Page 46 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL FALL 2020 South Africa

All Aboard

Another way to visit Winelands estates is
aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram, hop-on,
hop off transportation via double-decker vin-
tage trams and buses. Tickets are a bargain -
less than $15 per person. Choose from eight
different lines or loops and stay as long as you
like at the different wineries for tastings, tours
and meals. Just be sure to match your schedule
to the Tram’s return to the Franschhoek termi-
nal, just outside of town. Because there’s no
drinking on board, these aren’t party trams -
ala Napa Valley Wine Train - though the atmos-
phere on the trams grows jollier as the day pro-
gresses.
To help plan your day, the Tram website pro-
vides detailed descriptions of each winery stop
on each route. Thanks to our innkeepers, fel-
low Plumwood guests and a few San Diego gar-
den lovers, we knew our must see was
Babylonstoren, a sprawling farm, winery, hotel-
spa and fine dining destination spread over
eight acres. We picked the Purple Line and ar-
rived at our desired stop in time for lunch.
Farming and grape growing on this moun-
tain-ringed land dates back to the late 17th
century, and some of the early white-washed
Cape Dutch-style buildings remain. Many have
been repurposed by the current owners, South
African billionaire Koos Bekker and his wife,
style maven Karen Roos, into Babylonstoren’s
chic eateries and farm shops selling handmade
soaps, fresh breads, charcuterie, balsamic vine-
gar and make-your-own bath salts.
The grand gardens - classical parteres lush
with ornamentals and edibles that supply on-
site kitchens - are rooted in history too. De-
signs by French architect Patrice Taravella
found inspiration in Cape Town’s historic Com-
pany’s Garden created to restock Dutch East
India Company trading ships hundreds of years
ago. Free-range chickens, waddling ducks and
paddocked donkeys accent the romantic no-
tions of agrarian life celebrated here.