The Western Cape and Winelands
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Western Cape and Winelands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Spice Route Winery
Charles Back, the owner of Fairview, also owns the neighboring farm in Paarl. Spice Route produces deep-flavored wines, using mostly untrellised "bush" vines. This practice, which is uncommon outside of South Africa, leads to fruit with great flavor intensity but lower volumes. Try the Spice Route Chakalaka, a signature Swartland blend, which has clove and savory notes. There is good reason to spend an entire day on the estate: artisan shops include Barley & Biltong Emporium; De Villiers Chocolate, where you can join a tutored chocolate pairing; and the Cape Brewing Company, which offers craft beer tasting. At the Grapperia, you can taste grappa and schnapps made on-site and nibble on pizza and charcuterie. There's ice cream for the kids, plus lovely lawns and two jungle gyms.
Suider-Agter-Paarl Rd., Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South Africa021-863–5200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R75 -
2. Afrikaanse Taalmonument
Set high on a hill overlooking Paarl, the towering Afrikaanse Taalmonument is a fascinating step back into the past. It was designed by architect Jan van Wijk and built with Paarl granite and cement. The rising curve of the main pillar represents the growth and potential of Afrikaans. When it was unveiled in 1975, the monument was as much a gesture of political victory as it was a paean to the Afrikaans language. Ironically, the monument—although built during apartheid—gives recognition to all the diverse origins of Afrikaans (from Africa, Europe, and Asia). Afrikaans is one of South Africa's 11 official languages and although it is gradually coming under threat, attempts are being made to ensure that the rich culture isn't lost. The view from the top of the hill is incredible, taking in Table Mountain, False Bay, Paarl Valley, and the various mountain ranges of the Winelands. A short, paved walking trail leads around the hillside past impressive fynbos specimens, particularly proteas. You can buy a picnic basket at the monument's restaurant and find a pretty spot to enjoy the wonderful view.
Afrikaanse Taalmonument Rd., Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South Africa021-863–0543Sight Details
Rate Includes: R40 -
3. Avondale Wine
Although the farm was established as early as 1693, current owners Johnny and Ginny Grieve have done some serious reorganizing in the vineyards and built a state-of-the-art cellar that's dug into a dry riverbed. Avondale started producing wines in 1999, making it one of the newer kids on the block. The winery hit the ground running, and its wines win one award after another. The reds are especially good, and the intense Paarl summers result in full-bodied grapes that deliver knockout flavors. Great care is taken to maintain top-quality soil, and no pesticides or herbicides are used. If you're interested in the wine-making process, book an Eco Wine Safari and visit Avondale's state-of-the-art gravity-flow cellar, constructed three stories underground. There are also gentle hikes and a bike track, or if you're looking for something less energetic, book a table at the fabulous Faber restaurant.
Lustigan Rd., off R301, Paarl, Western Cape, 7624, South Africa021-863–1976Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R75 -
4. Bain's Kloof Pass Road
Built by engineer Andrew Geddes Bain and opened in 1853, Bain's Kloof Pass Road links Wellington to Ceres and Worcester. The road, an extension of the R303, winds north from Wellington and through the Hawekwa Mountains, revealing breathtaking views across the valley below. On a clear day you can see as far as the coast. The road has a good tar surface, but unlike many Western Cape passes, Bain's Kloof has not been widened much since it was built, so take your time and enjoy the views. There are places where you can park and walk down to lovely, refreshing mountain pools—great on a hot summer's day.
Bain's Kloof Pass Rd., Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa -
5. Diemersfontein Winery
Diemersfontein is best-known for originating what has become one of the most successful styles South Africa has yet created: coffee Pinotage. Pinotage, a South African grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Hermitage, can be bitter and is sometimes described as rubbery. Through careful yeast selection and the addition of toasted oak staves during aging, Diemersfontein's Bertus Fourie brought out prominent coffee and chocolate notes in the wine, creating a new and hugely popular style. The estate's other brand, Thokozani, is a Black empowerment project, partly owned by the winery staff.
R301 (Jan van Riebeck Dr.), Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa021-864–5050Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R40 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Dutch Reformed Church
Also known as the Strooidakkerk, the old Dutch Reformed Church is a thatch building dating from 1805. The cemetery contains the tombstones of the Malherbe family, who were instrumental in the campaign to gain official recognition for Afrikaans. The church is still active, and you can peek inside.
Main St., Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South AfricaSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Fairview
A visit to Fairview is a treat for the whole family, including kids and adults who aren't fans of wine. Children get a kick out of seeing peacocks roaming the grounds and goats clambering up a spiral staircase into a goat tower. And those goats aren't just for decoration—Fairview produces a superb line of goat cheeses and olive oil, all of which you can sample. Visit the Vineyard Cheesery, the first carbon-neutral cheesery on the African continent, and taste the Roydon Camembert. But don't let Fairview's sideshows color your judgment about the wines. The estate's wines are top-drawer and often surprising. The Fairview Eenzaamheid Shiraz is excellent, as is the La Beryl Blanc. The winery also makes creative use of the farm's many Rhône varieties. Perhaps it's just because the pun was irresistible, but (as claimed by the label) goats are sent into the vineyard to personally select grapes for the Goats-do-Roam, which is indeed like a young Côtes du Rhône (infuriating French winemakers). If you care to linger, you can have a light meal and freshly baked bread at the Goatshed Restaurant.
WR3, off R101 (Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd.), Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South Africa021-863–2450Sight Details
Rate Includes: Cheese tastings R25, wine and cheese tastings R50 -
8. Glen Carlou
What comes out of Glen Carlou is rather special. The Quartz Stone Chardonnay is exceptional, and the Gravel Quarry Cabernet is also remarkable. A unique feature of the estate is the Zen Fynbos Garden, a great place to relax after you've stocked up on some seriously good wines. You can also enjoy a superb lunch at the restaurant. The menu changes seasonally, but you can look forward to dishes like whipped goat cheese with truffle honey, and lamb shoulder with summer peas and red wine jus. There's also a children's menu.
WR1 (Simondium Rd.), Klapmuts, Western Cape, 7625, South Africa021-875–5528Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R50 -
9. Jan Phillips Mountain Drive
Halfway down the hill from the Afrikaans Language Monument is a turnoff onto a dirt road and a sign for the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. The dirt road is Jan Phillips Mountain Drive, which runs 11 km (7 miles) along the mountainside, offering tremendous views over the valley. Along the way it passes the Mill Water Wildflower Garden and the starting points for several trails, including hikes up to the great granite domes of Paarl Mountain. The dirt road rejoins Main Street at the far end of Paarl.
Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South Africa -
10. KWV Emporium
Short for Ko-operatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging (Cooperative Winegrowers' Association), KWV regulated and controlled the local wine industry for decades. This is no longer the case, and KWV is seeking to redefine itself as a top wine and spirit producer. KWV produces an enormous selection of excellent wines, and its cellars are some of the largest in the world, covering around 55 acres. Cellar tours here are very popular; among the highlights is the famous Cathedral Cellar, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and giant vats carved with scenes from wine-making history. The tour ends with a tasting of two white wines, two red wines, a fortified wine, and a brandy. There is a range of fun pairing experiences on offer too, including bubbly and cheesecake, brandy and chocolate, or wine with savory pies. As well as award-winning wines, KWV produces some of the finest spirits, with the KWV 12-year-old regularly raking in the accolades.
Kohler St., Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South Africa021-807–3007Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R65–R110 -
11. Landskroon
With a name meaning "crown of the land" in Afrikaans, this venerable estate, run by the ninth generation of the de Villiers family, produces a Cabernet Sauvignon—with hints of spice and oak—that's up there with the best. Look out for the Paul de Villiers Wine Range. For a little something to sip after a long, leisurely dinner, try the Cape Vintage Port—a dark, fortified wine with aromas of black prunes and tobacco. As well as tastings, there are food and wine pairing options. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd., Suider Paarl, Western Cape, 7624, South Africa021-863–1039Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R35, Closed Sun. -
12. Nabygelegen
Before you head up the spectacular Bain's Kloof Pass, do a quick detour to a quieter corner of the busy Winelands. Situated in the heart of the Bovlei upper valley outside Wellington, Nabygelegen is known for its handcrafted wines. Their motto is "good wine takes time," and they are dedicated to producing top-quality wine with concentrated flavors. Try the Seventeen Twelve 2014, with richness of black currant and plum overlaid with smoky tannins. Nabygelegen's Chenin Blanc 2008 and Snow Mountain Pinot Noir 2009 were served at Queen Elizabeth II's 60th jubilee lunch, earning the winery international acclaim. The tasting room, in the old forge—remember this would have been the old wagon route out of Cape Town—offers wine tastings.
Bovlei Division Rd., Wellington, Western Cape, 7654, South Africa021-873–7534Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R10; cellar tours by appointment only, Weekdays 10–4, Sat. by appointment only -
13. Paarl Museum
Coming from the north, Main Road doglegs to the right at Lady Grey Street before continuing its way south. On your left, the Paarl Museum, formerly the Oude Pastorie, occupies a fine Cape Dutch home built as a parsonage in 1787. The building itself is of more interest than the collection, which includes odds and ends such as silver, glass, and kitchen utensils donated by local families.
303 Main St., Paarl, Western Cape, 7646, South Africa021-872–2651Sight Details
Rate Includes: R10, Closed Sun. -
14. Rhebokskloof Private Cellar
This winery sits at the head of a shallow valley, backed by hillsides covered with vines and fynbos. It's a lovely place for lunch on a sunny day, and you can explore the estate and beyond on a series of walking, biking, or horseback trails. The restaurant serves à la carte meals and teas on an oak-shaded terrace overlooking the gardens and mountains. There's also a pizzeria, or you can order a picnic basket for two brimming with fresh baguettes, cold meats, salads, delicious cheeses, and a bottle of wine (must be booked in advance). The estate makes an excellent Shiraz, thanks to its unique terroir, which is composed of old decomposed granite soils. Other wines to look out for are the Pinotage, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.
WR8, Paarl, Western Cape, 7623, South Africa021-869–8386Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R50 -
15. Simondium Guild
Based in a converted old wine cellar, this complex between Franschhoek and Paarl can occupy a whole family for the afternoon. There's an award-winning craft brewery here, specializing in unique, barrel-aged beers, some fermented with yeast harvested from surrounding fynbos. It's also home to the tasting room of Painted Wolf Wines, best known for their spicy Shiraz, and Stillman Distillery, who make great gin. For kids and artsy types, you can design and paint a glass bowl at Fanglasstic, or just shop for some of their beautifully etched glassware. Papi's Eatery provides sustenance after all the beer, wine, and gin, with hearty burgers, smoked meats, and excellent milkshakes.
R45, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa -
16. Wellington Wines
Driving down Bain's Kloof Road, keep an eye out for the tasting room of Wellington Wines on the right. Constructed in 1907 in traditional style, the building itself is not noteworthy, but it has a vast picture window offering a stupendous view of the undulating vineyards beyond. Be sure to try the Centennial Range Shiraz-Mourvèdre blend, which promises great things. With plenty of well-priced, good-quality wines to choose from, you likely won't go away empty-handed. Unusual tasting options include a wine and doughnut pairing and a juice tasting option for the little ones.
Bain's Kloof Rd., Wellington, Western Cape, 7654, South Africa021-873–1582Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from R55, Closed Sun.
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