Cape town - As if you need a reason to go to Franschhoek – beyond all its fabulous wine farms and restaurants, let alone the beautiful scenery – the Uncorked Festival takes place over the last weekend of next month.
You’ll be able to taste new vintage wines and, since it’s just after Heritage Day, which we have adopted as Braai Day, there’ll be lots of food cooked over open flames. A weekend pass costs R120 a person, which allows access to participating farms as well as a glass and tastings. Book through www.webtickets.co.za, and for more information call the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861. See www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za.
All this is a roundabout way of letting you know that if you are looking for accommodation in the village over that weekend, you should consider Auberge Daniella, which is running a winter special of R899 a suite until the end of next month.
The converted home right on the main road has three luxury suites: two inside the house, and one separate garden suite. The price includes a Continental-style breakfast. In the fridge you’ll find yoghurt (but for some reason no milk; you still get those little pyramids that squirt everywhere but into your mug) and butter. A sliced health loaf is wrapped in a cloth inside the bread bin, and there is a jar of muesli on the tray, along with honey, jam, tea, and coffee. A huge bowl of fruit on the dining table completes the food offering.
Auberge Daniella is self-catering and has a full-size fridge which you can fill with your wine-farm purchases. Pick n Pay is right across the road for supplies, and there are plenty of delis and speciality shops within walking distance. If you don’t feel like cooking, well, Franschhoek has some amazing restaurants almost on the doorstep. The hop-on hop-off tram’s (http://winetram.co.za) departure point couldn’t be more convenient, and it will take you to a number of wine farms, including Grande Provence. I had lunch there recently and cannot recommend it highly enough.
You’re pretty much left to your own devices at Auberge Daniella. You’re given a bunch of keys and security remote controls, and privacy. I stayed in the Lavender Cottage, which is separate from the house, and named for the purple bloom which grows throughout Franschhoek. There is a field of them on your right as you come towards the village which is magnificent when it’s in full flower.
The two suites inside the house are just as lovely, but the cottage is the best. It opens out onto the pool area, and has its own private little garden which is secluded from the rest of the property. Size-wise, it’s perfect for two people, with a lounge, kitchenette, dining area, spacious bedroom, and en-suite bathroom (shower, no bath). There is wifi as well as a television with DStv, and combination heating/air conditioning.
Although the other suites were occupied I never saw or heard any other guests, so it was as if I had the place to myself. Check out is 10am, which is bright and early for a Sunday morning (and no time to read the newspaper which was brought to my front door) but at least it does get you cracking on your day.
l Auberge Daniella is at 5 Main Road, Franschhoek. For more information or to book call 021 876 2031/071 509 2723, e-mail [email protected], or see www.aubergedaniella.co.za.
Weekend Argus