The popular Paarl Spice Route in the Cape Winelands region is known for its idyllic landscapes and unique collection of artisans. The farm combines food, wine, art, and culture and invites visitors to explore their various establishments, all within walking distance.
The Farm
E95E5H The view from the Spice Route Farm. Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Suider-Paar in the Cape Winelands.
The farm was established in 1693 and was initially called ‘Leeuwenjagt.’ In the 15th century, mariners would trade Eastern spices to Europe along the spice route, now part of the farm’s heritage.
In 1997, the current owners renamed the farm, The Spice Route, in honour of that heritage.
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The Spice Route
Visitors can enjoy a ‘holistic collection of authentic agricultural and artisanal products and experiences.’ Artisans have been hand-selected to offer their talents and products at the Spice Route.
Purchase a Spice Route passport upon arrival at the Guest Information Office. Each vendor will stamp your passport while you enjoy your tasting experiences.
Tasting Route
Five different venues offer tastings with trained tasting hosts, including wine, beer, chocolates, and cured meat tastings.
- De Villiers Artisan Chocolate: Enjoy a selection of chocolate and confectionary tasting
- Spice Route Wines: Indulge in a tasting of 6 Spice Route wines, or choose a charcuterie or vegetarian journey to pair with your wine.
- CBC Premium Beer: Gain a stamp on your passport by tasting 4 pre-selected beers
- Jewell’s charcuterie: Jewell’s offers bespoke hand-crafted produce. Tuck into 6 Jewell’s cured meats paired with 6 Spice Route wines.
- Wilderer Spirits Tasting: Your last passport stamp will come from one of the best spirits-tasting experiences you can have. Taste 3 pre-selected Wilderer Spirits.
Restaurants
If you’d prefer a big, hearty meal or a lazy day with friends around the lunch table, consider visiting one of the Spice Route’s gorgeous restaurants.
- La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro: La Grapperiea serves German-Italian cuisine as well as delectable wood-fired pizzas
- Jewell’s Farm: Jewell’s farm-to-table concept means your food will be fresh, locally sourced, and delicious.
- Ristorante Pasta Pasta: For an authentic Italian breakfast or lunch meal, visit Ristorante Pasta Pasta.
Shops
For an authentic and unique shopping experience, the Spice Route offers unique and quaint stores you can browse.
- The Trading Company: This decor store has an array of locally made pieces of homeware, games, jewellery, and toys that are all authentically created.
- Brenda’s: Brenda’s offers a selection of hand-crafted produce. Her goods are made from natural ingredients and are additive-free.
- Lucky Bamboo: Spend time pondering whether to buy one or two of the authentically-crafted products sold at Lucky Bamboo.
- De Villers Chocolate: South Africa’s first bean-to-bar artisanal maker does not harm people or the planet, and all its cocoa bean suppliers are Rainforest Alliance Certified. Enjoy your chocolate treat with peace of mind.
- Spice Route Wines: Spice Route Wines offers a taste sensation through its hand-crafted wines brought through from the Swartland.
- Jewell’s Charcuterie: Enjoy Jewell’s bespoke, hand-crafted produce paired with the Spice Route Wines or by itself.
- Môigoeters: ‘A place where you can buy Môi stuff or create your own Môi stuff.’ You can buy what Môigoeters has on offer or use their creative space to paint a crockery piece.
- Wilderer Distillery: Sip on some of the world’s best gin, grappa, and eau de vie at Wilderer Distillery.
Pictures: Alamy
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