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If you’ve found yourself in Cape Town, you’ll know how much it has been cooking this time of year. The weather has provided us with a good preview of the heat waiting in high summer. While the coast gets its cooling currents, if you’re Capetonian (or planning a trip to the Mother City), you’ll want to add a Winelands stint to your itinerary.
And if you’re smart enough to get ahead of the incoming rush for festive-season bookings, you’ll do the research for the coolest spots in the Paarl Winelands that overseas visitors can only dream about. And we’ve done the homework for you!
Here are three must-visit stops between now and the end of the holidays:
Also a working farm, Spice Route lets you wander between wine, chocolate, beer, gin, ice cream, coffee and charcuterie without ever touching your car keys. Think wood-fired pinsa for lunch at La Grapperia Bistro & Pizzeria, chocolate pralines at The Chocolate Room by Beyers, Wilderer gin at its distillery, CBC beer at its brewery, and enough lawn for kids to burn off energy. If you’re short on planning time, grab the Spice Route Passport for five curated tastings (Spice Route Wines, Jewell’s Charcuterie paired with wine, CBC beer, chocolate pralines at The Chocolate Room by Beyers, and Wilderer gin). The Passport is valid for a full year if you don’t finish in one go. Passports cost R320 per person and can be collected at the guest office.
Open: 08:00–17:00 daily
Address: Spice Route Destination, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
Survivor Wines at Landskroon (the new kid with a view)
On the slopes of Paarl Mountain, the newly united home of Landskroon Wines and Survivor Wines brings together old-school elegance and bold storytelling. Settle in for a guided tasting from Survivor’s award-winners to Landskroon classics and soak up those big-sky panoramas.
Open: Wed–Fri 09:00–16:00; Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00 (closed Mon–Tue)
Address: Landskroon Wines, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate (plus its restaurant, El Picoteo)
A natural amphitheatre of lawns and oaks wrapped around a tranquil dam, Rhebokskloof is made for long, lazy summer days. Taste through the range, book a picnic, or lace up for trails that ribbon into the surrounding hills. When hunger calls, the El Picoteo serves generous, seasonal plates that suit lingering lunches and family catch-ups. This destination offers the ideal combination of shade, views and easy hospitality.
Open: Daily (check seasonal hours; bookings recommended for the restaurant)
Address: Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Noord-Agter-Paarl Road, Windmeul
Whether you’re chasing flavour flights, mountain air or a shady patch while the kids tumble, Paarl delivers the quintessential Winelands summer. It’s generous, unhurried and close enough for a spontaneous day trip. Book tastings where you can, pack sunscreen and a hat, and let the valley do the rest.