Franschhoek Uncorked in September

Highly acclaimed wineries participating include: Allée Bleue, Boekenhoutskloof, Cabrière, Solms-Delta, Graham Beck Wines, Grande Provence, La Motte, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Môreson, Rickety Bridge, Vrede en Lust and Plaisir de Merle. Also included in the line-up are some of Franschhoek's smaller gems, such as Dieu Donné, Franschhoek Cellars, GlenWood Wines, La Chataigne, Lynx Wines, La Petite Ferme, Topiary Wines and Maison. In addition select wineries will keep their visitors entertained with a range of events.

Wander at leisure

You can wander at your leisure from farm to farm, enjoying some of the live entertainment on show, while enjoying fine wines and an array of delectable treats.

Some of the highlights at this year's festival include:

• Rickety Bridge will be offering visitors an array of delectable hot and cold tapas throughout the weekend, as well as picnics (weather permitting), live entertainment, boules in the vines and fun farm rides on their vintage Dodge truck for the kids.
  
• Coinciding with the opening of the new Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant, visitors to La Motte can experience a unique presentation of traditional cooking - Cape Winelands Cuisine - inspired by centuries of creativity in food. Booking is essential. Added to the mix is their new Farm Shop, offering wine sales, wine-related gifts and a selection of fresh, farm-baked bread. The new La Motte Museum features historic aspects of the Rupert family and La Motte itself, with a room devoted to the art of Jacob Hendrik Pierneef.
  
• Vrede & Lust offers a unique French laundry experience, which includes a butler welcoming you at the door, a shoe-cleaning service and French music provided by an accordion player. A selection of its new-release wines as well as freshly baked breads, and deep-fried olives and cheeses.
  
• Lynx Wines are offering tapas galore, live Spanish guitar, as well as lessons on drinking out of a traditional Spanish Porròn (leather pouch).
  
• L'Ormarins, home of Anthonij Rupert Wines, visitors will experience a combination of fine wine and vintage cars. Their new wine releases of Protea and Terra del Capo (an Italian cultivar) can be tasted and classic car enthusiasts can view the extensive range of vintage cars on display.
  
• Master the craft of wine blending at Topiary Wines, presented by winemaker, Chris Albrecht. Relax on the lawn while enjoying live entertainment by Jo Martin, and nibbling on something from the food stall.
  
• GlenWood Wines offers a gourmet food and wine pairing experience. Included in the line-up is bouillabaisse soup, chicken curry and crêpe suzettes, presented and prepared by well-known culinary couple, Camil and Ingrid Haas, formerly proprietors of the Bouillabaisse Restaurant.
  
• At Môreson, the festival marks the official opening weekend of the Exotic Plant Company, with discounted prices on fresh-cut flowers and orchids. The food-and-wine market offers a selection of Môreson wines, including a new release from the Miss Molly range, as well as an array of fresh, local, organic produce.
  
• For music lovers, there are live music extravaganzas that cater for all tastes, ranging from jazz- and blues bands to French bistro genres to fiesta Española flamenco.

Access cards

An access card system will be implemented to ensure the successful running of Franschhoek Uncorked. The access cards, available directly from participating wineries on the day or through Computicket at R80 each, include a tasting glass and free wine tasting at participating wineries for the duration of the event.

Contact Winelands Experience, on +27 (0)21 876 4204, for a professional shuttle service. The Franschhoek Wine Valley supports responsible drinking and driving.