Franschhoek · Franschhoek Pass
Haute Cabrière
Cellar carved into the mountainside and the Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique that pioneered Cape bubbly.
About Haute Cabrière
A dramatic mountain cellar at the top of Franschhoek Pass, home to Pierre Jourdan Méthode Cap Classique and one of the most theatrical tasting experiences in the Cape.
Haute Cabrière is famous for two things: the Pierre Jourdan MCC (Cape bubbly, made in the traditional Champagne method) and cellar master Achim von Arnim's showpiece sabrage — decapitating a Champagne bottle with a sword — that closes many tastings.
History
Named after Pierre Jourdan, one of the original Huguenot settlers, the property was replanted in 1982 by Achim von Arnim, whose son Takuan now runs the cellar. The signature underground cellar was carved directly into the Franschhoek Pass mountainside.
The wine experience
Seated tastings in the cellar or on the terrace, with a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir focus and the full MCC range. Sabrage demonstrations most days.
- Standard tasting
- MCC-only flight
- Cellar tour with sabrage
Signature wines
- Pierre Jourdan Brut MCC
- Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir
- Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose MCC
- Unwooded Pinot Noir
Food on the estate
Haute Cabrière Restaurant serves à la carte lunch with sweeping valley views.
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- One of the great views on the wine route — top of Franschhoek Pass
- The Pierre Jourdan MCC range is a genuine Cape reference
- Sabrage demonstration is a real highlight, not a gimmick
- Restaurant terrace at sunset is magical
- Cellar carved into the mountain is unlike anything else in SA
Cons
- The pass road is winding — not ideal for guests prone to motion sickness
- Very busy at lunchtime — book restaurant ahead
- Focused on MCC/Chardonnay/Pinot — skip if the group prefers reds
- Furthest Franschhoek estate from Cape Town
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Haute Cabrière.
How much does a wine tasting at Haute Cabrière cost?+
Tastings at Haute Cabrière start from R130 per person. Options include Standard tasting, MCC-only flight, Cellar tour with sabrage. Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Haute Cabrière's opening hours?+
Haute Cabrière is open Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00. Tastings are pre-booked and the last tasting slot usually closes 60–90 minutes before the estate does, so arrive with time to spare.
How far is Haute Cabrière from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Haute Cabrière is roughly 75 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 35 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at Franschhoek Pass, R45.
Do I need to book in advance at Haute Cabrière?+
Yes — like most Franschhoek estates, Haute Cabrière works on pre-booked tastings, especially on weekends and in peak season (November–April). Walk-ins are sometimes possible mid-week but never guaranteed.
Is there food available at Haute Cabrière?+
Haute Cabrière Restaurant serves à la carte lunch with sweeping valley views.
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Haute Cabrière?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Haute Cabrière and the wider Franschhoek winelands from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Winelands hotels. One flat rate covers the vehicle, driver, fuel and tolls — you taste freely, we drive safely. Request a quote for your dates and group size.
More wine farms in Franschhoek
Boschendal Wine Estate
The most complete winelands day out — vineyards, restaurants, farm shop, cottages and the famous picnic.
La Motte
Rupert-family estate with Pierneef art museum, hiking trails and the Pierneef Collection Shiraz.
Babylonstoren
A 3.5-hectare formal garden, farm-to-table restaurants and Cape Dutch cottages that redefined the winelands.
Visiting Haute Cabrière? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.