Rickety Bridge Wine Estate is a charming and historic winery nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley of South Africa. With a heritage dating back to the late 17th century, this estate is renowned for its premium wines, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a traveller seeking a serene retreat, Rickety Bridge offers an enchanting experience in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
At Rickety Bridge, winemaking is an art that celebrates the unique terroir of the Franschhoek Valley. The estate cultivates a variety of grape varietals, including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz, among others. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings and explore the diverse range of award-winning wines that perfectly embody the essence of the region. Shop their wines here.
Few things beat a long lunch with a view. Rickety Bridge’s restaurant sits at the heart of the estate, with terrace seating that looks out over the Franschhoek Valley and the mountains beyond. The menu is rooted in the seasons and the surrounding valley — homemade breads, local cheeses, eggs and produce from neighbouring farms, and the best quality meat and fish they can source. Bistro classics done with care, with quiet nods to South Africa’s rich culinary heritage throughout.
The kind of lunch you don’t rush.
Rickety Bridge Wine Estate is a captivating destination in Franschhoek that caters to wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and nature seekers alike.
Rickety Bridge’s guided tastings take guests through the estate’s full range of wines, with knowledgeable staff on hand to share the stories behind each bottle — from the winemaking process to the history of the estate itself.
Where tradition meets innovation. The cellar tour takes guests through both the production and premium cellars, exploring the minimal-intervention techniques that define Rickety Bridge’s approach to winemaking. Highlights include hand-harvested grapes, fermentation in amphorae, concrete eggs and stainless steel, and barrel ageing in French and Austrian oak. A tasting of selected wines from the Foundation Stone collection is included.
One of the most hands-on experiences the estate offers. The team at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate guides guests through the art of blending their own unique bottle of wine — red or white — complete with a personalised label. Suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts, and available for larger groups on request. Advance booking is essential.
Take leisurely walks through the vineyards, basking in the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley. The estate offers designated walking trails, allowing guests to connect with nature and appreciate the vineyard’s natural splendour.
Rickety Bridge has swapped the city backdrop for something considerably better. Their padel courts sit in the heart of the Franschhoek Winelands, open to beginners and regulars alike. A well-earned glass of Rickety Bridge wine afterwards is, naturally, non-negotiable.
Rickety Bridge Wine Estate offers two distinct ways to stay on the estate, each with its own character.
The Farm Stay comprises three beautifully restored heritage buildings — the Homestead, the Jonkershuis, and the Cottage — offering ten elegant guest rooms between them. Staying here means waking up in the heart of the estate, surrounded by the vineyards and the rhythms of a working wine farm.
The Manor House is where Rickety Bridge began. The estate’s original building and its historical heart, it features three en-suite bedrooms, generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, and a private pool — ideal for groups or families looking for something more exclusive and self-contained.
