Overlooking the famed destination coined the ‘culinary capital’ of South Africa is La Petite Ferme, a five-star hotel inspired by the French Huguenot settlers who first arrived in the Franschhoek Valley in 1688.
Situated on a scenic slope above the refined village of Franschhoek, having visited several properties among this pretty oasis of South Africa, it is the hotel’s vista over the valley that makes this five-star hotel particularly special. With a Dutch, white colonial-style building with a terrace that casts over the thriving vineyards, La Petite Ferme champions the region’s elegant ethos for international wine lovers who can sample the hotel’s lovingly produced labels that grow feet from the hotel’s front lawn.
Hotel
An hour from Cape Town, Franschhoek’s rural location is surprisingly convenient. Settled on the slopes of the Ohiopants pass (a driving route known for having one of the most spectacular views of the valley) La Petite Ferme’s setting is as beautiful as its name may suggest.
La Petite Ferme also champions a smaller production of wine with a boutique-style wine cellar. Situated in a place that grows grapes with a delicate balance of subtlety and full of flavour, the team proudly produces red, white, and rosé wines for guests to savour during their stay. Representing the exceptional quality that the region produces, each label exemplifies Franschhoek’s worldwide reputation for crafting great wine.
Since first opening in 1984, La Petite Ferme is a hotel that has flourished its repertoire as a wine producer, luxury hotel and award-winning restaurant. Its popularity is evident with the swathes of hotel guests that check in forrelaxed stays centred upon laissez-faire lunches and relaxed dinners whilst staying in the selection of suites on offer. Additionally, the hotel is a magnet for the gourmet crowd passing through Franschhoek who simply visit to sample the restaurant’s signature dishes and home-grown wine.
Rooms and suites
Describing their luxury rooms as the embodiment of a ‘traditional country style’ is La Petite Ferme’s Manor House, Vineyard Suites and Winery Suites. Overlooking the quaint pool, we checked into one of the five Winery Suites, a collection of contemporary and comfortable spaces that retain a tribute to the region’s heritage.
With each suitably named after four of La Petite Ferme’s wine labels, we stayed in Baboon Rock which is in honour of the hotel’s white wine, alongside The Viognier; whilst The Verdict, The Variation and The ZA pay tribute to the red variety. Each with small balconies that look over a shared pool, these uncomplicated, simple rooms include an open plan bathroom with a freestanding bath, with subtle design details that reflect the name of the given suite.
Meanwhile, named after those who inspired the owner of the hotel are the Manor House Suites. These larger accommodation options include elegant verandas leading onto a larger shared pool. Framing views of the undulating valley, each uniquely designed suite (named by the owner) includes the John and Carol Suite, the Helene Suite and the Andre Suite, alluding to the personal relationships that have made a lasting impact.
The epitome of luxury is the Vineyard Suites with private terraces and plunge pools. Newly renovated, the Léman Suite mimics the cool colours of Lake Geneva and hails the Huguenot heritage of Franschhoek, whilst inspired by the spice markets of Morrocco is the Moresque Suite. There is also the Africa Suite which proudly celebrates the continent the hotel calls home, and the Provençale Suite which is a romantic escape finished with a soft colour palate.
Food and drink
La Petite Ferme is a hotel abundant with culinary charisma. At the heart of everything the team offers, the food and wine are inherently intertwined. With dishes inspired by the roots of the property, the restaurant is an iconic element of Franschhoek’s gourmet portfolio, fusing country cuisine with a contemporary flair. Presented at the award-winning restaurant which stretches along the front of the main property, here dishes feature a variety of creative interpretations, playing with flavours and textures whilst showcasing seasonal produce from the local area.
Championing South African favourites, dishes you can expect to find on the menu include fried bobotie balls with a mint yoghurt sauce and a cape Malay seafood curry in honour of Cape Town’s vibrant community. There is also ostrich mignon – a popular meat in Africa, finished with a coconut and onion foam, wasabi-infused pea puree and a red wine honey pomegranate jus.
To do
The food is of course not without the selection of hand-crafted La Petite Ferme wines. Encouraging their guests to try their full collection are the group wine tastings that take place daily. Situated under the trees in the corner of the front lawn and under an elegant parasol, La Petite Ferme’s wine tastings offer guests the ultimate experience with gorgeous views over the valley.
With one of the finest backdrops I’ve seen in Franschhoek, the hotel’s passionate winemakers lead guests through their home-grown collection. Starting with the Grenache Noir rosé wine with aromas of strawberry candy floss and candy apple on the lighter end of the scale, the indigenous white Viognier with its dry finish, finishing a the dark fruit-flavoured Cabernet Sauvignon.
In a nutshell
La Petite Ferme is at the heart of Franschhoek’s culinary soul and has become an iconic part of the region’s gourmet identity. Celebrating the French culture of the European settlers who first established the region, the hotel’s ethos honours the valley’s rich heritage with contemporary rooms for a comfortable stay.
Factbox
Address: Pass Road, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 876 3016
Website: lapetiteferme.co.za
All imagery credit: La Petite Ferme
