No. 12 Haute Cabriere - Franschhoek
Wine farm number 12 - Haute Cabriere - Franschhoek.
I often visit Haute Cabriere - I even spent my 30th birthday celebration here. (giving my age away) :)
It is the best place to start or end with when you visit Franschhoek because their bubbles are perfect as an aperitif.
However, if you would like to do lunch or dinner, there is a marvelous restaurant too.
What makes this tasting cellar unique?
It is built into the mountain - seriously, you have to look for it because it is underground and camouflaged.
Plus it has the best views to enjoy whilst sipping on MCC. If it is a sunny day, this venue is the perfect photo op! #selfietime
If you lose track of the time, you can use this sundial.
There are waiters who will talk you through the wine tasting. So much like a restaurant, just find a seat and relax.
The service is a bit slow and the waiters are not too enthusiastic about the wine so if you want to know more, ask them.
You can choose from a variety of tastings. We tried the MCC tasting for 3 MCCs at R30 a tasting - that was in 2016! Here are the prices today in 2019/2020...
I loved the MCC Brut - Pierre Jourdan Blanc De Blancs MCC at only R126 a bottle (2016). 100% Chardonnay, it is magnificent to see the tiny bubbles and elegant mousse that forms on the top. It is quite creamy having spent significant time on the lees. Dry, crisp and citrusy. Yum!
The Haute Cabriere Tranquille is another best seller for Haute Cabriere.
It is a fine blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay which gives it a beautiful pale salmon colour. Only 11.4% alcohol and 1.2g/l sugar. R49 a bottle (2016).
And my ultimate favourite is this Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose MCC.
It is the perfect pink drink. It is dry and a beautiful light pink colour.
So romantic and perfect to pair with mussels, seared tuna or duck. Yum! You can buy a beautiful gift pack that comes with two branded glasses for only R200 (2016).
If it is chilly outside, the cellar inside is quite pleasant too.
Do you have a sweet tooth? There is apparently only one Ratafia produced in South Africa and this is it from Haute Cabriere in Franschhoek.
Cask Brandy distilled from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It has 19% alcohol and 172g/l sugar. Rich flavors of honey and tropical fruit.
Great as an aperitif or as a dessert wine. R79 a bottle.
These are great summer wines! Haute Cabriere Unwooded Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Pinot Noir. Only R85 a bottle (2016).
Wine tasting, restaurant, Cellar tours, and weddings = a one-stop shop!
A great day out!
OVERALL RATING
WINE
SERVICE
FOOD
LOCATION
74%
76%
54%
79%
85%
Best for smaller groups of people (2-4 people).
Not suitable for kids.
Good in Winter but better in Summer.
visit www.cabriere.co.za
Tel: +27 21 876 2630 | Fax: +27 21 876 8501
Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek, Cape Town
P.O. Box 245, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Co-Ordinates: 33°54’51.63″S : 19° 8’7.90″E