Franschhoek is encircled by a number of South Africa's award-winning wine farms where acclaimed winemakers create wines, which are enjoyed world wide. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings overlooking the vineyards where the grapes were harvested which is a unique experience heightened by the beauty of its setting.
When exploring Franschhoek, guests may spend a day wandering along the tree-lined streets of this picturesque village in the Cape Winelands. The main street of Franschhoek is located in the centre and is lined with shops, galleries and specialist stores as well as many restaurants.
The Franschhoek Valley offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, cycling, horse-riding, fly fishing and golf. For the adventurous visitors to this area of South Africa, paragliding is offered to the perfect aerial view of the village.
Dining and cuisine at Le Domaine Charmant
When it comes to places to eat in Franschhoek the options are endless. As Franschhoek is the gourmet capital of South Africa, guests will find themselves treated to cuisine that is delectably indulgent, ranging from gourmet to rustic with something for every palate.
Wine Cultivars of the Cape Winelands / Franschhoek
One of the main attractions for visitors to the Cape Winelands are tasting the wines produced by the surrounding wine farms.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet is known as the king of reds. Cabernet grapes yield rich wine which capable of great depth. Typical flavours associated with Cabernets are plum, chocolate and mint.
Merlot
The smoothest red wine. It's soft on the palate and very easy drinking. If you're traditionally a white wine drinker this is a good place to start with reds.
Pinotage
A local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage). Spicy and smoky it can produce complex and fruity wines with maturation, but is also very drinkable when young. Generally bottled as a varietal wine it is now the signature component of the 'Cape Blend'.
Pinot Noir
A silky red which generally has a big nose and much lighter taste. If your strongest sense is smell then this is the wine for you.
Sangiovese
This red wine variety originated in Italy. It is most famous as the main component of the Chianti blend, but winemakers have started to experiment with using it by itself. Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours with hints of strawberry and a little spice.
Shiraz
A spicy, full-bodied red wine. Due to its luscious and mysterious taste it will have you begging for more every time. A love affair with Shiraz lasts a life time. Just remember we did warn you!
Chardonnay
This is a heavier white which is often wooded - meaning that it's spent some quality time in oak barrels before bottling. There are a few Franschhoek wine farms the produce a lovely lighter unwooded versions of this traditional upscale lunch time wine. The wooded version is the white wine of choice for most men while women prefer the lighter unwooded variety.
Chenin Blanc
This is a fresh, fruity white wine. It is presently the lunch time wine of choice in South Africa. It's incredibly easy drinking and you'll easily find your way through a good bottle of Chenin.
Pinot Grigio
The style of wine made from this variety varies greatly. From some farms you get a rounded, fuller wine and from others a much lighter wine. They only share one common factor which is a delicate aroma often with a hint of honey.
Sauvignon Blanc
This is a tangy, tart, crispy dry white. It traditionally has overtones of gooseberry and guava. It's another easy drinking white and a favorite among women.
Semillon
A classic grape producing wine with a distinct fig like character. It is made in both dry and semisweet styles. Because it is susceptible to Botrytis Cinerea it is one of the grapes most often used for noble late-harvest wines and other dessert wines.
Directions to Le Domaine Charmant in Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
- From Cape Town, the road transfer time is approximately 45 minutes to Le Domaine Charmant in Franschhoek.
- From Cape Town take the N1 (National Road).
- Take the Exit 55, Paarl/Franschhoek turn-off and turn Right at the stop street into Main Road. You will notice a board opposite the stop street showing "Main Rd/Franschhoek - R101/R45.
- Turn left into the R45 Franschhoek Rd (after about 500m).
- Drive for about 20km on the same stretch to Franschhoek.
- Now that you have reached Franschhoek, continue to T-junction where you will notice the The Huguenot Monument in front of you.
- Turn right into Excelsior Rd and second left into Verdun Rd.
- After about 200m (before the road takes a bend), you will notice two white pillars with various signage.
- The last sign indicates "Le Domaine Charmant". Drive through the pillars and continue straight onto the gravel road (Chemin des Lumieres), for about 1km until you reach the farm gates.
  
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