Just an hour away from Cape Town sits the charming town of Paarl with sloping valleys and vineyards. Part of the overarching Cape Winelands, Paarl has one of South Africa’s many, many wine routes, known for its bold dry reds and delicate crisp whites.
For those who want to sip back and relax, have a look at this list of some of Paarl’s finest wineries.
1. Nederburg Wines
Credit: Julian Knutzen/Flickr Commons
Nederburg Wines estate is located just outside Paarl, set against the backdrop of the ethereal Drakenstein Mountains.
With sweeping, luscious lawns, there’s ample space to have a picnic and soak up the sun. The estate architecture is a mix of contemporary and vintage, creating postcard-worthy snapshots.
In addition to an on-site bistro, those with little ones don’t need to worry about them being bored, as there is a well-equipped playground.
Choose any five from a fine selection of white, red and sparkling wines to taste for R70.
Indulge in the three-course wine and food pairing experience, combining the best flavours of both to give you the ultimate taste of what Nederburg has to offer, for R500 per person.
Either sit inside or sprawl out on the grass with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board.
Address: Nederburg Wines, Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl.
For more information, click here.
2. Vondeling Wines
Credit: Getaway Gallery
Vondeling Wines offer tranquillity and panoramic views of the sloping mountains covered with rows of vineyards in every direction.
During the chilly winter nights, you can enjoy a glass of your favourite Vondeling wine beside the toasty fireplace, while the shaded veranda is the perfect spot to seek shelter from the sweltering heat in the summer.
Groups of fewer than10 people can enjoy a farm-style platter with a bottle of Vondeling wine.
Groups of more than 10 can get a custom made menu.
The standard tasting option offers six wines for R50.
Address: Vondeling Wines, Voor, Paardeberg Road, Paarl.
For more information, click here.
3. Boland Cellar
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Boland Cellar has a broad range of wines, made with the finest fruit picked from vast vineyards all along the Cape coastal wine region.
The tasting room has rows and rows of wine on display against the exposed brick walls. Visitors can pick from a selection of any 30 wines to taste.
The outdoor section comes with shaded tables for those who wish to bask in the spectacular nature views.
Groups of more than 10 people are required to book in advance.
Taste five different wines for R30, which can be refunded if a purchase is made.
Address: Boland Cellar, Noord Agter Paarl, Paarl.
For more information, click here
Also read: Explore Paarl’s dining scene
4. Fairview Wine and Cheese
Credit: Allan Watt/Flickr Commons
Fairview Wine and Cheese has a little bit of everything. A shop, a deli, a bakery, on-site dining options, a playground and even several goats who roam the grounds.
For just cheese tasting, try six cheeses for R25 per person.
For the standard tasting, try six wines and six cheeses for R50 per person.
For a little more substance, try six wines with four cheeses and two cured meats for R70 per person.
There’s even an option for the little ones; five sweet cheeses, one sweet treat and one glass of lemonade for R50 per person.
Address: Fairview Wine and Cheese, Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Suider-Paarl.
For more information, click here.
5. Laborie Estate
Credit: Supplied
Laborie Estate has a captivating landscape, featuring radiant flowers, tall oak trees and an array of birds and squirrels.
Bask in the serene scenery under the shade of the leafy oak tree, undisturbed with a chilled glass of wine, or discover the hidden nooks and crannies of the Laborie estate on one of the vineyard tours.
Take your pick of any five wines for R30.
Address: Taillefer Street, Laborie Estate, Paarl.
For more information, click here.
Picture: Unsplash
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