for lunch at one of those.   

The Different Routes

The lines are each coloured, for example, Orange, Blue, Red, Pink, and Navy. Each line offers a hop-on, hop-off experience, allowing visitors to explore the valley at their own pace.  Each winery has different things to offer, from activities, chocolate pairing, gin tasting, garden walks, art galleries, restaurants, delis & shops. Be sure to check out which activities are included at each winery, to help map out your plan.    

Our top tip? Make Mont Rochelle one of your stops by choosing the Red Line and join us for a delicious lunch at either MIKO or The Country Kitchen, wine tastings and walks around the grounds.  Once you’re done, you can hop on the bus to continue your explorations.  

How to get tickets?  

Buy tickets online or at the start of the tour at the Franschhoek Terminal, found on the corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street in Franschhoek.  

Ready for the Wine Tram?  

Explore picturesque vineyards and taste a mouth-watering variety of fine wines, all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Is there a better way to spend the day?