# Franschhoek Wine Tram vs a private wine tour

## Franschhoek Wine Tram or a private wine tour: how they compare on cost, time and flexibility

*Published: 2026-05-05 13:43:22*
*Tags: Franschhoek, wine tram, private wine tour, wine tasting, South Africa, Cape Town*

> Franschhoek Wine Tram or a private wine tour? Cost, time at each estate and flexibility compared, with tram tickets from about R350.

## Article

Two ways to see Franschhoek's wine estates

 Franschhoek, about an hour from Cape Town, has dozens of wine estates in a narrow valley. The two most popular ways to visit them are the Franschhoek Wine Tram and a private wine tour. Here is how they compare.

 The Franschhoek Wine Tram

 The Wine Tram is a hop-on hop-off service that links several estates by tram and open-air tram-bus. Each line visits a different group of estates, and you choose how long to stay at each. Tram tickets start at about R350 per adult, depending on the line and season, and tasting fees are paid at each estate.

 If you are staying in Cape Town, our Wine Tram day from Cape Town costs from $95 per person and includes the transfers there and back.

 Good points

 Good value, and fun if you are travelling with friends
 You choose where to stop and for how long
 Nobody needs to drive
 Drawbacks

 You wait for the tram between stops, which limits how many estates you can visit
 It can be busy in summer
 A private wine tour

 On a private tour a guide drives you to estates chosen to suit your taste, and can mix Franschhoek with Stellenbosch or Paarl. You get more time at each estate and often a more personal tasting. Our private Stellenbosch and Franschhoek tour costs from $115 per person.

 Good points

 Your own route and pace, with no waiting
 Your guide can explain the wines and the history
 Easy to combine with lunch at a well-known restaurant
 Drawbacks

 Costs more than the tram
 Less social than the tram
 Which to choose

 For a relaxed, sociable day on a budget, take the tram. For a quieter day with more time at each estate, or to visit more than one valley, book a private tour. For something more active, try our e-bike wine tour in Franschhoek.

 For more ideas, see our guide to the Cape Winelands and our other Cape Town guides.

 Frequently asked questions

 When is the best time to visit Franschhoek?

 Summer (November to March) is warm and good for sitting outside. Winter is green and quieter, with fires lit in many tasting rooms.

 How do I book a private wine tour?

 Book online on the tour page, or contact us and tell us which estates or styles of wine you like.

 What is included in a private wine tour?

 Transport, a private guide-driver and visits to several estates. Check each tour page for whether tasting fees and lunch are included.

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