Local flavours, slow-living and a sense of history.
It’s all about savouring slow-living and soaking up the essence of Paarl heritage at Laborie Wine Estate. The landmark Taal Monument crowns the view behind the historic manor house, vines flow downhill to edge the main road and up the slopes of Paarl Rock behind. Despite a history dating back to 1691, the estate feels very much part of contemporary Paarl life. It’s an oasis of tranquillity as a Winelands base with rolling lawns (perfect for picnics), verdant vineyard vistas, hiking and cycling trails leading up onto Paarl mountain, and an extensive jungle-gym among the vines. Locals pop by to shop at the enticing Farm Grocer deli, meet friends for coffee, brunch and cocktails at Suzanne, and for a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner at Stoep Restaurant.
Here are eight reasons you’ll want to linger all day to experience all this Paarl gem has to offer.
Dining at Stoep Restaurant
The mood is elegant and contemporary but informal at Stoep (dining that feels like home), with conservatory-style glass walls spilling out onto a wide terrace that soaks up views of rolling vineyards. The bistro-style farmhouse food uses seasonal ingredients from the farmers and artisans of the surrounding Drakenstein region. Think duck bobotie wontons, chargrilled skaapstertjies (sheep’s tails); creamy exotic mushroom homemade tagliatelle with basil and labneh; melanzane al forno; salads, burgers, and steaks with hand-cut chips. And a breakfast menu is served until 11am. Kids love exploring the extensive jungle-gym tucked among the vines close by, and a private dining room seating 20-30 guests caters for anything from business lunches to baby showers.
Opening times Monday + Tuesday, 7am – 5pm
Wednesday – Friday, 7am – 10pm
Saturday, 8am – 10pm
Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 807 3232, restaurant@laborieestate.co.za
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Brunch at Suzanne
Named after a French Huguenot winemaker from Champagne, Suzanne Taillefert (Laborie’s first lady of the house), Suzanne’s takes you seamlessly from coffee to cocktails, with chic decor inside and shaded pergola tables outdoors. On the new all-day brunch menu we love the sound of banana bread French toast and roosterkoek eggs Florentine. Or go for smoked salmon salad, shakshuka, croissants, sandwiches, platters and pizzas (from 11pm). A drinks menu of classic cocktails, cap classique and Paarl Brewery craft beers, and fresh orange juice (squeezed next door at the Farm Grocer) completes the picture.
Good to know Sundays mean bottomless mimosas with brunch (11am – 2pm).
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 7am – 9pm
Friday, 7am –11pm
Saturday, 7am – 11pm
Sunday, 7am – 5pm
Contact 021 807 3837, restaurant@laborieestate.co.za
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Stocking up at The Farm Grocer
A cornucopia of beautiful farm produce is your welcome to the estate’s bountiful deli, where local organic produce and artisanal products are piled high in a mouthwatering display that makes grocery shopping an effortless delight. Baskets and shelves overflow with freshly-baked goodies, homemade preserves, gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil on tap, free-range eggs and more. Fresh pasta is made daily on site, and you can stock up on freshly-made ready meals crafted with love by the chefs from Stoep restaurant. There’s also a specialist butcher’s counter and a cellar of local wines, so it really is a one-stop shop to tick off your sustainably-sourced shopping list.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 7pm
Sunday 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 807 3091, farmgrocer@laborieestate.co.za
Picnics in the vineyards
Find a shaded spot on the lawns in front of the manor house with long mountain views, or head to the lawn among the vineyards (with a nearby jungle gym) and browse the wooden picnic crate full of locally sourced treats from the estate’s Farm Grocer. Think freshly baked mini baguette, local charcuterie and cheeses, preserves, pickles, olives, smoked snoek smoor with roosterkoek, chicken satay and couscous salad, and a variety of sweet treats. As well as lazy picnic lunches, you can opt for sunset picnics, watching the golden glow on the mountains with a chilled glass of the estate’s wine to hand.
Good to know Booking at least 24 hours in advance is required. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Friday + Saturday 12pm – 2pm
Collection 1pm or 2pm
Cost R395 per person
R180 for kid’s basket
Contact 021 807 3095, picnics@laborieestate.co.za
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Delicious wine-tasting
The high-ceilinged historic voorkamer rooms in the original manor house are an atmospheric setting for a wine-tasting, or sit out on the verandah to soak up the views. You get a sense of the estate’s 300-year history of wine-making as you sip on winemaker Kobus van der Merwe and team’s renowned range of cap classiques and elegant but full-flavoured whites and reds. Order a cheese or charcuterie platter to accompany your tasting or indulge in a canapé pairing.
Good to know Platters are available until 4pm daily.
Cost R80 (5 wines or 3 cap classiques)
R185 (platter for two: cheese or charcuterie)
R175 (platter for two: cheese + charcuterie)
R225 (canapés + 5 wines)
R165 (canapés + 3 cap classiques)
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
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A luxury stay
A new layer of luxury has just been added to the choice of lodgings at Laborie, for a tranquil stay among vines and Paarl mountain vistas. The 14 newly launched luxury and deluxe Vineyard suites are immersed in rolling vineyards just above the manor house and offer spectacular mountain views, contemporary design and luxurious interiors. The Werf luxury rooms and deluxe suites overlook the manor house lawns and oak trees offering traditional comfort and charm, while the elegant six-bedroom Villa (a stone’s throw away from the main complex among the vines) can be booked per room or for exclusive use by larger families or groups of friends.
Cost From R2 900 per night for two people
MAKE A RESERVATION
Big-screen moments at the Audrium
A newly launched 60-seater cinema-style venue ideal for conferences and private functions, The Audrium is also the setting for themed movie nights complete with popcorn and wine (keep an eye on socials for upcoming screenings). For conferences and events there are flexible booking options so you can programme presentations and private screenings with refreshments, lunch at one of the estate restaurants, host gatherings in the Laborie Champagne Cellar and more.
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Memorable weddings + special occasions
The views, the vines, the historic manor house… Laborie is a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and special events. Picture a vineyard longtable set between the rows of vines, or a laidback picnic celebration on the manor house lawns, an outdoor ceremony on the Vineyard lawn, a bubbly and brunch daytime event, or a chic formal seated dinner in the Champagne Cellar, not to mention a variety of options for rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding breakfasts.
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With so much happening on the farm (plus a succession of annual festivals, longtable dinners and other events) Laborie is an enchanting destination that is entwined in Paarl life, absorbing local flavours in a dreamy setting among the vines.
Contact 021 807 3095
Where to find it Laborie Heritage Wine Estate, Taillefer Street, off Main Road, Paarl
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