Spectacular Views and Exceptional Wine: Visiting Dieu Donne Vineyards
We’re continuing the search for the best wine farms to visit close by to The Coach House. And this time, we’re telling you all about one of our favourites – Dieu Donne in Franschhoek.
What makes The Coach House such a popular accommodation spot in Franschhoek? Well, the beds in our rooms are comfy, the breakfast plates are mouth-watering, and the mountain views are marvellous…and we suppose being so close to a few of the valley’s most impressive vineyards is a factor as well.
The Dieu Donne wine estate in Franschhoek is a must-visit for a stunning wine experience, a neat spot for lunch, and the views will take your breath away.
Get to Know Dieu Donne Vineyards
In search of his French roots in South Africa, Dieu Donne was acquired by French-Mauritian, Robert Mainguard in 1987 and ever since then, this vineyard has become a staple of Franschhoek, capturing the valley’s unique essence.
“Dieu Donne” translates to “A Gift from God”, and it can certainly seem like an appropriate name when you visit here. Being at the estate – which is situated high up in the Franschhoek mountains – will make you feel as though you have wandered into a beautiful alien oasis, miles and miles away from all other human life.
Though, luckily, you are never too far from wine at Dieu Donne. Merlot is their flagship wine, but they also have a decent amount of other wines available for you to sample, including:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
As well as their own Méthode Cape Classique and Viognier.
One of the Best Views Franschhoek Has to Offer
Which wine estate has the best views in Franschhoek? Dieu Donne is widely known for having the most amazing views out of all the wine farms in Franschhoek.
As we mentioned earlier, the Dieu Donne wine estate is situated high up in the Franschhoek mountains, more specifically, it is placed on the mountain’s steep south-west facing slopes, which offer sprawling views of the Franschhoek valley below.
As well as offering perhaps the best views of the Franschhoek valley, the Stellenbosch and Drakenstein mountain ranges are also in view – seeing the green of the valley surrounded by the high-reaching mountains is quite a sight to see.
Up here, it’s the perfect climate to sit outside all day and ogle the view with the heat of the beaming sun countered nicely by the cooling breeze of the mountain environment.
Past patrons of this vineyard have stated that the views alone make Dieu Donne one of the best wine farms to visit in Franschhoek. If that’s not a tell-tale sign that these views are not to be missed, we’re not sure what is.
Dieu Donne Wine Tasting Experience
If only there was something that could compliment these incredible views – a glass of wine, perhaps?
If you’re searching for the best wine estates in Franschhoek, wine tasting is likely at the top of your holiday to-do list. You’ll be pleased to hear that this vineyard offers two ways to enjoy its wine.
Firstly, the wine tasting experience at Dieu Donne. When the weather calls for it, choose to have your guided wine experience on the terrace – a patch of green that looks out onto those stunning views we mentioned.
If you must take your tasting inside, the tasting room is equally lovely and is not far from the terrace, so photo opportunities featuring those popular views are still very much possible.
Enjoy a range of reds and Rosés to whites and MCC with the knowledgeable and friendly Dieu Donne staff guiding you on a tasting session to impress.
The Dieu Donne cellar tour is also a wonderful way to enjoy this estate’s wine. See how Dieu Donne’s winemaker, Gregory Siebrits crafts the wine that fills your glasses. You’ll learn how this estate’s cool climate creates this range of unique-tasting wine.
Whichever wine experience you choose, why not also pair the experience with a medley of platter goodness?
In Summary
As well as all of the above, the Dieu Donne restaurant is also another asset to this estate, serving up all kinds of delicious meals. Such meals as scrumptious starters like calamari and beef tartare; marvellous mains like a grand wagyu burger and pizzas; devilishly good desserts like tiramisu and chocolate pavlova.
Though the Dieu Donne restaurant is closed as of writing this blog, it will soon open its doors again in September 2023. In the meantime, we’ve got you covered – check out our earlier blog post on the best places for dinner in Franschhoek.
Between the Dieu Donne wine tasting experience, its views, the restaurant, the staff, the location, and the overall experience, Dieu Donne vineyards in Franschhoek is definitely a contender for that top spot of best wine farms to visit in Franschhoek.
Will you be staying with The Coach House soon and want to hear more about Dieu Donne? Ask us, David and Jenny, the live-in managers here, for all of the details.
