So we decided to go on a girls’ day to Paarl in Cape Town’s Cape Winelands, and it was a wonderful experience packed with fresh air, stunning scenery, and loads of wine! We began at Fairview Wine Farm, which is a gorgeous property with lush gardens, goats, and squirrels running about munching nuts.
Fairview Wine Farm
Fairview Wine Farm is a historic wine and cheese estate located in Paarl and has been in the Back family for over 300 years. The farm is situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. The estate has a range of activities for visitors, including wine tasting, cheese tasting, and guided tours of the wine cellar and cheese-making facilities. Fairview Wine Farm is particularly renowned for its goat’s milk cheeses, which are made on the estate using traditional methods. The cheeses are available for tasting and purchase in the farm’s cheese shop, which also stocks a range of other artisanal cheeses and local produce. In addition to its wine and cheese offerings, Fairview Wine Farm also has a collection of rare and endangered breeds of farm animals, including Nguni cattle, Ankole cattle, and Boer goats.
Spice Route
However, the wine tasting was full, so we opted to continue on to the next site, the Spice Route, as suggested by the lovely Fairview staff. We found a much peaceful environment with fewer people here, and to begin our wine tasting, we were placed at an outside table among the magnificent trees. Once we finished our red and white wine pairing with cold meats, we took a stroll around the farm and enjoyed it’s natural beauty. The Spice Route is a sensory experience that offers visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of local produce, including wine, beer, chocolate, gin and spices. The Spice Route is home to a number of artisanal producers, including a brewery, a winery, a distillery, and a spice emporium. Visitors can take guided tours of each of these establishments, where they can learn about the production processes and sample the final products. The Spice Route also offers a variety of food options, including a bakery, a deli, and a restaurant.
One of the highlights of the Spice Route is the chocolate tasting experience at the De Villiers Chocolate factory. Visitors can sample a range of chocolate bars and truffles, and learn about the chocolate-making process from the cocoa bean to the finished product. Another popular attraction at the Spice Route is the Cape Brewing Company (CBC) brewery. Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and sample a variety of CBC beers. The Spice Route is also home to a number of artisanal shops selling a range of locally made products, including ceramics, jewelry, and clothing. The estate has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and is a popular destination for families and groups of friends looking to spend a day exploring the different offerings.
The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio
Our last stop was the The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio, which is just a very short drive from the Spice Route. All three of these establishments are on the same street, making it easy to visit them all in one day. The Alpaca Loom is a family-friendly establishment with a clean petting zoo where you may pet and feed alpacas, donkeys, horses, and goats. I would definitely recommend this when having a day out with the kids. This farm offers a unique and educational experience for visitors, showcasing the beauty and versatility of alpaca wool and the skill of local artisans. You can enjoy a meal or snack at the coffee shop, which offers a range of locally sourced food and drink. The menu includes items such as homemade pies, quiches, and cakes, as well as a selection of teas, coffees, and cold drinks. Visitors can also purchase products made from alpaca wool, such as scarves, shawls, and blankets, in the on-site shop.
Overall, this was an amazing girls day to Paarl, and I would highly recommend these three farms to visit, when you would like to experience the beautiful outdoors of the Cape Winelands.
