Padel on a wine farm sounds new, but the farm is not. Rickety Bridge was originally part of La Provence, granted to Huguenots in 1694, and the estate says wine has been made here since 1797. One of its earlier names, Paulinas Dal, goes back to Paulina de Villiers. In December 2023 the British Crosbie family bought the estate, Simon and Melissa Crosbie. According to a secondary source, Duncan Spence had owned it since 2000.
- wine made since, according to the estate
- 1797
- bought by the Crosbie family
- 2023
- Wine Tram lines: Red, Blue, Pink
- 3
- courts on the estate
- padel
Today there is a restaurant, a wine tasting centre, vineyard and cellar tours, a blending course and a sensory course (as of September 2026). You can stay in the Manor House or in other rooms on the farm. The tourism office says it opens daily. The Franschhoek Wine Tram stops here on the Red, Blue and Pink lines, and from the stop a farm vehicle takes you to the tasting in 10 to 20 minutes.
- When
- daily 9am to 5pm, as of September 2026 according to the tourism office
Our tipOlder guidebooks still name the previous owner. Offers and hours may have changed since the sale at the end of 2023, so check the estate's website before you go.
Rickety Bridge: frequently asked questions
Who owns Rickety Bridge?
Rickety Bridge in Franschhoek has belonged to the British Crosbie family, Simon and Melissa Crosbie, since December 2023. According to a secondary source, Duncan Spence owned the estate from 2000.
Can you stay overnight at Rickety Bridge?
Yes, Rickety Bridge has the Manor House and other accommodation on the farm. There is also a restaurant, tastings and padel courts.
Does the Wine Tram stop at Rickety Bridge?
Yes, Rickety Bridge is a stop on the Red, Blue and Pink lines of the Franschhoek Wine Tram (as of September 2026). From the stop a farm vehicle takes guests to the tasting.