La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek – the name translates simply as ‘the small farm’ – has over decades, grown and evolved into a memorable winelands destination that today includes a boutique hotel, an award-winning restaurant, an acclaimed country restaurant and a celebrated winery, managed by La Petite Ferme’s talented winemaker, Wikus Pretorius.
Prior to joining La Petite Ferme in 2015, Wikus worked for some of South Africa’s top wineries and estates in premier wine regions of France, America, and Australia.
The portfolio currently includes four white wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and a pair of Chardonnays – alongside a rosé (made from Grenache) and three varieties of reds consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. The two flagship wines of the range are Verdict, a Bordeaux-style blend, and Variation, a Rhône-style red blend that is one of Pretorius’s evolutions.
New vintage releases
Wikus has specifically chosen three wines to share that are indicative of the diversity of the range: Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022, La Petite Ferme Grenache Rosé 2023, and Verdict 2018.
The Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022 and the La Petite Ferme Grenache Rosé 2023 are new vintage releases. The Verdict 2018, an original blend created by the previous owners, is now being sold (the previous vintage sold out), so it's also essentially a new release.
Wikus says, “While the blends aren’t exactly the same every year, they do fall under the umbrella of a being a Rhône-style blend and a Bordeaux-style blend."
- Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022: The grapes for this vintage all from La Petite Ferme’s Franschhoek Vineyards - reveal a fresh line of acidity that lingers throughout the dry elegant finish on the palate and the oak, like 2021, is very subtle; and citrus and lime notes with white pear on the nose.
- La Petite Ferme Grenache Rosé 2023: The 100% Grenache Noir Grenache Rosé 2023 shows beautiful aromas of strawberry candyfloss, and a palate of fresh and lively acidity with citrus and grapefruit notes.
- Verdict 2018: The Bordeaux-style blend, with 82% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, titillates with a violet and cherry perfume that leads into a broad palate of lively cassis fruit and chalky tannins full of energy and flavour. Enjoy it now or cellar it up to 2028.
The Franschhoek area is well known for producing exceptional, top-quality wines. A terroir that is famous for the subtlety yet full flavour that it delivers through each different cultivar. La Petite Ferme prides itself on a cellar which produces a remarkably diverse range of wines, working with small volumes and adopting a handcrafted approach.
La Petite Ferme
A leading wine estate situated on the slopes of the Oliphants Pass and Middagkrans Mountain Range and overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme is the perfect destination for local and international guests.
Offering unparalleled vistas, luxurious accommodation, and award-winning cuisine and wines, its accommodation comprises five beautifully appointed Vineyard Suites and five recently renovated Manor House Suites. On 1 December, five new Winery Suites will be added to the accommodation offering.
It is home to an award-winning restaurant which serves country cuisine with a fresh contemporary touch. In addition, La Petite Ferme’s small and intimate boutique style cellar, managed by winemaker Wikus Pretorius, offers a full range of wines which includes red, white, and rosé. The wines are available at selected retail outlets but can be bought online.
La Petite Ferme also offers wine tastings, half/full day ‘Bike Adventures’ and a mobile beauty spa that brings the spa experience directly to you.
With its romantic setting La Petite Ferme is ideal for holidays, weddings, and special functions for the most discerning guest. La Petite Ferme, within easy reach of the winelands and tourist attractions, is conveniently located less than three minutes from the village of Franschhoek and is an hour’s drive from Cape Town and the airport.
Wine tastings at the La Petite Ferme Tasting Room are by appointment only.
La Petite wines are available at selected retail outlets on the high street as well as online through the La Petite Ferme website: shop.lapetiteferme.co.za