The Franschhoek Valley is located in the cape of South Africa. Franschhoek is a small wine region that is just east of the Stellenbosch wine region. Vineyards cover the mountainous slopes with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir being the most popular varieties produced in the region.

The French Huegenots settled the area over 300 years ago, and brought their knowledge of viticulture to the Franschhoek region. After Protestantism was outlawed, Huguenots came to the Cape of Good Hope after fleeing France.

Thirty-seven wine growers collaborated in 1945 and formed the Franschhoek Co-Operative Cellar growing to 95 producers and peaking in 1984. Over the years, some vineyards have been replaced by citrus and fruit trees.

The warm climate is influenced by the sheltering affects of the coastal mountains, which help keep the vines cool and dormant during the cold winter. The vineyards that lie above the snow line can become frozen during the coldest months. Franschhoek enjoys heavy precipitation during the rainy season giving the region alluvial soil.

The Franschhoek Valley is a small wine industry known for estate and boutique wine farms. The growers are specialists and understand the particular needs of each wine.