The town of Franschhoek, located in the center of the Cape Winelands, 60 km from Cape Town, is one of the oldest cities in South Africa. In 1688, it was founded by the Huguenots, exiled French Protestants who brought with them the winemaking know-how of their native country. The Dutch government at that time offered them land in “Olifantshoek”, later renamed “Franschhoek” or “French corner”. The modern area grows all the classic grape varieties: sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, sémillon, chenin blanc in white, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, pinot noir and merlot in red.