La Petite Ferme

Perched on the slopes of the Oliphants Pass and Middagkrans Mountain, with unrivalled views across the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme has been one of the winelands' most cherished destinations for four decades. Founded by the visionary Dendy Young family in 1984, 'the little farm' has grown from a simple country retreat into a complete wine, dining and accommodation destination that honours its founders' legacy while evolving with each generation.

The restaurant opened in 1986 and has become one of Franschhoek's longest-running dining institutions. When fire razed the original building in May 1996, the owners and staff rallied to rebuild, reopening in record time just six months later. That resilience defines the spirit of the place. Today the restaurant serves countryside cuisine with a contemporary twist -- seasonal menus showcasing the bounty of the Franschhoek Valley, from the estate's own vineyards and gardens. The Chef's Table experience, a five-course dinner with wine pairing at R1,650 per person, represents the pinnacle of the culinary programme. Dinner is served daily: November to April from 18:30 to 21:30, May to October from 18:30 to 21:00.

Winemaker Wikus Pretorius joined in 2015, bringing global experience to the boutique cellar. The estate produces a focused range of handcrafted wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Grenache Noir Rose, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Winemaker's Edition flagships push further -- Variation, a Rhone-style blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre, and Verdict, a distinctive Cape Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. The Baboon Rock range offers accessible everyday wines.

Accommodation spans three categories, all rates including breakfast, minibar, coffee station, fruit bowl, amenity bag, vine orientation and wine tasting. The Manor House suites feature a communal pool. The Vineyard Suites -- Florentin, Provencale, Africa, Moresque and Leman -- are separated by pathways winding through vineyards and gardens, each with a private plunge pool. The newest addition, the Winery Suites, opened in December 2023 in a reimagined old wine cellar, offering contemporary country luxury.

In-room spa services, weddings and private events round out the offering. La Petite Ferme has earned the 2025 Haute Grandeur Hotel Award, the 2024 World Luxury Restaurant Award and the 2024 World Luxury Hotel Award. Now under the ownership of The Nest Estate, the property continues to honour the Dendy Young family's original vision while writing its next chapter -- one of the rare Franschhoek estates where wine, food and hospitality are equally excellent.