The cellar was built in 1930 and is called the Cathedral Cellar because of a comment made by a Dutch poet, Antonie Donkersloot. As he entered the cellar, he exclaimed that it was indeed a true cathedral of wine, referring to the high dome-shaped ceiling (covering pressed aluminium) and tinted windows.
Today the 32 / 12 000 litre stuk-vats are kept for decorative purposes only and contain lye wine (a fortified wine to preserve a vat). This cellar was renovated in 2005. According to the architect, Johann Wessels, the challenge of the project was to create a serious wine production environment which could still accommodate public access.
The floor is one of the creative features of the renovated cellar. It consists of Paarl granite slabs with wooden staves in between. Lighting is more subtle and it highlights the dome and arches of the cellar. The tinted windows represent sunrise and sunset in Paarl. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Paarl Valley.
The Cathedral Cellar has been the playground of some of South Africa’s legendary winemakers and industry stalwarts. Step into the cellar and journey with us as we share this beautiful space’s engraved legacy. Experience Cathedral Cellar! A specialised tour guide will take visitors through a barrel maturation cellar, to the world-renowned Cathedral Cellar