A luxurious perch on a wine-tasting migration.
Named after the swooping, soaring Passeriforme family of birds, which includes swifts and swallows, this Franschhoek wine farm is a pocket-sized enclave of beautifully designed harmony. The elegant curves of Paserene’s glass-walled tasting room echo those of the swallow’s nest, looking out over a serene dam. Winding paths through immaculate indigenous gardens around the dam enclose hidden lawns and viewpoints back over the water to the tasting room, with 360 degrees of mountain backdrop. Exuding a serene and picturesque tranquillity, it’s an idyllic place to linger, whether you’re exploring the superbly crafted wines, or looking for a scenic venue for a special event.
Three expressions of terroir
With only 12 hectares of vines, this Franschhoek wine farm, co-owned by winemaker Martin Smith and businessman Ndavhe Mareda, and managed by Stephanie Duval-Laidet, truly is a boutique experience. Other wine farms in Elgin and Tulbagh give them access to a full range of grapes that express both cool climate and warmer inland terroir characteristics.
“My approach to winemaking has always been to produce wines with minimal intervention and bring forward the characteristics from soil, climate and grape variety,” says Martin. “By allowing the natural elements to shine through, I believe the resulting wines offer a more authentic and unique expression of their origins.”
Wine-pairing perfection
Settle into the comfortable, light and airy tasting lounge by the fireplace in winter, or catch the breeze under umbrellas on the deck in summer for a tasting of the award-winning, terroir-driven wines (regularly scoring highly at Platters and Gilbert & Gaillard Awards). There are two choices: the Paserene Premium wines where Martin pulls out all the stops to display his craft, including powerful red wines designed for ageing (in demand among collectors and oenophiles); and the playfully accessible Elements range, also beautifully crafted, for fresh natural flavours and immediate gratification.
Simply snacks
To go with your tasting, a down-to-earth, tick-box menu of delicious snacks allows you to design your own platters. Think Neil Jewell charcuterie, fresh ciabatta, a luxury cheeseboard, smoked trout, biltong, olives and a luxurious homemade chicken liver pâté with fruity chutney.
Or book ahead for the unique Lakrids by Bülow pairing… if you’ve never experienced the heavenly combination of salty liquorice, sweet dark chocolate, expertly matched with fine wine, you’re in for a treat.
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A view-drenched venue
As you wander through sculptural structures of natural slate and stone to the intimate private dining room (which doubles as a conference venue, seating up to 18 people), it’s easy to see how beautifully the space can be used as an exclusive-use wedding or function venue. A wide lawn leads off the deck towards the vines bordered with lavender, and there are photo opportunities galore among the indigenous gardens with the mountains behind. Stunning sculptures tuck naturally into the landscape, reflecting the inspired design eye behind the farm (look closer and you’ll notice the gatehouse forms a recumbent bottle shape and doubles as a water feature).
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Paserene effortlessly captures the imagination and soars with it to skies less travelled.
Good to know Bookings essential
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 876 2714, info@paserene.co.za
Where to find it Paserene Wine Farm, R45, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan
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