Franschhoek Archives ⋆ The Passenger

There are so many wine estates near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. If you’ve got time you can take the Franschhoek Wine Tram and visit multiple ones without the need to drive on your own. If you can only visit one, try one of the oldest: Boschendal Wine Estate is located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley of the Cape Winelands and is one of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates. Established in 1685, it has a rich history, initially founded by the French Huguenot Jean le Long. Today, Boschendal is celebrated for its exceptional wines, particularly its Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which reflect the estate’s commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices.

The Huguenots were French Protestants who fled France in the late 17th century due to severe religious persecution after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which had previously granted them religious freedom. Many sought refuge in Protestant countries across Europe, but a significant number were granted asylum in the Cape Colony by the Dutch East India Company in the late 1600s and early 1700s. They were welcomed to South Africa for their expertise in farming, viticulture, and craftsmanship, which was highly valued in the development of the colony. The arrival of the Huguenots significantly influenced the agricultural practices in the region, particularly in wine-making, establishing the Cape Winelands as one of the world’s foremost wine-producing areas. Their contributions have left a lasting imprint on South African culture, especially in the Afrikaans language, architecture, and food.

Tag: Franschhoek

Boschendal

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