La Petite Ferme ushers in a new culinary chapter with award winning Chef Richard Carstens.
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Franschhoek, South Africa - Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme has long been celebrated as one of South Africa’s most iconic wine estate destinations. Now, the estate enters an exciting new era with the appointment of one of the country’s most respected culinary figures, Richard Carstens, as its new Head Chef.
Having joined the team in March 2026, Carstens brings with him a wealth of experience, a refined culinary philosophy and a reputation built over decades of excellence in South Africa’s fine dining scene. His arrival signals a bold evolution for the estate’s restaurant, one that blends heritage with innovation while staying deeply rooted in the land that surrounds it.
Carstens’ career reads like a journey through some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens. Most recently, he led Arkeste at Chamonix Wine Estate in Franschhoek, where his work earned the restaurant two Eat Out Stars in 2022, followed by the coveted three-star rating in 2023, one of the highest honours in South African dining.
Before that, he spent eight years as Executive Chef at Tokara Restaurant in Stellenbosch, where the establishment was consistently ranked among the Top 20 restaurants in the country and recognised as the Best Wine Tourism Restaurant in South Africa. His earlier roles at Lynton Hall, Le Provençal, Bijoux and NOVA further cemented his status as a culinary force, earning him accolades such as Chef of the Year and features in international publications.
Yet beyond the awards, it is his ability to elevate every kitchen he enters that defines his legacy.
At the heart of Carstens’ approach is a philosophy he describes as an evolution of modern French cuisine, one that honours classical technique while embracing innovation and simplicity.
Rather than overwhelming dishes with complexity, his style focuses on precision, seasonality and the integrity of each ingredient. Locally sourced produce plays a central role, allowing each plate to tell a story of the surrounding landscape.
“Modern French cuisine as I practise it is not a departure from tradition, it is its natural evolution,” Carstens explains.
This philosophy aligns seamlessly with La Petite Ferme, where the connection between land, food and experience is deeply embedded in the estate’s identity.
Perched on the slopes of the Oliphants Pass and framed by the Middagkrans Mountains, La Petite Ferme offers sweeping, uninterrupted views across vineyards and valleys, a setting that Carstens describes as “almost otherworldly.”
For him, the decision to join the estate was as much about its soul as it was about its reputation.
“La Petite Ferme has a soul…the views alone remind you why food matters, why gathering around a table with exceptional ingredients and wine is one of life’s great pleasures,” he reflects.
Founded in 1984 as a humble farm, the estate has grown into a 5-star boutique hotel, award-winning winery and celebrated restaurant, all while maintaining its sense of authenticity and heritage.
Carstens officially launched his inaugural menu on 9 April 2026, marking the beginning of a new culinary chapter for the estate. The menu reflects his signature style: elegant, ingredient-driven and distinctly modern French, inspired by the abundance of the Franschhoek Valley and the broader Cape Winelands.
Each dish is carefully paired with wines produced on the estate, creating a cohesive dining experience that is both refined and deeply connected to its surroundings.
This integration of food, wine and landscape is what sets La Petite Ferme apart and what makes this new chapter particularly exciting.
Already recognised globally for its excellence, including accolades for Best Scenic Environment Hotel and Best Culinary Experience in Africa, La Petite Ferme continues to evolve while honouring its legacy.
With Richard Carstens now at the helm of its kitchen, the estate is poised to further cement its status as one of South Africa’s premier culinary destinations.
For guests and food lovers alike, this is more than just a new menu, it is an invitation to experience a place where heritage, landscape and culinary artistry come together in perfect harmony.
For more, visit: La Petite Ferme
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