Some of the world's best wines are made on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.

See & taste for yourself: Most of the wine estates in Franschhoek are open for tastings and cellar tours.

Franschhoek (meaning "French corner") was founded in 1688 by the French Huguenots (French Calvinist protestants who fled persecution for their religious convictions in France).

The majority of these political refugees ended up in The Netherlands. In the late 17th century, the Dutch offered a couple of hundred of them a new life in South Africa.

The French immigrants were given land in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant Corner), named after the herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled here, the villiage become known as Franschhoek.

The Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek is a reminder of these 200 French immigrants. Franschhoek? Cést La Vie!

Molo says: "Find unique things to do in the winelands. Also subscribe to our monthly 'Editor's Picks' newsletter for more information on things to do in Franschhoek and surrounds".