Fairview: Goat Tours + Mountain Walks With Cheese Tastings

Fairview’s iconic goat tower draws the eye as you arrive at this picturesque Paarl wine estate. Will the majestic billy goat be surveying the scene from the top, or a coterie of kids be scampering playfully up the spiral ramp? Known for its pioneering cheese-making as well as award-winning wines, there’s a whole lot of story behind the Back family farm. A behind-the-scenes tour with farmer Donald Mouton gives you an intriguing insight into the day-to-day life of goats and cheesemakers alike, and is full of tales that go back to the start of Fairview’s fascinating journey with these intelligent, curious animals.

Meet Farmer Donald

With 22 years at Fairview under his belt, Donald Mouton knows the farm inside out. He’s been involved in everything from livestock farming to vineyard management and is also an avid mountain-biker, trail runner and all-round outdoorsman. His newly curated, story-rich farm tours are the perfect opportunity to become part of the extended Fairview family.

The Goat Tour

Meet the Fairview goat herd (and the newborn kids in spring) and get an insider’s view on the daily workings of the goat farm. You’ll hear the story of how in 1980 Fairview became the first farm in South Africa to start making goat’s cheese. Spoiler alert: Cyril and Beryl Back returned from a trip to France in love with the cheeses they’d tasted there, and determined to make them at their farm, but there were many learning curves along the way.

The tour is followed by a cheese tasting in the Fairview Tasting Room (or you can opt for snack packs to take on the tour).

Cost R150 per person (including cheese tasting or snack packs)
Times Tuesday, Thursday + Friday, 10am + 2pm
Wednesday, 2pm
Duration 2 hours (with cheese tasting)
1 hour (with snack packs)
Minimum group size 10 people

Guided Mountain Walk

Donald has acquired a vast knowledge of indigenous flora and fauna on the farm and in the adjacent Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve over the years, which he shares on a scenic 5km trail around the Paarl Mountain slopes. The walk kicks off with coffee at the Goatshed, and finishes with a leisurely wine and cheese tasting in the Fairview Tasting Room.

Cost R250 per person (including coffee, bottle of water, and cheese and wine tasting)
Times Wednesday + Saturday, 8.30am – 11.30am
Duration 3 hours (2-hour walk)

Explore farm life with a goatshed-load of stories and find your place in the Fairview family.

Good to know Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen are advised. Booking is essential.
Contact 083 260 8578, donald@fairview.co.za
Where to find it Fairview Wine Farm, Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Paarl
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