In the world of travel, French tourists have developed quite the nose for wine farms that carry a taste of history. This interest is hardly surprising given their culinary compass always points straight to vineyards combining age-old stories with exceptional vintages. Regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne often pop their corks in conversations about historical significance and wine greatness. These areas have long been celebrated for their deep-rooted winemaking traditions and the grape expectations that follow. So, naturally, French tourists are drawn to these prestigious vineyards.
Wine enthusiasts savor the tales behind the tanks—learning about the techniques that have stood the test of time. It’s not just about gulping down Bordeaux but understanding what makes it special. Touring these French historical wine farms gives tourists the chance to uncork centuries of winemaking wisdom.
Glenelly Estate
Glenelly Estate, located in the picturesque Idas Valley, is a testament to the rich French heritage and historical significance that has shaped its success. Founded in 1682 by Simon van der Stel, the land was initially ceded to a French Huguenot named Francois Villion, marking the beginning of a long and storied relationship between the estate and its French roots. In 2003, at the age of 78, May de Lencquesaing, the then-owner of the esteemed Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, a Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac, Bordeaux, purchased Glenelly Estate.
Elie Miailhe, an ancestor of May de Lencquesaing, was granted the prestigious title of royal wine broker in 1783. This proud tradition continues at Glenelly Estate under the stewardship of May de Lencquesaing and her grandchildren, Nicolas Bureau and Maxime Bureau.
One of the unique features of Glenelly Estate is the 1783 stamp found on its wine labels. This stamp holds deep significance, representing nearly 250 years of the Miailhe family’s involvement in the wine industry.
The Glass Museum at Glenelly Estate hosts one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world. This impressive collection belongs to Madame May de Lencquesaing, and it includes pieces that span from the 1st and 2nd centuries to contemporary works. The museum features masterful glassworks by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali and Lino Tagliapietra, as well as pieces from Tiffany Studios, Daum Crystal, and Baccarat. Housed within the winery, the museum adds a unique cultural dimension to the Glenelly Estate experience.
Blaauwklippen Vineyards
Blaauwklippen Vineyards, a cornerstone of South Africa’s wine scene, was established in 1682. Though primarily influenced by German and Dutch ownership, the estate also saw a touch of French flair. Catharina Mulder, originally from the Savoie region of France, acquired part of the estate through her marriage to Gerrit Jansz Visser in the early 18th century. Though her French roots might have added a little je ne sais quoi to the terroir, the vineyard is famous today for its Zinfandel and Syrah—making it a grape escape without the need to channel French connections directly.
Rust en Vrede
Rust en Vrede, one of Stellenbosch’s esteemed wine estates, has a French connection dating back to its establishment in 1694, during the era of the French Huguenots at the Cape. Although Rust en Vrede is now celebrated for its robust reds, the French influence is like that subtle note you can’t quite pinpoint but know enhances the whole experience. Consider it a vinous nod to its cross-continental roots – France by way of Stellenbosch, or should we say, a Bordeaux of both worlds?
Haute Cabrière
Haute Cabrière traces its origins back to 1694, when the land was granted to French Huguenot farmer Pierre Jourdan. This connection to its French heritage is honored through the estate’s history and its choice of cultivating grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In the 1980s, the estate was revitalized by the von Arnim family, who continued to celebrate Pierre Jourdan’s legacy by naming their range of Cap Classique wines after him
Tracing French Footsteps…
When visiting The Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek, one can expect a rich exploration of the history and contributions of the French Huguenots in South Africa. The museum displays an array of exhibits that cover multiple facets of the Huguenot experience. Key exhibits include historical contexts like the French Wars of Religion (1559-1629), the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and the ensuing migration of Huguenots to the Cape of Good Hope.
Visitors can also view an impressive collection of artifacts related to the Huguenots’ daily lives, including family heirlooms, religious texts, and agricultural tools. The museum complex features multiple buildings, historical wine cellars, and a reconstructed Saasveld homestead, which now houses several themed rooms showcasing topics such as flight, home, and legacy. Additionally, the site includes the Slave Lodge, which now hosts the First South African Perfume Museum.
