WITH the changing of the seasons the warmer weather is a welcome relief (although the rain isn’t quite done with us yet) – perfect for exploring one of South Africa’s premier lifestyle destinations, the Franschhoek Wine Valley. It’s home to award-winning wines, internationally acclaimed restaurants, exquisite art as well as an array of cultural and outdoor offerings. Make the most of your visit this weekend and next with an art festival and a garden festival.
Franschhoek attracts many high-end visitors to the Cape, many of whom include art-loving tourists. This has allowed the industry to adapt locally with a number of serious galleries in Franschhoek, such as EBONY/CURATED and Everard Read, to showcase world-class exhibitions on a regular basis. As the art has become relevant and sought-after, so has the art attraction in Franschhoek, which is home to 19 galleries.
From October 22 to 24, visitors will be treated to a weekend of art appreciation as galleries open their doors for this year’s Art & Wine In Franschhoek. The weekend is dedicated to showcasing spectacular works of arts and exhibitions, as well as highlighting the diversity of the galleries in and around the town, for both the connoisseur and the amateur.
As the title Art & Wine In Franschhoek implies, participating galleries will be partnering with a wine farm, restaurant and accommodation establishment to allow for a more diverse cultural offering. For more information, click here.
Art enthusiasts can choose to leisurely browse the galleries along the village’s main road, and within comfortable walking distance from each other. Alternatively, choose to admire the artworks on display at some of the wine farms, which include The Gallery at Grande Provence and La Motte Museum. Joining these galleries in this year’s line-up include Art in the Yard, EBONY/CURATED Bordeaux House, Everard Read Gallery, Oink At Farm Sanctuary SA and Artemis.
With Franschhoek being in full bloom during this time, the valley’s gardens are also sights to behold. Over the weekend of October 29 to 31, garden fanatics and nature lovers will be able to view some of the valley’s breath-taking gardens at the annual Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival. Gardens range from small village gardens to beautiful large farm gardens. This year there are 10 gardens on show. Tickets cost R200 per person to view all of the gardens (valid for the entire weekend) and can be purchased from La Motte Wine Estate or the NG Church Hall in Franschhoek.
