Discover Dieu Donné Franschhoek: A Hidden Gem on the Wine Route
When you explore the Franschhoek Wine Route, you absolutely must visit Dieu Donné, a stunning vineyard aptly named “Gift from God.” Nestled in the breathtaking Franschhoek mountains, this boutique winery not only offers picturesque views but also an unforgettable experience for wine lovers. Along the way, you can also discover other remarkable stops like Chamonix Wine Farm, Grande Provence, and Klein Goederust Wine Farm. Without a doubt, Dieu Donné would be my starting point if I were to visit the route again.
The History of Dieu Donné Wine Farm in Franschhoek
The Maingard family, originally from Mauritius, acquired Dieu Donné in 1984. Interestingly, Robert Maingard purchased the property while still living in Mauritius. After moving to South Africa, he expanded his holdings by acquiring more properties. Sadly, Robert passed away two years ago, leaving Dieu Donné to his three sons, who now reside in Durban. In the meantime, Ryan, the farm manager, oversees the daily operations and ensures the smooth running of the estate.
Before the Maingard family transformed it into a vineyard, the property belonged to the Schmedal family, who used it as a fruit farm. Today, Dieu Donné sits at 850 meters above sea level, with southwest-facing vineyards. This unique location benefits from cool mornings and plenty of afternoon sunlight—ideal for growing high-quality grapes. Moreover, the soil is a combination of stone and clay, providing the perfect foundation for a thriving vineyard.
Traditional Winemaking Practices at Dieu Donné
Dieu Donné remains dedicated to traditional winemaking practices. They mature their wines in wooden barrels, which adds a touch of elegance and complexity to each bottle. As a boutique winery, Dieu Donné doesn’t sell their wines in South African retail stores. Instead, you can conveniently purchase their wines online and have them delivered directly to your door. In addition, the winery exports their wines to various international markets, including Germany, particularly in Munich.
Award-Winning Wines from Dieu Donné Franschhoek
Dieu Donné has earned numerous accolades, solidifying its reputation as a producer of award-winning wines. The winery’s Merlot has won top honors in several prestigious competitions, such as:
- Michael Angelo Awards: Double Gold
- Gilbert and Gaillard Competition: Double Gold
- Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
These awards further reflect the winery’s commitment to crafting exceptional, world-class wines.
Wine Selection and Prices at Dieu Donné
Here’s a breakdown of the Dieu Donné wine selection:
- Dieu Donné Rush: R100 per bottle
- Dieu Donné Bush: R100 per bottle
- Dieu Donné Brush: R100 per bottle
- MCC Brut Rosé 2021: R220 per bottle
- MCC Maingard Blanc de Blanc 2019: R220 per bottle
- Dieu Donné Conebush MCC: R220 per bottle
- Sauvignon Blanc 2023: R120 per bottle
- Chardonnay Underwood 2023: R110 per bottle
- Blanc de Noir 2024: R110 per bottle
- Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2022: R110 per bottle
- Chardonnay Wooded 2023: R210 per bottle
- Merlot 2019: R230 per bottle
- Shiraz 2019: R230 per bottle
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: R230 per bottle
Disclaimer: Prices are accurate at the time of writing, but they may change. Please check with Dieu Donné for the latest pricing.
Planning Your Visit to Dieu Donné Franschhoek
In conclusion, Dieu Donné offers a perfect combination of stunning scenery, rich history, and award-winning wines. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, this boutique winery is a must-visit on the Franschhoek Wine Route.
Stay tuned for my visit to the fifth farm on the Eat and Sleep Franschhoek Wine Route—it’s sure to be another captivating experience!
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your wine-tasting adventure!
