History:

Simon Van Der Stel and other pioneers arrived in the Franschhoek valley in October 1687 and called the valley Drakenstein. In 1688 over 150 French Huguenot refugees arrived in the valley after fleeing from religious prosecution in France. The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek was constructed in 1938 to commemorate the 250th year since the arrival of these Huguenots. The French stated producing wines and today their influence can be seen in the numerous award winning wines that are produced in the Franschhoek Valley. Each of the original Huguenot farms that can be found here today has its own fascinating story to tell.