Franschhoek Motor Museum

The basics

The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers a rotating selection of around 80 vehicular gems from the extensive collection: perhaps a vintage Bugatti, a 1903 Ford, or a Mclaren Formula 1 car. The display is understated, in a neutral modern hangar, and the limited signage means it’s worth visiting with a guide. Tours from Franschhoek often include pickup by the estate’s own tram, lunch with paired wines, and a wine tasting—or, request a stop on a private custom tour from Cape Town.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is open by appointment only. You (or your tour guide) must contact the estate ahead of time to make an appointment.
• The Franschhoek Motor Museum is wheelchair-accessible.
• The museum is stroller-friendly. Kids under 12 get discounted entry and under-3s enter free.

How to get there

The Franschhoek Motor Museum sits within L’Ormarins, the home base of Anthonij Rupert Wines, about a 7-mile (12-kilometer) drive west of central Franschhoek, and about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of downtown Cape Town. There is no formal public transport, so your best bet of getting there is to join a tour or drive yourself: Be aware that the legal blood alcohol limit in South Africa is a little over half that in the US.

When to get there

The museum is open from mid-morning until afternoon during the working week, but closes a little earlier on weekends. It’s rarely busy, but you’ll need an appointment ahead of time to visit.

Anthonij Rupert Wyne

Founded by the late Anthonij Rupert, L’Ormarins and the wine brand has been owned by his brother Johann Rupert since 2003. Besides the motor museum, the estate runs two tasting rooms: the Terra del Capo Tasting Room has flights of the estate’s more affordable brands, while the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room serves premium wine flights. Wine pairing experiences run from nougat to cheese, charcuterie, and high tea.