In Case You Missed It | Franschhoek Rising: Drinking With Purpose 🔥

In Case You Missed It…
Over the past weeks, Franschhoek has faced one of the most devastating fire seasons in its history. Estates, vineyards, homes and working cellars, many woven into the fabric of South African wine, have suffered damage that will take years, not months, to repair.

At Museum Wines, Franschhoek is not just a name on a label. It’s a valley we’ve walked, tasted, argued over barrels in, and quietly championed for years. Through producers like Holden Manz, Stony Brook Vineyards, Lokaïa, Terre Paisible and Paserene, we’ve built a portfolio of top-quality, often under-the-radar wines that reflect the depth, resilience and beauty of this extraordinary place.

In response to the fires, we’re committing 50% of all profits from Franschhoek wines to support rebuilding efforts in the valley. It’s a small way of standing with the people and producers who continue to shape some of South Africa’s most compelling wines, even in the face of loss.

This is not about charity for charity’s sake. It’s about drinking with intention, backing the regions we believe in, and helping ensure that Franschhoek’s vineyards, cellars and stories continue for generations to come.

Browse our Franschhoek collection below and raise a glass, not just to great wine, but to a valley on the rise.

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White pepper, violets and warm earth on the nose, with intense dark berry fruit. The palate shows dense, savoury flavours contrasted with bright acidity before the robust finish. There are multiple layers of texture in the wine, with lovely balance between the richness, chunky tannins and lively freshness. A wonderful pairing with slow-cooked winter foods like Boeuf Bourguignon or pulled pork.

Pale salmon in appearance, with light copper hues, this is a bold take on the classic Provençal style. Maturation in foudre has imbued the subtle fruit aromas of rose petals, pomelo zest and stone fruit with delicate marzipan notes. The richly layered palate, with its attractive savoury flavours and succulent core of fruit reveals the benefit of lees ageing through a long and perfectly balanced finish.

95+ Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“The small production boutique Pound of Flesh Semillon made from Stony Brook vineyards in the Bo-Hoek area of Franschhoek has been one of the truly great new release white revelations of the past two to three years in South Africa. This cultivar is in its terroir home in the Franschhoek Valley and simply excels there, showing intense aromatics of white peaches, lime peel, lemon grass, freshly cut Granny Smith apples with complexing hints of white blossom, dried herbs, wet hay, lanolin and intricate mineral notes of crushed gravel. The palate is equally enticing, showing incredible fruit concentration as well as a piercing glassy acidity, all concertinaed into a very taut, tight, linear but explosive package. With the amphorae winemaking and early picked freshness and purity, the Pound of Flesh Semillon represents a sublime expression of nervy, crystalline white wine with an enviable vibrancy and precision. If you missed the earlier vintages, do not miss this inspiring 2022 release. Drink now and over the next 5 to 8+ years.”- Greg Sherwood MW. 

Cassis, blackberry, graphite, nuances of mulberry and plum backed with hints of cedar wood and pencil shavings on the nose. Soft, voluptuous integrated tannins with a rich creamy cassis freshness and mulberry fruits. Silky smooth mid palate with a finish which is full of dark fruit and long lingering flavours. Great power, tension and balance!

94 Points – Tim Atkin MW
Bright golden hue with vibrant green tinges and a persistent, finely beaded bubble. Vivid entry with fresh lime notes and acidity contrasted by toasted bread, warm brioche and typical yeast intensity. The balance extends to the interplay of peachy floridity and classic elegance of the leesy length and layers. Complexed and nuanced.

93+ Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“This is an impressive Cabernet Sauvignon from this fleshy, ripe vintage. With an invitingly deep ruby red colour in the glass, the aromatics are packed full of perfumed violets, black raspberry jam on warm brown toast, salty black currants, and red cherries over notes of black berry herbal tea, granite and graphite. Medium bodied, the palate shows a classical 2022 styling with fine grained silky tannins, a weightless red and black berry fruit concentration but also a lovely fleshy depth and purity in the mouth. This is a beautifully polished, soft, supple Cabernet Sauvignon that is perfect for drinking on release but will reward a further 5+ years of ageing.” – Greg Sherwood MW.