Dieu Donné Vineyards Cellar & Tasting Room

High on the steep south-west facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, Dieu Donne Vineyards commands one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Cape winelands. The name means 'A Gift from God,' and the panoramic sweep from the tasting terrace -- across the Franschhoek Valley to the Simonsberg Mountains -- makes the case eloquently. This is widely regarded as the most beautiful spot in Franschhoek to watch the sun set.

The property dates back to 1855, when it was known as Uitkyk. Its modern chapter began in 1987 when French-Mauritian Robert Maingard acquired the farm in search of his French roots in South Africa. Maingard saw in the steep, rocky slopes the conditions for wines of genuine character: cool summer temperatures moderated by altitude and aspect, and rocky soils of weathered granite with a topsoil called Greywacke that naturally limits vine vigour and yields. The vines receive no irrigation, further concentrating the flavours and terroir character in the grapes.

Winemaker Stephan du Toit, a Cape Wine Master and Elsenburg Agricultural College graduate, crafts a collection that spans easy-drinking new-world styles and structured old-world reds. Merlot is the estate's flagship variety -- the 2008 vintage earned four consecutive accolades including a double gold at the Michelangelo Awards and golds at both the Veritas Wine Show and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. The range extends to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay in both wooded and unwooded expressions, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Rose, Noble Late Harvest and Methode Cap Classique.

The cellar-styled tasting room seats up to 45 guests and is staffed by locally trained wine guides. Beyond the standard tasting, visitors can explore food and wine pairings or simply linger on the terrace with a glass, identifying the famous landmarks that ring the valley. Light snacks and platters are served alongside the wines.

Dieu Donne is a stop on the popular Franschhoek Wine Tram route, making it easily accessible for day visitors exploring the valley. The Roca Restaurant on site offers French Huguenot Provincial cuisine with African, Asian and Mauritian influences -- a nod to the estate's diverse cultural heritage.

The estate is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 and weekends from 10:30 to 17:00, closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Group tours and cellar tours are available by advance reservation. Tasting fees are waived for purchases of R600 or more per person.