Franschhoek Wine Tram

A quick note about the Wine Tram

We are planning a Wine Tram day because we enjoyed it so much last time.

It is totally optional.

If it sounds like your thing, you can book directly and, if timings match, join us on the day.

We have listed our line and intended start time for reference below, as well as alternative options if you’d like to join us but our time slot is sold out.

Unfortunately, availability is out of our hands, and we can’t add more spaces once a slot sells out.

Whether we cross paths or not, it is a great way to see the Winelands and a top recommendation!

Date: Wednesday 1st April 2026

Our plan: Pink Line (tram first), 09:30 start

Where to book: Directly on the Franschhoek Wine Tram website, please book your own tickets.

Tip: Book as early as you can, and use the Chauffeur service to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Quick details

  • We are riding the Pink Line (tram first) at 09:30 on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

  • Please book your own tickets on the official Wine Tram website, aim for Pink Line (tram first) at 09:30 if available, otherwise the next available slot.

  • If not everyone can get the same start time, we will wait at our first stop a little longer so later starters can catch up (more info below).

  • If Pink at your preferred time is sold out, you can join the Blue or Red Line and meet us at a shared estate later in the morning. See “Meeting up if you cannot get Pink” below.

How to book

  1. Go to the Wine Tram website and choose Pink Line (tram first) for 1 April 2026.

  2. Choose the earliest time you can, ideally 09:30.

  3. Add the number of guests, complete payment, and keep your confirmation email handy.

  4. If Pink is not available at a good time, consider Blue or Red for an easy meet up later.

Ticket price: About R350 per person.

Tasting fees: Generally R70 to R150 per tasting at each estate, paid on the day.

Lunch: Book ahead with the estate restaurant if you plan a sit‑down meal.

We will not be taking payments or making bookings for guests.

Meeting point and rough flow

  1. Meet at the Franschhoek Terminal in time for your booked departure, we’ll be there for the 09:30 start.

  2. We plan to visit a few estates before lunch, then a final stop or two in the afternoon.

  3. If you booked a slightly later start, aim to meet us at our first stop. We will wait a little longer there to help everyone link up.

Message us on the day if you’re close, and we’ll try wait for the next hop‑on window.

Meeting up if you can’t get Pink at 09:30

If the Pink slot is full at 09:30, book one of these options:

  • Pink, later slot: Pick the next available Pink time. You will be on the same line, and we will catch you at the first stop or the next shared estate.

  • Blue or Red: These lines share several estates with Pink, so you can hop across schedules and meet us at a common estate mid‑morning.

Navy and Orange lines start from a different terminal, so only choose them if you prefer a different route and don’t mind meeting later, or want to enjoy the wine tram seperately.

Chauffeur service, our strong recommendation

We highly recommend booking a chauffeur for the day through the wine tram’s website.

  • Guide price: About R1,840 for two people

  • What they do: Pick you up from your accommodation, drop you at the Wine Tram terminal, wait during the day, then take you home when you finish

  • Why it’s worth it: Safe, simple, and no stress about driving or parking

If you book a chauffeur, share your Wine Tram line and start time so your driver can plan the day.

Remember: Tipping is a thing in SA. Aim for a 10% tip for your driver.

Lunch bookings

Popular estates fill up, book lunch in advance if you have a specific restaurant in mind

  1. Plan for 60-90 minutes at lunch so you have time to eat and make the next train.

  2. If you’re in a group, tell the restaurant you are arriving via the Wine Tram, they’re used to timing around the timetable

FAQs

  • Yes.

    Book Blue or Red at a similar time, then meet us at a shared estate during the morning.

    We will post our first‑stop plan closer to the date.

  • Expect a relaxed full day out.

    The last returns are late afternoon. You can always peel off earlier if you wish.

  • Most estates take card, but bring cash for tips if you’d like.

  • Assume that everyone wants a tip.

    At estates, a simple 10% tip or rounding up is appreciated.

    At the end of your wine tram, you can tip the host. I believe all tips are shared among the wine tram staff. A tip of R100 is a safe bet, but I’m not 100%.

    Tip your chauffeur 10%, so about R180-R200.

    A general rule of thumb is 10%. Remember, the minimum wage in South Africa is £1.22 per hour, so tips go a long way.

  • Tastings are normally pay on the day, but lunch should be prebooked.

    Check the Wine Tram website for the latest details.