Sometimes it pays to pick the roads less travelled to discover hidden gems and unique experiences and Paarl will definitely not disappoint this summer.
It’s summertime and the living is easy at Light House Boutique Suites. This elegant boutique guest house is the perfect sanctuary where guests will be pampered in a five-star environment and serves as the ideal base to explore what Paarl has to offer.
Paarl has played a pivotal role in the South African wine industry and is renowned for innovation. Mellasat Vineyards are no exception and is home to the world’s first white Pinotage. A visit to their downstairs cellar takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the remarkable ‘Cemetery of Forgotten Wines’ with a variety of South African historical wines.
The KWV Wine Emporium Cellar Tour offers another unique glimpse into our winemaking history with a guided tour through a barrel maturation cellar to the globally renowned Cathedral Cellar and one of the world’s largest vats and culminates with an informal tasting showcasing their award-winning wines, brandies and fortified wines.
The House of Fire is KWV’s homage to the legacy of Cape brandy. It’s a one-of-a-kind sensory journey with a tasting table overlooking the impressive copper distillation stills. The tasting includes premium 10, 12, 15 and 20-year-old brandies paired with handmade Belgian chocolates.
Paarl is not only about the fruit of the vine. Berg River Brewery gives visitors the chance to get their brew on and sample some exceptional artisanal craft beers.
There are also some unique eateries such as the Knus Karoo Kombuis inspired by two sisters’ memories of their rural upbringing. The menu features traditional delicacies such as roosterkoek cooked over an open fire and delicious farm cuisine.
Amberg Art & Kitchen is tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Pass and serves hearty meals with strong Austrian and international culinary influences.
For some unforgettable outdoor experiences, hike up the iconic Paarl Rock, the second largest granite outcrop in the world. A visit to the cheetah conservatory at Ashia will bring you up close and personal with the world’s fastest land mammals. Wine Valley Adventures offer memorable experiences on horseback or quad bikes guided by skilled experts and allow visitors to absorb the magnificent scenic beauty of Paarl. with spectacular views.
No visit to Paarl will be complete without a visit to the bronze statue of Nelson Mandela in front of the Drakenstein Correctional Services – an imposing symbol of South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. The statue stands tall at the prison gates from which Madiba started his “Long Walk to Freedom” on the day of his release on 11 February 1990.
