The Return of an Icon: The Brill Tram Experience
Before the Franschhoek Wine Tram became the iconic experience it is today, there was the Brill Tram. The original single-decker tram, affectionately known as the Brill Tram, was purpose-built with one simple intention: to slow things down. Designed for guest comfort and uninterrupted views, it introduced visitors to an entirely new way of experiencing the Franschhoek Valley. For the first time, guests could take in sweeping vineyard vistas and hidden corners of the valley that were previously considered off the beaten track, all from the gentle rhythm of the tracks.
A Name Rooted in History
The Brill Tram takes its name from the historic Brill Tramway in England – formally known as the Quainton Tramway, Wotton Tramway, Oxford & Aylesbury Tramroad, and later the Metropolitan Railway Brill Branch. This six-mile rail line once ran through the Aylesbury Vale in Buckinghamshire and became synonymous with leisurely travel through the countryside.
Much like its namesake, the Franschhoek Brill Tram was never about speed. It was about the journey itself – the views, the pace, and the pleasure of seeing the landscape unfold.
The Tracks That Started It All
Long before wine lovers took their seats on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, these tracks played a vital role in the valley’s agricultural life.
Originally built in 1904, the railway line was constructed as an alternative to ox-drawn carts, allowing local farmers to transport their produce to market more efficiently. In its early years, steam locomotives travelled this route, carrying the fruits of the valley’s labour through the landscape that guests now admire from the tram.
By the 1970s, diesel locomotives had replaced steam, but as road transport became more practical, the need for rail services declined. By the 1990s, the railway fell quiet, and for more than a decade the tracks lay dormant – a forgotten thread woven through the vineyards.
That is, until 2012.
In a remarkable revival, the historic railway was restored and reimagined, returning to full-time service as the Franschhoek Wine Tram – transforming a once-industrial route into one of South Africa’s most beloved leisure experiences.
Today, every journey on the Brill Tram runs along more than a century of history, where tracks that once carried produce now carry stories, scenery, and unforgettable moments in the Franschhoek Valley.
Reintroduced for Exclusive Experiences
Today, the Brill Tram has been thoughtfully reintroduced to the tracks, offering guests a more intimate and curated way to experience the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Its single-decker design, open sightlines and relaxed layout make it ideally suited to specialised and premium experiences, where storytelling, flavour and connection take centre stage.
Experiences Currently Running on the Brill Tram
Franschhoek Group Experience
The Brill Tram is now the dedicated tram for Franschhoek group bookings, offering a private and elevated way to explore the valley together. Whether for celebrations, corporate outings or special gatherings, the Brill Tram creates a shared experience that feels both nostalgic and exclusive.
DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCEFlavours of the Vine Experience
Newly launched and already a firm favourite, Flavours of the Vine is a guided culinary and wine journey that showcases Franschhoek’s exceptional terroir. Hosted aboard the Brill Tram, this experience combines curated tastings, expert insights and carefully selected estate visits – all designed to be savoured slowly, just as the Brill Tram intended.
DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCEExceptional Wine & Cuisine Experience
Also hosted aboard the Brill Tram, the Exceptional Wine & Cuisine Experience is a curated, full-day journey through Franschhoek’s finest food and wine. From morning bubbles to a beautifully paired lunch and indulgent tastings along the way, this experience is designed for guests who want to savour the valley at its most refined – where heritage rails meet exceptional flavour.
DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCEA Journey Worth Revisiting
The return of the Brill Tram is more than a nod to the Wine Tram’s origins – it’s a celebration of mindful travel, heritage, and the joy of experiencing Franschhoek at a gentler pace.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the valley, its wines, and its stories, the Brill Tram offers a journey that feels as timeless as the tracks it runs on.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brill Tram is named after the historic Brill Tramway in England, which was known for leisurely travel through the countryside. It was never about speed but about enjoying the journey and the scenic views. The Franschhoek Brill Tram embodies this same spirit, offering guests a chance to experience the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley at a relaxed pace.
The original railway tracks were constructed in 1904 to aid local farmers in transporting produce more efficiently. Initially served by steam locomotives, these tracks became obsolete with the advent of road transport. By the 1990s, the railway was no longer in use until it was revived in 2012 as the Franschhoek Wine Tram, transforming the route into a cherished leisure experience.
The Brill Tram has been reintroduced with a focus on providing intimate and curated experiences on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Its design, featuring open sightlines and a relaxed layout, makes it ideal for specialised and premium experiences that emphasize storytelling, flavor, and connection. Today, the Brill Tram hosts several exclusive experiences, such as the Franschhoek Group Experience, Flavours of the Vine, and the Exceptional Wine & Cuisine Experience. These offerings highlight the tram’s ability to provide a nostalgic yet exclusive way to explore the valley, combining curated tastings, expert insights, and estate visits.
The Brill Tram currently offers several unique experiences, each designed to highlight the best of the Franschhoek Valley’s wine and culinary offerings. The Franschhoek Group Experience provides a private and elevated way to explore the valley, ideal for celebrations or corporate outings.
The Flavours of the Vine Experience is a guided culinary and wine journey, showcasing the region’s exceptional terroir through curated tastings and estate visits. Additionally, the Exceptional Wine & Cuisine Experience offers a full-day journey through the valley’s finest food and wine, featuring morning bubbles, a paired lunch, and indulgent tastings.
The Brill Tram offers a unique travel experience by combining the nostalgia of historical rail travel with modern, curated experiences. Its single-decker design and open sightlines provide an intimate setting for guests to enjoy the scenic views of the Franschhoek Valley. The tram emphasizes a slower pace of travel, allowing guests to savor the journey as much as the destination.
This approach to travel is a celebration of mindful exploration, where guests can connect with the valley’s rich history, its wines, and its stories. The Brill Tram’s offerings, such as the Flavours of the Vine and Exceptional Wine & Cuisine experiences, are designed to be savored slowly, providing a deeper connection to the region’s heritage and flavors.
The Brill Tram is considered a celebration of mindful travel because it prioritises the journey over the destination. It offers guests a chance to experience the Franschhoek Valley at a gentler pace, allowing them to fully appreciate the scenic beauty and rich history of the area. This approach to travel encourages guests to be present in the moment and engage with their surroundings more deeply.
The tram’s design and curated experiences, such as the Flavours of the Vine and Exceptional Wine & Cuisine, are crafted to highlight the valley’s exceptional terroir and rich cultural heritage. By focusing on storytelling, flavor, and connection, the Brill Tram provides a timeless journey that resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of the region.
