Rhebokskloof: A Hidden Family-Friendly Paarl Wine Farm

Winding up the long farm road to Rhebokskloof is a journey of discovery. The wine estate’s natural amphitheatre of vine-clad slopes is tucked into a fold at the northern end of Paarl mountain, rugged fynbos clad slopes meeting vines halfway. It feels sheltered from the rest of the world, an oasis of nature-infused tranquillity. One of the oldest farms in Paarl, dating back to 1697, there’s a settled sense of a working family farm passed through generations, with old oaks, lawns running down to a wide dam, a farmhouse kitchen restaurant and endless space for laidback picnics, open-air movie nights, and for kids to play.

Wine tasting and chocolate pairings

The wines tell the story of decomposed granite and black marble soils, a sheltered valley of east-, west- and north-facing slopes that give winemaker Rolanie Lotz a versatile palette of chenin blanc, shiraz, pinotage, chardonnay (as well as mourvèdre, durif and carignan) to play with.

In the wood-ceilinged, terracotta-flagged tasting room, we opted for the deservedly popular chocolate-and-wine pairing experience. Huguenot Fine Chocolates in Franschhoek worked with the team to craft five exquisite Belgian chocolates especially to pair with the wines. And they do. From a white chocolate with salted nectarine that brings out the fresh stone-fruit nuances of the Flatrock Sparkle, to the dark chocolate with crushed black pepper and plum that complements the smokey berry and plum elegance of the Rhebokskloof Pinotage, it’s a palate-pleasing delight.
Cost R75 (Rhebokskloof and Flatrock ranges, choose any 5 wines)
R100 (premium Black Marble Hill range of 3 wines)
R150 (chocolate pairing: 5 wines + 5 chocolates)
Good to know When you buy 12 bottles from the Rhebokskloof or Marble Hill wine ranges you can claim a complimentary pizza at the restaurant (or to take home).
When Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Book through DinePlan

Contemporary farmhouse fare

There’s a welcoming farmhouse-kitchen ambience to the restaurant, decorated with old photos and patterned plates on a lemon-trellis wallpaper. Victorian sash windows open onto a wide stoep with steps down to a deck on the lawns (and a nearby jungle gym), shaded by oak trees with the sparkle of the dam beyond.

Open for breakfast and lunch, the kitchen majors on hearty country fare lacing nostalgic food memories with contemporary twists: a togarashi spiced prawn and chorizo risotto, a warm spicy swiss chard salad with achar, quinoa, ricotta and avocado or a comforting soup of the day feature among the generous starters. On the winter menu go for mains of braised beef pappardelle, chicken biryani, gnocchi with mushrooms and artichokes, or the Rhebok burger. From the wood-fired pizza oven there’s also a delicious menu of crisp thin-based pizzas covering all bases from kid-friendly simplicity to harissa-spiced flavour punch.
Good to know The restaurant is pet-friendly outside. Pizzas are served 10am – 4pm
When Monday – Sunday, 8.30am – 4pm (breakfast served until 11.30am)
Book through DinePlan

Picnics

In summer the tree-dotted lawns leading down to the dam are the ideal spot for a leisurely picnic, while the kids run, climb and play on the nearby jungle gym. The gourmet picnic baskets are packed for two people and include freshly baked breads, charcuterie and cheese, biltong pâté and tapenade, homemade preserves, grilled chicken salads with buffalo mozzarella and a classic cheesecake, plus a bottle each of wine and water.
Good to know Picnics must be ordered 24 hours in advance.
Cost R900 (for two people including wine)
R160 (kids basket serving one, including juice and water)
Book through DinePlan

Weddings and functions

The farm has a versatile collection of venue spaces (and endless lawns for Bedouin tents), which work perfectly for weddings, functions, parties and conferences, and the beautiful setting makes for an idyllic backdrop whatever the occasion.
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Mountain trails

Trails through the vines on to Paarl Mountain are another attraction for mountain biking and trail

running (ending with breakfast on the stoep). The Paarl Trails start point map on the farm reveals custom-built trails that range from a family-friendly 3km loop to a demanding 35km route that connects with the whole Paarl adventure trail network. Or visit for a full-moon hike (November to March) up to the farm’s Flat Rock lookout point with spectacular views back towards Table Mountain.

Whether you’re visiting for active adventure or a relaxed day out in the country, Rhebokskloof enchants with welcoming hospitality and secluded soul-restoring scenery.

Good to know Look out for a series of events and festivals held on the lawns at Rhebokskloof through the year.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 869 8386, info@rhebokskloof.co.za
Where to find it Rhebokskloof, Noord Agter-Paarl Road, Windmeul, Paarl

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