Franschhoek carriage ride: Horse-drawn wine tour

Ride behind working horses through the vines instead of walking them

A horse-drawn carriage tour through Franschhoek vineyards at Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, where you travel by Percheron stallions at a slow pace with one glass of wine included. The carriage moves through the estate grounds while you sit back and take in the valley air, guided by someone who speaks English. Children from age 1 are welcome, and infants can sit on an adult's lap.

The experience

The carriage is pulled by Percheron stallions (large, working horses bred for the job), and the pace they set is the whole point. You're not rushing through the vineyard on foot or stopping at tasting rooms. Instead you're moving slowly enough to actually look around, held in a seat that does the work of standing. A glass of wine comes with you, so you drink it as the vines roll past and the horses' rhythm becomes the rhythm of the afternoon.

Vrede en Lust Wine Estate is where this happens, and the carriage route stays on the property itself. The experience lasts about an hour, which means it fits before or after other plans in Franschhoek without eating the whole day. An English-speaking guide travels with you and handles the horses. You handle the wine and the view.

What’s included

• One glass of wine.
• English-speaking guide.
• horse-drawn carriage through Vrede en Lust Wine Estate vineyards.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (1 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wine Valley Adventures

Is this one for you?One hour means you can book this before lunch or after another estate visit without it blocking the rest of your day in Franschhoek. If you want to taste multiple wines or eat at a restaurant, you'll have time for both.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the carriage ride actually take?

The ride runs for one hour, so you can fit it into a morning or afternoon without it taking over your whole day in Franschhoek.

What's included in the price?

One glass of wine is included to drink while you're on the carriage. The ride itself and the guide are part of the booking.

What are the Percheron stallions like?

Percherons are large, muscular horses originally bred for pulling heavy loads. They're calm and steady, which is why they pull the carriage at a slow, even pace through the vineyard.

Do I need to be fit to do this?

The carriage ride suits all physical fitness levels, since you're sitting the whole time and the horses do the moving.