La Chataigne Wines & Guest Cottages

La Chataigne is a working wine farm situated seven kilometres from Franschhoek village, run by Richard and Julie Parkfelt. The farm has belonged to the Parkfelt family since they moved to Franschhoek from Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1972 -- more than fifty years of continuous family ownership in one of the Cape's most sought-after valleys.

The name La Chataigne means 'the chestnut' in French, fitting for a property in a valley first settled by French Huguenots. The farm produces a boutique range of white, red and rose wines, with only a fraction of the grape harvest bottled under the La Chataigne label. Total production is approximately 15,000 bottles per year, making this one of the smallest wine producers in the Franschhoek Valley.

The wine range includes the Kastanje Chenin Blanc, the Marron red blend, a Rose, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Semillon. The names Kastanje and Marron both mean 'chestnut' -- in Dutch and French respectively -- keeping the farm's identity woven through the labels.

Accommodation is at the heart of the La Chataigne experience. Five self-catering cottages are scattered across the property: two one-bedroom Stable Cottages, one one-bedroom Vineyard Cottage, and two two-bedroom Riverside Cottages named Marron and Kastanje. The Riverside Cottages are nestled along the Franschhoek River under ancient oak trees, each with a large covered south-facing verandah overlooking the river and braai facilities, plus a north-facing veranda for catching the sun. The Stable Cottages and Vineyard Cottage offer a more intimate setting for couples. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens, open-plan living spaces, en-suite bathrooms and private decks. Rates range from R1,850 to R4,200 per night depending on the season and cottage type.

Guests are encouraged to walk along the river and through the vineyards, pick vegetables and herbs from the farm garden, lounge at the Orchard Pool, play boules at sunset, and sip on the farm's wines. Wine tasting can be arranged by contacting Louisa at the farm.

The Parkfelt family's Swedish roots give La Chataigne a character distinct from the French and Dutch heritage that dominates Franschhoek. There is a Scandinavian simplicity to the design and a warmth to the hospitality that feels effortless rather than produced. The farm has evolved slowly over five decades, and that patience shows in every detail.

La Chataigne is not a polished luxury estate. It is a family farm where the rhythms of the vineyard, the river and the seasons set the pace. For visitors who want a quiet, self-catering base in the Franschhoek winelands with genuine farm character, it is a rare find.