The 15 Best Wine Farms in Paarl

The Paarl wine route may not have the glam factor of its more famous neighbours, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, but on the winding gravel roads between the Drakenstein and Paarlberg mountains you’ll discover a growing number of wine gems worth seeking out. Generations-old tradition, proud heritage and Boland hospitality at its finest flows through small family wine farms, historic estates brimming with character, and a handful of chic new wine destinations. Not to mention fantastic wine made with a whole lot of heart and soul.

Wine aside, explorers can expect to find picnic spots with breathtaking views, family-friendly mountain-biking trails, mouthwatering bistros, pizzerias and restaurants, and wonderful country accommodation… to name but a few!

Bacco Estate: Super Tuscan style

An avenue of young cypresses, wines in the Super Tuscan style and tall red-brick buildings with soaring arched windows… you can almost taste Tuscany in the air at this Paarl estate. It’s immensely chic with doors opening onto a terrace looking towards the Taal Monument on one side and windows into the state-of-the-art cellar on the other, and is edged by beautiful indigenous gardens.
Wine-tasting Taste five wines that go from deliciously fresh vermentino and rosé to superb red blends inspired by the Super Tuscans. An innovative cannoli pairing is offered, or enjoy your tasting over lunch.
Food offering The Italian influence is also lively in the short cicchetti (small plates) lunch menu which changes every month. Chef Carla Jankelowitz devises mouthwatering seasonal menus that riff on local ingredients and pair beautifully with the wines. Book now
For kids There is a kids food menu and a special hot-chocolate tasting.
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 11am – 4.30pm
Contact 063 296 2147, info@baccoestate.co.za
Where to find it Bacco Estate, Simonsvlei Road, Paarl

Laborie Wine Estate: heritage and local flavour

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.
Wine-tasting The high-ceilinged 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. The renowned range of cap classiques and elegant but full-flavoured whites and reds can also be accompanied by a platter or a canapé pairing.
Food offering 

• Stoep Restaurant: enjoy a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner, where the emphasis is on local, seasonal and generous flavours. Book now
• Suzanne: a lovely spot for brunch and cocktails. Book now
• Picnics: order a basket of eats to enjoy on the rolling lawns by the manor house or among the vines. Book now

Things to do 

• The Farm Grocer: shop for fresh-baked breads, produce and meats at this enticing deli.
• Paarl Trails: explore the hiking and mountain-biking trails leading up onto Paarl Mountain.
• There’s a succession of annual festivals, longtable dinners, movie screenings and other events on the estate.

For kids They’ll find an extensive jungle-gym among the vines near Stoep and an enticing water channel to splash in along the avenue.
Stay Fourteen newly launched luxury and deluxe Vineyard suites are immersed in rolling vineyards with spectacular mountain views, contemporary design and luxurious interiors. The Werf luxury rooms and deluxe suites overlook the manor house lawns and oak trees, and there’s an elegant six-bedroom Villa available for exclusive use or per room. Book now
Tasting room open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Contact 021 807 3095, admin@laborieestate.co.za
Where to find it Taillefer Street, off Main Road, Paarl

Brookdale Estate: hidden valley finesse

Brookdale Estate is a world apart: a secret valley in a fold of the mountains above Paarl, delightfully discovered as you dip steeply down to a little bridge over a mountain stream past indigenous gardens and vines new and old. Owner Tim Rudd has been restoring the farm and re-planting vineyards since 2015 (keeping one block of old-growth chenin) and has already built up a reputation for stand-out wines.
Wine-tasting The chic tasting room looks out over vine-clad slopes, where you can settle in for a tasting of either the Mason Road range or the Brookdale range, or order by the glass. There’s also a sip-and-dip pairing, or you can order from the small plates menu. Book now
Food offering The elegant contemporary restaurant adjoining the tasting room shares the same mesmerising views over the valley. “Chic bistro” is how chef Gary Coetzee describes his menu, with locally sourced ingredients, beautiful presentation and flavours that really pop. Book now
Stay The Cape Dutch-style manor house has six suites (booked individually or as exclusive use) with beautiful gardens, swimming pool and every comfort. Manor House guests can explore the estate with a walk through the vineyards and the magnificent gardens. Book now
Tasting room open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Contact 087 183 3919, bistro@brookdale-estate.com
Where to find it Hawequa Bos Pad, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl

Adara Palmiet Valley: boutique escape

A rose-lined drive through vines and guava groves on this 300-year-old Paarl farm leads to a homestead of thatched Cape Dutch buildings against a scenic backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains. Owners (and architects) Eva and Hermann Rudolph have lavished care upon these buildings in a sensitive restoration to luxury boutique hotel, with equal care given to restoring the vineyards, and there’s a blissful sense of escape and tranquillity here.
Wine-tasting The new range of organically grown wines, crafted in partnership with winemaker Niel Bester, can be explored in a leisurely wine-tasting of five wines on the terrace of historic Jacaranda House, overlooking gardens and mountains. Book now
Food offering On a terrace lapped by frothy clouds of pink hydrangeas, shaded by old oak trees, chef Edgar Osojnik (of Buitenverwachting fame) serves up an elegant à la carte menu of classic dishes, flawlessly executed in relaxed fine-dining style. On Sundays they hold a braai afternoon with an array of traditional fire-cooked dishes, salads and sides. Book now
For kids There’s plenty of space to play in the gardens around the restaurant terrace and a dedicated kids menu.
Stay Four Cape Dutch buildings have been lavishly restored to contemporary comfort with 13 rooms and suites (some with private pools) and an exclusive-use villa. There’s also a shared swimming pool in the lush gardens. Book now
Good to know With sustainability at the forefront, the whole complex is off-grid, powered by solar and with borehole water (filtered with state-of-the art technology) in the pipes.
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Contact 021 300 1058, info@adara-palmiet-valley.co.za
Where to find it Sonstraal Road, Paarl

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate: for wine lovers with kids

In a secluded valley between the granite hills of the Paarl Rock mountains, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate is a quintessentially family-friendly Winelands experience. With rolling lawns, a large farm dam and 100-year-old oaks – and the scent of jasmine and lavender wafting through the air – Rhebokskloof is known and loved for its warm hospitality and scenic setting with plenty of space to play.
Wine-tasting Winemaker Rolanie Lotz is renowned for her Rhône-style varietals and blends, including shiraz, chardonnay and chenin blanc, which you can taste in the cool of the tasting room under the guidance of the knowledgeable wine advisors. Tastings include five wines of your choice, and there’s also a stunning pairing with specially crafted Belgian chocolates. Book now
Food offering 

• El Picoteo: the recently reimagined farm restaurant is where Marco de Matos and Susana Vaz conjure up the flavours of Spain, especially Galicia. In traditional tapas culture, share small plates such as garlic prawns, croquettes and patatas bravas – paired perfectly with Rhebokskloof’s signature wines – while you enjoy the stunning vineyard views from the stoep and terrace. The hearty breakfasts, wood-fired pizza and kids’ menus continue in family-friendly style. Book now
• Picnics: book a gourmet picnic basket to enjoy on the lawns that roll down to the farm dam. Book now

Things to do 

• Paarl Trails: go mountain-biking, running or hiking on the extensive network of trails both on the farm and in the surrounding Paarl Mountain (day permit required).
• Full-moon hike: book a spot on this guided outing in the summer months. Book now

For kids There’s a jungle gym near the restaurant terrace to keep the little ones entertained and wide lawns running down to the dam.
Good to know Hosting an event? Book The Rhebok or The Cape Dutch venues, while kids’ summer parties can be hosted next to the dam.
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 021 869 8386, info@rhebokskloof.co.za
Where to find it Noord Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl

Avondale Wine: biodynamic farm bliss

A gracious old Cape Dutch manor, sprawling cottage gardens and a bio-dynamic wine farm, where duck-mobiles rotate around the vineyards, a visit to Avondale Estate can be summed up in one phrase: pure magic. Proprietor Johnathan Grieve delves deep into regenerative farming in harmony with nature and sustainable winemaking processes at this hidden gem of a family farm.
Wine-tasting In the elegant tasting gallery in the historic manor house or outside on the verandah, embark on a tasting journey of seven slow-crafted organic wines and learn about Avondale’s minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy. There are cheese and charcuterie platters to accompany your wines, and an option of a shorter tasting of four wines.
Food offering 

• Faber: here chef Dale Stevens crafts a selection of delectable dishes using organic and seasonal ingredients from the farm (and from other ethical producers) that take guests on a memorable culinary journey. It’s casual farm-to-fork fine-dining with an à la carte menu and a six-course tasting menu. Book now
• Picnic: order an alfresco lunch to enjoy in one of six private spots on the lawn or by the stream. Book now

Things to do 

• Eco wine safari: this guided tractor-trailer tour gives you the lowdown on everything, from farming in tune with nature to winemaking and a visit to the underground gravity flow cellar (booking essential). Book now
• Art at Avondale: changing exhibitions of contemporary South African art are on display in the Tasting Gallery and at Faber.
• Saturday farm walk: explore the fynbos, fauna and flora on a series of scenic farm trails, then grab a coffee and browse the artisanal goods at Ochra.

For kids There are kids menus and kids picnics, and the farm setting with glimpses of ducks and other farm animals is bound to appeal. Children go free on the Saturday morning walks.
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact Tasting Gallery: 021 863 1976, wine@avondalewine.co.za
Faber: 021 202 1219, faber@avondalewine.co.za
Where to find it Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl

Spice Route Destination: for all the family

A one-stop Winelands experience just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Spice Route Destination offers wonderful views and a variety of artisanal shops celebrating Cape flavours and talent. The Spice Route winery was founded by Charles Back (of neighbouring Fairview) to explore the Swartland in intense terroir-styled wines from deep red soils and unirrigated bush vines.
Wine-tasting Small-batch wines from the Swartland can be tasted (and paired with Jewell’s charcuterie, desserts or Beyers’ chocolate pralines). Plus there’s premium beer and Rekorderlig cider tastings at the Cape Brewing Company, and spirits at Wilderer Distillery (gin, grappa and schnapps).
Food offering 

• Jewell’s Restaurant: charcuterie maestro Neil Jewell and his wife Tina serve up innovative farm-to-table bistro plates. Book now
• La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro: find German- and Italian-inspired food, wood-fired, thin-base pizzas and platters to share.
• The Chocolate Room by Beyers: as well as chocolate tastings, it offers toasted sandwiches, coffee and ice cream.
• Sweet Angels: daily bakes, handmade fudges and traditional melktert soft-serve ice cream are on the menu here.

Things to do 

• Shop: Brenda’s is packed with preserves, homeware, gardening items, confectionery and spices (you can blend your own spice mix), Abigail Bisogno’s Trading Company is an eclectic decor store, plus there’s an outpost of Nigiro Tea.
• Paarl Trails: Enjoy the mountain-biking, hiking and running trails both on the farm and into the surrounding mountain.

For kids There is a playground conveniently located next to La Grapperia, and another play area and pump track close to Jewell’s Restaurant. The Spies Route scavenger hunt takes them exploring all over the farm.
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 863 5200, info@spiceroute.co.za
Where to find it Suid Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl

Babylonstoren: superb gardens + unrivalled style

One exception to the under-the-radar Paarl vibe is this stunner of a farm-chic wine destination. Set in the Franschhoek Valley but officially within the Paarl wine region, the farm is owned by the inimitably stylish former magazine editor Karen Roos. It’s difficult to impart how and why this farm ticks all the sensory boxes with such easygoing aplomb. Perhaps it’s the scale of the vision: the marvel of a magnificent fruit and vegetable heritage garden around which all else circulates, and the emphasis on lovely details. There is a real sense of delight here.
Wine-tasting The farm grows 13 different grape varieties on the Simonsberg slopes. Next to the vintage wine cellar is a tasting centre where the standard tasting includes seven excellent Babylonstoren wines (you can add the Flagship wines individually, including the Sprankel MCC). Or do the express tasting of just three wines.
Food offerings

• Greenhouse: The daytime restaurant serves casual food in relaxed al fresco style.
• Babel: The more sophisticated space offers farm-to-fork dining using ingredients from the farm. Book now
• The Gelato Room: Buy scoops of gorgeous homemade ice cream from the farm’s water buffalo herd.

Things to do

• The Story of Wine: Explore the wine museum where interactive visual documentary and audio guides provide a fascinating peek into the history and cultivation of wine. An informative cellar tour can also be booked and includes a tasting. Book now
• Soetmelksvlei: Travel back in time to the 19th century at this living farm museum, where artisans demonstrate milling, forging and carpentry as it would have been done back then (booking essential). Book now
• The Farm Shop: Find freshly baked bread, a selection of cheeses, biltong and charcuterie.
• The Scented Room: stocked with soaps, candles and bath products.
• Workshops + Tours: Book a range of workshops such as essential-oil blending and bonsai, or join a garden tours, or an olive oil tour where you blend your own. Book now
• Garden Spa: Treat yourself to scented pampering.

For kids The whole farm is a haven for children, with farm animals to visit (from donkeys to pekin ducks and turkeys), and never-ending gardens with mazes and water features to splash around in.
Stay Immerse yourself in this garden paradise overnight in one of the Farmhouse suites or cottages for a sumptuous and stylish yet unpretentious taste of country life. Overnight guests can row on the dam, cycle around the farm and get involved in farm activities such as the morning harvest. Book now
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (summer)
Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (winter)
Contact 021 863 3852, enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Where to find it Klapmuts – Simondium Road, Simondium

Vrymansfontein: view-drenched sipping

Sean Gibson

A working almond farm with spectacular views on the Suid Agter-Paarl Road, Vrymansfontein is fresh from a magnificent re-imagining as a wine-and-dining destination for families and foodies. It’s the home-from-home for Vondeling Wines (a family wine farm on the Voor Paardeberg near Paarl) with a tasting room, two restaurants and glorious views all the way to Table Mountain.
Wine-tasting There’s a choice of four tastings of the award-winning Vondeling wines at view-drenched The Tasting Bar under the trees. Each includes a complimentary snack platter. Book now
Food offering 

• Scape: a Mediterranean-inspired farm-to-table menu offers a fresh and flavour-packed menu of family-style shared plates. Book now
• The Shed: enjoy gourmet pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven at this alfresco eatery. Book now

For kids The extensive custom-built timber jungle gym is a magnet for children and includes some water-play elements. There are also swings and mini trampolines, plus a huge lawn on which to run free.
Tasting room open Wednesday – Thursday, 10am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday, 10am – 8pm (subject to change depending on season)
Contact 082 617 4903, info@vrymansfontein.co.za
Where to find it Suid Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl

Fairview: wine, cheese and goats

Fairview’s iconic goat tower (with majestic billy goat or scampering kids on the ramp) draws the eye as you arrive at this picturesque third-generation family farm in the Paarl Winelands. Known for its pioneering cheese-making and award-winning wines, owner Charles Back takes the farm-to-fork (and bottle) philosophy to heart and encourages a free-spirited experimentation grounded in sustainable farm practices.
Wine-tasting Rhône varietals (in the punny Goats do Roam range), creamy cap classique, and  experimental small-batch wines can be tasted in the form of various cheese-and-wine pairings perched on stools at a barrel pod in the cool tasting room. Or there’s a tutored master tasting in the comfortable room next to the barrel cellars. Book now
Food offering The popular Goatshed Restaurant in the long heritage building (with a light-drenched verandah looking at the goat tower) serves fresh farm comfort food, from burgers, pies and steaks to harvest bowls and thin-crust pizzas with creative toppings. Book now
Things to do

• Mountain nature walk: Join this guided 5km walk to learn about the wildlife and plants of the farm and Paarl Mountain nature reserve. Book now
• Deli & Shop: Don’t leave without browsing the deli for cheese, breads and baked goods from the farm bakery, preserves and fresh produce from the farm.

For kids There’s a tasting of cheeses paired with rooibos or lemonade. They can also meet the goats and hear their stories with farmer Donald Mouton (just as interesting for adults, too).
Tasting room open Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 863 2450, info@fairview.co.za
Where to find it Suid Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl

Nederburg: heritage and family-friendly spaces

In a prime position just outside Paarl, the captivating views of the Drakenstein mountains,  verdant vineyards and sprawling gardens at this historic estate dating back to 1791 create a perfect backdrop for tasting award-winning wines, enjoying lazy picnics and savouring delicious food.
Wine-tasting Sample Nederburg’s award-winning range of wines in the elegantly furnished tasting room with views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Vintages from collections such The Winemasters, The Manor House and Two Centuries are available for tasting, including the winery’s critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, which can be enjoyed in a special Riedel glass. Plus chocolate or cheese pairings Book now
Food offering 

• The Manor Restaurant: enjoy delicious breakfasts and seasonal lunches in the historic dining room or on the charming stoep. Book now
• The Courtyard: the newly re-imagined space offers a casual menu of self-service snacks, platters and pizzas and adjoins the Jack Black taproom and a kids play area. Book now
• Picnics: order a basket of treats and relax on the lawns. Book now

Things to do
Visit the Old Cellar Museum for the history of the farm in the form of beautiful artefacts and pictures. Also available are guided tours of the state-of-the-art wine cellar. Book now
For kids Jungle gyms, a tree house, a zipline, swings, Jenga and lawn games keep kids happily busy. There are kids picnic boxes, a kids menu in the restaurant and exciting kids pairings.
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 862 3104, Info_Nederburg@heineken.com
Where to find it Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl

Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate: for aficionados

This family-run boutique winery, named after the mountain adjacent to the farm that bears an uncanny resemblance to a bishop’s mitre, is undoubtedly one of the Paarl Wine Route’s hidden gems. With a grand Cape Georgian-styled manor and a vintage cellar, this estate is both beautiful and an award-winning wine producer.
Wine-tasting Tastings are held in the private underground cellar or in the family dining room with winemaker Lola Nicholls and assistant winemaker Alex Shone (booking essential). Explore the Flagship range of Bordeaux-style reds (including award-winning cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignons) and Premium range, which includes cinsault and viognier. Book now
Food offering Go for the cheese-pairing with fabulous local cheeses.
Things to do Book a wine-blending class where you’ll create your own Bordeaux blend under the guidance of the winemakers that will be bottled and labelled for you to take home. Book now
Tasting room open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday + Sunday, by appointment only
Contact 021 875 5960, info@mitres-edge.co.za
Where to find it R44, Klapmuts

Painted Wolf Wines: guided by conservation

In 2006, Emma and Jeremy Borg decided to create a wine company with two aims – to raise money for the conservation of African wild dogs (otherwise known as painted wolves) and to give Jeremy the opportunity to pursue his dream of making wine. Apart from their incredible conservation efforts (that have raised over R4 million), the duo create distinctive high-quality wines – such as Roussane, and their flagship old-vine chenin.
Wine-tasting The Den (tasting room) is located at the Simondium Guild just outside Paarl, where you can join a guided tasting and find out more about the conservation of painted wolves.
Food offering Next door at the Guild is the Sip Society Café, a casual eatery serving light meals and burgers. If you’re not into wine, there’s an artisan brewery next door too.
Tasting room open Wednesday – Thursday + Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Friday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Contact 021 863 2492, wines@paintedwolfwines.com
Where to find it Simondium Guild, R45, Paarl

Under Oaks: boutique-style wines + pizzas

Lizelle Lötter

This family-owned farm, dating back to 1695, is as scenic as it is drenched in history. It provides a perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the area’s natural beauty and watch farm animals roam free. The Britz family has been crafting boutique wines here since 2001 (with a commitment to sustainability) on unique terroir that perfectly suits Bordeaux and Southern Rhône cultivars.
Wine-tasting Enjoy an informative tasting of fine boutique wines (or book a pizza-and- wine-pairing experience) in the authentic old Jonkmanshuis tasting room. Book now
Food offering The popular pizzeria, on the terrace under majestic oak trees, or by the fire inside the historic building, serves delicious wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes.
For kids There’s a small jungle gym on the lawns in front of the pizzeria.
Tasting room open Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 869 8045, wine@underoaks.co.za
Where to find it Noord Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl

Noble Hill: secluded and sustainable

On the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg mountains surrounded by hectares of vineyards, Noble Hill is a secluded sanctuary with wonderful valley views. Following a regenerative farming philosophy they produce a top-notch selection of organically-grown estate wines and are founder members of the newly formed Organic Wines South Africa.
Wine-tasting Sitting outside under the willow tree or inside the wine shop, explore one of two tastings (estate or reserve) of the delicate fresh wines with a mineral structure from the granite Simonsberg soils. Accompany it with a local Dalewood cheese board with mushroom pâté and crackers. You can also purchase the estate olive oil.
Food offering The popular Latin American-inspired Cosecha Restaurant is next to the working harvest area where grapes are sorted and crushed, with tables spreading onto the lawn from a shaded deck. Flavoursome Mexican and Cali-Mex dishes make for exciting all-day breakfasts and wholesome lunches (with a spicy kick!).
Tasting room open Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 021 874 3844, info@cosecharestaurant.com
Where to find it Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Paarl

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