Winelands' charm on tap in Paarl

One of Cape Town’s oldest towns, Paarl is located roughly an hour from Cape Town. An ideal getaway for both locals and foreigners it was founded by Simon van Der Stel in the 1800s and is one of SA’s first favourable wine regions.

Staying just outside Paarl at Eben-Haëzer for the weekend, Rebecca Solomon rubs shoulders with locals and soaks up some late summer sunshine.

Wine country
Wine is a big deal in Paarl. Visited by busloads of visitors every day, the vineyards are a major tourist magnet and double-up as one of the area’s most promising enterprises.

In town during the Wellington Wine Festival – Paarl’s popular-wine producing neighbour -- I started at Diemersfontein to quaff some of their famous wines before heading down to neighbour Rhebokskloof. An Agter Paarl gem, this spot is a must-see, especially in warmer months when you can enjoy a picnic basket outside on the grass. A favourite among brides, Rhebokskloof is an exquisite venue with a restaurant, cigar bar and metres of rolling lawns. Tuck into a picnic basket bursting with goodies - which for R220 for two is not a bad deal - and kick back in Sunday-style…

Another popular wine experience in Paarl is Fairview. Greeted by a castle of goats, visitors can taste plenty of wine and cheese in their cellar or book a table al fresco or indoors and tuck into sandwiches, salads or springbok fillets and wash it down with a glass of Fairview vino.

A tribute to language
Over and above the wine heritage, another landmark is Taal Monument. Situated on the peak of the Paarl Mountain, the monument was built in 1975 by architect Jan van Wijk. A testament to Afrikaan’s roots, it honours the languages that influenced ‘die taal’ such as Dutch, French, Malay, Khoi and African. Take a stroll around the monument or rest your feet while overlooking a panoramic view of the farmlands below from the restaurant deck.

Downtown Paarl
Wander around Main Road and pop into gourmet coffee shops like Kikka, historical old buildings and arty stores. And, if in the area during September visit to Cultivaria: a medley of local art, theatre, music and wine. Attracting visitors from all over to join in the activity, the festival celebrates Paarl in all its charm and cultural beauty.
One of Cape Town’s oldest towns, Paarl is located roughly an hour from Cape Town. An ideal getaway for both locals and foreigners it was founded by Simon van Der Stel in the 1800s and is one of SA’s first favourable wine regions.

Accommodation fit for a King (and Queen)
Spoilt for choice in Paarl and surrounding areas, guest houses, B&B and boutique hotels can be found by the dozen. I stayed in Eben-Haëzer: a family run guest manor situated ten minutes outside of Paarl heading towards Worchester. The brainchild of Louise Breugem, a Dutch expat, Eben started out as a flower shop, became a pancake eatery, and today is a wedding and conference venue.

Stay in one of the outside cottages or in the main house in one of four en-suite rooms (many with four-poster beds), all fit for a king (and queen) with a cosy heavily Dutch-inspired atmosphere to matched. And if you like dogs, you’ll be in for a treat with friendly Spencer the cocker spaniel who’s always keen for a tickle.

Further along the road…
Once you’ve finished exploring Paarl, take a drive further down the N1 and visit neighbouring areas Wellington, Worchester, Tulbagh or Nuy.

Want to know more? Here’s some great ideas of places to stay when in Paarl and surrounds.