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Wine beneath the pearl mountain
The Paarl Winelands
Looking onto the Paarl winelands at sunset.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Paarl Wine Route is known as the Red Route for its legendary red wines.
The Paarl Winelands are framed by the majestic Groot and Klein Drakenstein and Franschhoek mountains. Running through the Paarl wine estates is the Berg River, which sustains the winelands in Paarl as the area is dependant on irrigation.
Paarl is the third oldest town in South Africa. Founded in 1687 when Dutch settlers were given farms along the Berg River, it quickly established itself as a centre for fine wines, many of which are considered amongst the best in the world.
A feature of the town, from which it derives its name, is the huge granite Paarl Rock formed by 3 rounded outcrops that tower above it. Comparable to the Uluru (Ayers) Rock in Australia, it was christened in 1657 by a Cape Town traveller who saw it glittering like a pearl.
The town is considered the birthplace of the Afrikaans language. A monument to this on the slopes of Paarl Rock, the Language Museum and the Afrikaans Language Route bear testimony to this. Its prosperity is also there to see in the many well-preserved Cape Dutch houses.
But it is for their wines that most visitors come to the Paarl winelands. While it produces fine whites, it is legendary for its award-winning noble reds. That is why the Paarl Wine Route is affectionately known as the ‘Red Route'.
This route includes more than 40 estates in the winelands of Paarl, including Fairview, Laborie and Avondale. Also on the route is the historic Nederburg, which at the end of summer hosts the Nederberg Auction, considered a must for discerning wine buyers.
The area is a mecca for rock climbers and those wanting scenic drives over the numerous mountain passes leading to Paarl. There are also reserves, a bird sanctuary, crocodile farm, butterfly farm and lion park nearby.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Paarl Tourism Association
Tel: +27 (0)21 872 0860
E-mail: info@paarlonline.com
Website: www.paarlonline.com
How to get here
Paarl is easily accessible by road and some of the drives boast amazing scenery. Hire a car to get to the winelands or speak to your tour operator.
Around the area
Explore the Paarl Museum to get a taste of the town's colourful history.
Get around
Paarl is well sign-boarded and there are brochures and maps readily available to show you the various routes.
What will it cost
Depends on how much red wine you glug!
Length of stay
Give yourself at least a day. Better still, make a weekend out of it.
What to pack
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes. In summer it is very hot so dress lightly. Winters can be cold and wet, so warm clothes and an umbrella.
Where to stay
Paarl has numerous quality establishments from budget guesthouses to award-winning hotels.
What to eat
There are great restaurants in the old town and on most of the wine estates. Do try some local Afrikaaner cuisine.
What's happening
Why not take the Paarl Wine Route, which is a great way to see the area. There are also scenic drives over the many passes that connect the Paarl winelands to the rest of the Cape.
Best buys
What else but wine!