Who says winter is a time to stay indoors?
Our recent stay at La Petite Ferme reminded us that winter in Franschhoek is something to be experienced, not escaped. Crisp mornings, misty mountains and rain-soaked vineyards create a landscape that is both dramatic and comforting. Paired with exceptional wine, warm hospitality stays and unforgettable view, it becomes the perfect winter escape.
Set in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme offers luxury accommodation, award-winning dining and exceptional wines. Winter reveals a quieter, more intimate side of the estate. Enjoy vineyard breakfasts, leisurely wine tastings and breathtaking valley views. Winter reveals a quieter, more intimate side of La Petite Ferme. It is the kind of setting that encourages you to slow your pace from the moment you arrive. Start the day with breakfast overlooking the vineyards. Spend afternoons wine tasting or relaxing on the patio. Dramatic skies provide a spectacular backdrop throughout the day.
What makes a winter stay here so special is the opportunity to slow down completely. La Petite Ferme invites guests to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures that make the Winelands so captivating. With exceptional food, world-class wine, beautiful scenery and the luxury of having nowhere else to be.
From the moment we arrived, every detail had been carefully considered to make us feel at home. A welcoming glass of Cap Classique set the tone, followed by an introduction to the estate’s wine tastings, vineyard experiences and renowned restaurant. It was a warm welcome that immediately made us feel at home, encouraging us to slow down and enjoy Franschhoek in winter.
STAY
Each accommodation option combines comfort, luxury and timeless charm with a deeply personal touch. Each stay tells part of the estate’s story, creating an experience that is intimate and authentic.
The Manor House is home to 5 individually named suites, each honouring people closely connected to the estate’s story. John and Carol are named after the former owners who hailed from Zimbabwe. Foufi pays tribute to the affectionate family nickname of the owner’s father, whose was born in Lebanon. Helene honours his Swiss-born mother, Andre celebrates a dear friend, and Sryani draws inspiration from Sri Lanka.
Sweeping Franschhoek Valley views make the Vineyard Suites a truly immersive Winelands escape. The Winery Suites offer something entirely different, occupying a beautifully reimagined space where wine barrels once rested. Today, these intimate and luxurious suites are each named after one of the estate’s boutique wines.
Foufi Suite
“Foufi suite bears our family’s affectionate nickname for my father. Born in Lebanon, he always dreamt of doing business in Africa like his father. But he never did. I had the chance however, to make it happen. His suite was inspired by the Mediterranean, a place of peace and beauty.” – La Petite Ferme.
We were very fortunate enough to stay in the Foufi Suite, one the Manor House’s most inviting escapes. Spacious and beautifully styled, the suite blends contemporary design with warm touches, making it perfect for a winter stay.
The elegant lounge, centred around a crackling fireplace, became our favourite place to unwind. A stocked minibar, complimentary wine, and tea and coffee station added extra comfort.
What truly stood out were the thoughtful touches that transformed the evening into something special. After returning from a day in Franschhoek, we would find the suite prepared for the night ahead. The fireplace in the lounge already glowing and filling the room with warmth. Nothing beats returning after a day of exploring to a warm fireplace already lit. The bed was turned down, slippers carefully placed beside the bed, and water waiting on the bedside table. A decadent chocolate treat completed the experience.
The Interior
The luxurious en-suite bathroom was equally impressive, featuring modern finishes, heated towel rails and underfloor heating. It is the simple comforts that make all the difference during a winter stay at La Petite Ferme. Plush bathrobes, slippers, premium toiletries, a spacious walk-in shower and a deep soaking bath completed the experience.
The bedroom featured an exceptionally comfortable extra-length king-size bed. Large glass doors opened onto a private patio overlooking the Franschhoek Valley and shimmering pool. Even in winter, the views were captivating. Rows of vineyards stretched towards the mountains as shifting clouds and bursts of sunshine transformed the landscape. Wrapped in a blanket with a morning coffee or a glass of bubbly, this became our favourite place to unwind.
WINE TASTING
A complimentary wine tasting offered more than the chance to sample award-winning wines. It provided a deeper understanding of La Petite Ferme’s story and winemaking philosophy. Enjoying the wines while overlooking the vineyards created a special connection between the landscape and every glass.
Boutique Approach to Winemaking
Our tasting was hosted by a knowledgeable wine ambassador who shared insights into La Petite Ferme’s boutique winemaking approach. The portfolio includes Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Grenache Noir Rosé and a selection of red wines. Flagship blends include The Verdict and Variation, alongside Baboon Rock Unwooded Chardonnay and Baboon Rock Grenache Noir.
What makes La Petite Ferme particularly unique is its boutique approach to winemaking. The estate is home to a 40-year-old vineyard. Several magnificent mature trees have stood proudly at the vineyard entrance for decades. Following a recent storm just before our visit, one of these impressive giants was brought down by the weather. Rather than removing it, the decision was made to leave it as part of their story. It serves as a reminder of the connection to nature and the passage of time.
This commitment to authenticity extends to their wines. While La Petite Ferme exports its wines to selected international markets, it remains intentionally exclusive. Wines can also be enjoyed at La Petite Ferme itself. This creates a more intimate connection between the wine, the landscape and the story behind every bottle.
Wine Tasting Experience2
Four wines were selected for our tasting, each showcasing different styles and suited to different seasons and occasions. Our selections included the Barrel-fermented Chardonnay, Grenache Noir Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Rhône-style red blend, Variation.
Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay 2025
The tasting began with the Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay, a beautifully balanced wine that immediately impressed us with is elegance and complexity. As self-confessed Chardonnay lovers, particularly when it comes to barrel-fermented styles, we were especially excited to begin with this wine. Aromas of citrus, lime and white pear emerge on the nose. The palate offers a wonderful combination of freshness and texture.
Matured for approximately 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned barrels. The wine displays subtle oak characteristics without overpowering the fruit. Creamy and buttery notes add richness, while a vibrant line of acidity carries through to along, refined crispy finish.
It is the type of Chardonnay that feels equally at home on a winter afternoon beside a crackling fire. It also pairs beautifully with butter chicken or a generous cheese and charcuterie board.
Grenache Noir Rosé 2025
Our second tasting was the Grenache Noir Rosé, a wine that immediately caught our attention with its beautiful rose-gold hue in the glass. With just 1-hour of skin contact to achieve that feminine colour, the wine is then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks for approximately 9 months to preserve its freshness and vibrant fruit character.
The nose is wonderfully expressive, offering aromas of strawberry candy floss, candy apple and subtle hints of passion fruit. On the palate, these fruit-forward notes continue, delivering a luscious burst of flavour balanced by a crisp, lively acidity that keeps the wine refreshing and beautifully easy to drink.
While rosé is often associated with warmer days, this wine proved that it can be enjoyed throughout the year. Its versatility makes it equally suited to a relaxed summer picnic or a winter afternoon overlooking the vineyards. We could easily imagine enjoying a glass while watching the sun set over the Franschhoek Valley. Pair it with local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh seafood or simply good company.
What we enjoyed most about this rosé was the balance between freshness and flavour. We often find that while many rosés offer plenty of freshness, they can sometimes fall short when it comes to flavour and length on the palate. This Grenache Noir Rosé was quite the opposite. The vibrant fruit notes carried beautifully from the nose through to the palate. It finished with a delicious, moreish aftertaste that left us reaching for another sip. Bright, expressive and beautifully balanced, it offered far more than we expected. It quickly became one of our favourites from the tasting.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Our third wine was the Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, an award-winning wine that has earned Gold and Double Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards and Double Gold at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. While accolades certainly catch your attention, it was the wine itself that left a lasting impression.
With an alcohol content of around 13.5%, it is slightly lower than many bold Cabernet Sauvignons, resulting in a wine that is balanced and elegant without sacrificing depth or character. Matured in French oak barrels for 14 months, it displays an inviting deep ruby colour and a wonderful complexity that unfolds with every sip.
On the nose and palate, layers of red and dark plums, blackcurrants and ripe dark berries are complemented by warming spices, subtle smokiness and hints of liquorice. The oak is present without dominating, adding structure and richness while allowing the fruit to remain the star of the show.
As lovers of a good Cabernet Sauvignon, we appreciated how balanced and poised this wine was while still delivering the depth and personality that the cultivar is known for. Full-bodied with ripe, well-integrated tannins, it felt perfectly suited to the cooler months and exactly the kind of wine you want to enjoy with a blanket beside a crackling fire on a winter’s evening.
This is a wine made for food and would pair beautifully with hearty dishes, game, slow-cooked roasts of a traditional South African potjiekos. While each wine in the tasting offered something different, this Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine we found ourselves imagining on a cold winter’s evening. With its layers of dark fruit, warming spice and subtle smokiness, it felt perfectly at home in the Winelands, enjoyed beside a crackling fire in our suite after a day spent exploring Franschhoek.
Variation 2021
Our final wine of the tasting was the Variation 2021 and what a memorable way to end the experience. This Rhône-style blend is made up of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan and we were told during the tasting, no two vintages are ever quite the same.
The name Variation is a fitting one. Unlike many blends that follow a fixed recipe year after year, this wine evolves with each vintage. The grape varieties and percentages change according to the season and the character of the harvest, allowing the winemaking team to create the best possible expression of that particular year. It is a philosophy that reflects both creativity and respect for the fruit.
Each varietal is matured separately in French oak barrels before being carefully blended, resulting in a wine with impressive depth and complexity. On the nose, delicate aromas of purple flowers, violets and rose petals are immediately noticeable, adding an elegant floral character. These are complemented by savoury notes and subtle spice, courtesy of the Mourvèdre, which adds another layer of interest to the wine.
On the palate, Variation is beautifully balanced, sitting comfortably between medium and full-bodied. Rich, dark fruit flavours are supported by gentle spice and savoury undertones, creating a wine that unfolds gradually with each sip. We found ourselves constantly discovering something new in the glass, making it a wine worth taking your time over.
As our tasting drew to a close, this felt like the perfect wine to finish with. Complex yet beautifully balanced, it showcased the skill and attention to detail that runs throughout La Petite Ferme’s wine portfolio. It is also wonderfully food-friendly and would pair well with slow-cooked lamb, beef Wellington or other hearty winter dishes. Sitting in the tasting room with the vineyards stretching out before us, glass in hand and rain clouds drifting across the valley, it felt like the ideal wine to round off a winter afternoon in Franschhoek.
DINING
Dining at La Petite Ferme is an experience. Thoughtfully prepared seasonal dishes, beautifully presented plates and attentive yet unpretentious service come together to create a memorable culinary journey. On the evening of our dinner, the weather outside was quintessentially wintery, with rain and wind sweeping across the valley. Fortunately, we had the best of both worlds, enjoying views of the Franschhoek Valley and the last golden sunlight of the day fading behind the mountains, while sitting comfortably beside the warmth of the restaurant’s crackling fire.
For dinner, we could choose between a two- or three-course menu, with selected wine recommendations suggested to complement each dish. As dining at La Petite Ferme is very much part of the overall experience, we opted for the three-course menu to enjoy the full journey from start to finish.
Starters
To start, I chose the Butter-Poached Mussels, a beautifully balanced dish served with tomato and baby marrow, all brought together by a rich and fragrant ginger-mussel sauce. The mussels were tender and full of flavour, while the sauce added warmth and depth, making it a wonderful choice for a winter evening.
My husband selected the Bobotie-Spiced Beef Tartare, a creative interpretation of a classic South African dish. Inspired by the Cape Malay dish, the tartare was accompanied by yoghurt, pickled onions, macadamia nuts, cured egg yolk and curry oil. The combination of textures and flavours worked well, delivering a dish that felt both familiar and comforting.
Mains
For the main course, I opted for the Chicken Ballotine, served with creamy polenta, earthy mushrooms and a rich sherry sauce. The chicken was tender and flavourful, while the velvety polenta and savoury sauce created a comforting dish that was just perfectly suited for the cooler months.
My husband chose the Red Wine Beef Fillet, accompanied by crisp layers of pommes Anna, seasonal greens and a luxurious black pepper velouté. The beef was complemented by the richness of the velouté and the satisfying layered texture of the golden pommes Anna. It was one of those dishes that reminds you why classic combinations reman favourites for a reason.
Dessert
By the time dessert arrived, we were already pleasantly full, et there was still room to enjoy the final course. I selected the Caramelised Apple Sorbet, served with delicate layers of puff pastry and a decadent brandy parfait. The freshness of the sorbet and the richness of the parfait created a dessert that was light and indulgent.
The second dessert was Gorgonzola Ice Cream with yoghurt, walnuts and honeycomb. It was certainly one of the more unusual options on the menu and a combination we were intrigued by. Bringing together sweet, savoury and creamy elements, it was a playful dessert that was absolutely divine. The flicker of the fireplace against the backdrop of a rain-soaked Franschhoek Valley, it was the perfect winter dining experience.
BREAKFAST
The following morning greeted us with more of the winter weather we had come to love during our stay. Rain continued to fall across the valley, the mountains remained draped in mist and a distinct chill lingered in the air. It was the perfect excuse to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and ease into the day.
Making our way to the restaurant, we were welcomed by the comforting warmth of the fireplace and a beautifully set table waiting for us. With steaming cups of coffee in hand and views of the rain-soaked vineyards beyond the windows, it felt like the ideal ay to begin a winter morning in Franschhoek. There is something wonderfully soothing about sipping freshly brewed coffee while watching the changing weather roll across the valley and this became one of our favourite moments of our stay at La Petite Ferme.
As part of the stay, breakfast is included and offers a choice between a generous Continental Buffet Selection and an À la carte menu. The buffet featured an inviting spread of freshly baked croissants, homemade muffins, Danish pastries, smoothies, granola yoghurt parfaits, a colourful fruit platter and a selection of local cheeses and cured meats.
While the buffet made it tempting to fill our plates immediately, we were equally drawn to the à la carte menu, which included options such as the Franschhoek Smoked Salmon Sandwich on Sourdough, Classic Chateau, French Toast and Eggs Benedict.
Hearty Breakfast
My husband selected the decadent French Toast, served on brioche and topped with vanilla cream cheese, crispy bacon, blueberries, a perfectly poached egg and maple syrup for that touch of sweetness. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours made it the perfect breakfast for a chilly Franschhoek morning.
I opted for the Classic Chateau, a generous breakfast plate featuring eggs cooked to my preference, bacon, boerewors, potato rosti, brown mushrooms, blushed tomatoes, caramelised onions and health loaf. It was a hearty and satisfying breakfast that was just the perfect start to a chilly winter’s day.
Between the excellent coffee, comforting breakfast dishes and the ever-changing views beyond the windows, breakfast at La Petite Ferme felt like a continuation of everything we had enjoyed throughout our stay. Even with the rain falling steadily outside, there was nowhere else we would rather have been.
OVERVIEW
Looking back on our stay, what we loved most was how effortlessly La Petite Ferme captures the spirit of winter and the simplest moments that meant the most. It is about embracing everything that makes this time of the year so enjoyable. Watching mist drift across the mountains from our patio and sharing a bottle of wine by the crackling fire in the lounge are of our suite on a cold winter’s evening all became part of what made this stay so memorable. It was the perfect opportunity to switch off, reconnect and appreciate the quieter side of Franschhoek.
Our stay at La Petite Ferme reminded us that winter in the Winelands has a magic all of its own and it gave us a new appreciation for winter in Franschhoek. Every aspect of our stay, from the warm hospitality and luxurious yet comfortable accommodation to the outstanding food and wine, contributed to a truly memorable escape. More than anything, it reminded us that some destinations reveal a different kind of beauty during the quieter months, and for us, La Petite Ferme captured the char of winter in the Winelands perfectly.
If you have been looking for a reason to visit Franschhoek this winter, let La Petite Ferme be it.
CONTACT DETAILS
Tel: +27 (0) 21 876 3016
Email: reception@lapetiteferme.co.za
Website: https://lapetiteferme.co.za/
Categories: La Petite Ferme
