The DU TOITSKLOOF MEANDER offers off-the-beaten track wineries with historical homesteads and a Paarl icon, Nederburg, below the historic Du Toitskloof Pass. Needless to say, its scenic beauty is out of this world. The Du Toitskloof mountain pass is located roughly 70km to the east of Cape Town and connects Paarl and Worcester via a well-constructed pass road. You can however still cross the Du Toitskloof Pass via the old R101 road and admire the beautiful views.
Situated on a biosphere reserve, among 24 hectares of endangered fynbos and several species of proteas, Druk-My-Niet Wine Estate is known for its environmentally friendly farming methods and scenic surrounds, which are host to a view-drenched tasting room and luxury self-catering cottages.
Set under the dramatic Klein Drakenstein mountains, Mellasat Wines is the home of the world’s first white Pinotage. Visit the Cemetery of Forgotten Wines in their underground cellar, which is host to an interesting and bizarre collection of museum wines reflecting South African historical wine culture that visitors can interact with.
Paarl is steeped in winemaking history and Nederburg has featured on the esteemed ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brands’list no less than five times. The iconic manor house completed in 1800 is a national monument and home to the beautifully revamped Manor Restaurant, where the emphasis is on authentic food experiences. Generous picnics in the sprawling gardens are a great alternative to ensure a memorable visit. Explore the world-renowned wine ranges in the Nederburg portfolio perfectly paired with the à la carte menu or delicious charcuterie platters.
Olsen Private Vineyards is owned by Dr Greg Olsen, an American scientist and entrepreneur who took a trip to the International Space Station in 2005, this family-owned winery produces wonderful wines in its boutique cellar. Tastings and visits must be pre-scheduled
Amberg Art & Kitchen is a gastronomic gem with their menu consisting mostly of Austrian and international dishes. Their location on the Du Toitskloof Pass will have you enjoy great food together with great views.
De Leeuwenhof Estate dates as far back as 1694 when it was and issued to a french/dutch Huguenot called Jean Du Bois for his work for the VOC, the first Dutch multinational company in the world. It was previously called Palmiet Vlei. The estate holds an exclusive number of 10 rooms, 4 self-catering one-bedroom Luxury Cottages and two Apartments, as well as a seasonal restaurant and two swimming pools. The working farm has 3500 fruit trees which are hand-picked from March until September daily, and in January and February, grapes are harvested. Visitors like the peace and quietness on the farm and the many bird – and animal life around the premises
Cascade Country Manor remains the perfect hideaway from city living. Situated on 23 hectares of privately owned land between olive orchards, buchuland and vineyards lies the idyllic retreat. Meandering through the farm, creating a wonderful tranquillity, is a small river that cascades over a rock face in the heart of the estate. A small stream meanders through the estate and cascades down a little waterfall.
Ashia Cheetah Conservation is a beautiful 35 hectare working farm outside Paarl. Part of the farm is an area of 10ha that has been transformed into a cheetah sanctuary. Dedicated to fighting for the future survival of Africa’s most endangered big cat through education and research, Ashia’s focus lies on the release of captive-born cheetahs into a protected wild. Ashia’s Release Programme has successfully started in 2018 with the release of a female cheetah onto a private game reserve in South Africa. Since then, 5 more cheetahs have been brought to a game reserve and are currently undergoing their wilding process for release. Ashia’s accommodation comprise of four luxurious and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, each en-suite with a fully equipped kitchenette, offer sumptuous comfort in relaxed surroundings.
