Granite giants, Grenache and generous country hospitality
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View Wine ToursPaarl takes its name from the great granite rock that an explorer saw glistening after a rainstorm in 1657 and named the “Diamond and Pearl Mountain”. Rising 542 m above the valley, Paarl Rock watches over farms first granted in 1687 and a wine route that has made Grenache its signature grape.
This is generous country, home to historic names such as KWV, founded in 1918, and Nederburg, established in 1791, alongside relaxed family farms. Pair wine and cheese at Fairview, stroll the celebrated garden at Babylonstoren or try craft beer and chocolate at Spice Route. Culture lovers can visit the Afrikaans Language Monument, all about 45 to 60 minutes from Cape Town.
Named for the great granite domes that glisten like pearls after rain, Paarl is a wine region of big skies and bigger flavours. Farms here date back to 1687, and today the valley pairs historic names such as KWV and Nederburg with family-run estates known for wine and cheese, Rhône-style reds and some of the Cape’s most beautiful gardens. Grenache is the grape the Paarl Wine Route has made its own.
A Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and winter rainfall.
Granite-derived soils, especially on the slopes around Paarl Mountain.
Explore Paarl through our curated wine tour experiences.
A private, customisable day with chocolate and beer at Spice Route, cheese at Fairview, La Motte in Franschhoek and art and views…
A private, flexible day across Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with a Fairview cheese tasting, a confectionery pairing at Plaisir and a heritage…
Two well-chosen tastings in half a day: wine with artisanal cheese at Fairview and red wine with biltong at Marianne, with hotel…
A half-day hop into the Winelands with tastings at Fairview (wine and cheese) and Marianne, plus a stop in historic Stellenbosch. Morning…
Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in one day: four wine farms, cheese and chocolate pairings and a sit-down lunch. Hotel pickup, ages 18…
Some of the estates that make Paarl special.
Paarl
Organic, naturally made “slow” wines
Organic “slow wine” pioneer on the Klein Drakenstein slopes – the eco pick.
Restaurant on site
Our pick Family friendlyPaarl
Celebrated garden, wine and farm-to-table food
World-renowned garden, cellar tours and farm-to-table food.
Restaurant on site Walk-ins welcome
Our pick Family friendlyPaarl
Wine and cheese pairing
Famous wine-and-cheese pairing – a fun, family-friendly classic.
Restaurant on site Walk-ins welcome
Our pick Family friendlyPaarl
Wine plus craft beer, chocolate and charcuterie
Wine plus craft beer, chocolate and charcuterie – variety in one stop.
Restaurant on site
Family friendly
Family friendlyPaarl
Scenic tastings at the foot of the Simonsberg
Restaurant on site Walk-ins welcome
Yes. We list 5 wine tours that visit Paarl, including Private Winelands Day: Spice Route, Fairview, La Motte & Delaire Graff, Private Winelands Day: Fairview, Plaisir & Muratie and Half-Day Wine Escape: Fairview Cheese & Marianne Biltong Pairing. Open a tour for the duration, pickup details and live availability.
Paarl is known for Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay.
Estates in Paarl include Avondale, Babylonstoren, Fairview, Spice Route, KWV Emporium and Landskroon.
c. 60 km by road (northeast of Cape Town)
A Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and winter rainfall.
Explore Paarl wine tours
