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South Africa’s second oldest wine route
Paarl Wine Route
Vineyards in Paarl
© Paarl Vintners
Did you know?
Paarl wine estates Zandwijk and Backsberg produce kosher wines.
The Paarl Wine Route, also known as Paarl Vintners, represents approximately 70 wine producers in the Drakenstein area ranging from vast co-operative cellars to historic family-owned estates.
Wine of Origin status was conferred on the Paarl district in 1972. A coastal wine-growing region, the Paarl district comprises the wards of Wellington, Simonsberg-Paarl and Voor Paardeberg. The former ward of Franschhoek became a district in its own right in May 2010.
Bordered by the scenic Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, and Klein Drakenstein mountains to the south, south-east, and east, the Paarl Wine Route combines old-world charm with new-world style winemaking.
The Paarl vineyards enjoy a typically Mediterranean climate, where long, hot summer days give way to cooling afternoon breezes from the Atlantic Ocean (off False and Table Bay) 60 kilometres distant.
Mild winters with generous rainfall, supplemented by irrigation from the Berg River, and diverse topography allows vines to flourish at a range of altitudes, from low-lying floodplains to the steep foothills of the Drakenstein basin.
Paarl’s diverse terroir reflects a variety of soils. Though granite, and acidic, potassium-rich gravel and clay loam are prominent, in the Drakenstein, Simonsberg, and Paardeberg wards, vines also thrive along ancient sandstone and shale terraces.
Home to some of the biggest names in the South African wine industry, Paarl vintners excel with Rhone varietals, including Shiraz, Grenache and Viognier, and local staples, Chenin blanc and Pinotage.
Visitors to the Paarl Wine Route should look out for the region’s increasingly well-regarded red and white blends, and Methode Cap Classique wines, as well as sherry, tawny (Port), and brandy.
Paarl’s vast vineyards (there are 16000 hectares under vine) produce wines to suit every palate and budget, from casual quaffers to connoisseurs.
Visitors can easily spend 5 days exploring the region, notwithstanding nearby Wellington and Franschhoek, so it's recommended that you tour the area based on interest.
With themed sub-routes including boutique wine farms, historical, gourmet, and architectural rambles, Paarl Vintners will ensure wine lovers' cups runneth over.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Paarl Vintners
Tel: +27 (0) 21 863 4886
Mobile: +27 (0)82 924 7254
E-mail: info@paarlwine.co.za
Paarl Tourism Association
Tel: +27 (0)21 863 4937
E-mail: info@paarlonline.com
Voor Paardeberg Visitors' Centre
Tel: +27 (0)21 869 8339
E-mail: taste@voorpaardeberg.co.za
Wellington Wine Route
Tel: +27 (0)21 873 4604
E-mail: welltour@mweb.co.za
South African Brandy Foundation
Tel: +27 (0)21 887 3157
How to get here
Just 40 minutes on the R44, off the N1, Paarl is a quick drive or taxi ride from Cape Town. Alternatively, catch the train or splash out on a helicopter flight.
Around the area
While in the area, visit the Taal (Afrikaans language) Monument, the Arboretum beside the Berg River, and explore vast granite rock formations, thought to be 50-million years old, in the Paarl Nature Reserve, Other Paarl attractions and activities include animal, bird and reptile parks, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, horse riding, fishing and golf.
Tours to do
In Paarl, you could take a walking tour of Main Road to see examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture, or explore the Brandy Route that includes several wine farms and brandy cellars in the area.
Get around
Ideally, you should have your own car to explore scenic Paarl. You can hire a car in Cape Town and Paarl. Alternatively, go on a guided tour.
What will it cost
Private cellars charge between R15 and R25 per person for a tasting.
Length of stay
Paarl’s close proximity to Cape Town makes it ideal to visit for anything from an afternoon to a week.
What to pack
Paarl’s weather can be quite variable, so cover all eventualities by wearing layers. June to September is the rainy season. December to April is summer, and sun protection is advised.
Where to stay
Choose from riverside campsites, and township homestays, to quaint boutique and five-star hotels.
What to eat
Dining options in Paarl include fine dining at Bosman’s restaurant at the Grande Roche Hotel, and authentic Cape Malay dining at De Leuwen Jagt, or Zomerlust, where Cass Abrahams, the doyenne of Cape Malay cooking, presides over the kitchen. Try local olives and award-winning goats', sheep and cows' milk cheeses at The Goatshed at Fairview wine estate.
What's happening
The OmmiBerg (round the rock) festival happens every second Saturday in March; the Nederburg Auction and the Cultivaria festival both take place in September.
Best buys
Wine, handcrafted Venetian glass at Seidelberg Wine Estate, international award-winning grappas and fruit schnapps from Wilderers Distillery; and gold-medal winning brandies along the Brandy Route.