Location: Paarl
Top Things to do in Paarl
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Paarl, Western Cape
Sipping your way across the Paarl Wine Route is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this South African town. Besides being part of the Cape Winelands region, Paarl is the place where the Afrikaans language was developed, a linguistic feat that’s commemorated by a dramatic monument. Cheer on your favorite pony at the Polo Club or hit the links at one of the area’s many beautiful golf courses.
Restaurants in Paarl
1. Wine Valley Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Horse and quad bike trails on Paarl Mountain. Enjoy a wine tasting on sunset ride to see the beautiful Drakenstein Mountains. Carriage tours also available.
2. Avondale Wine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
At Avondale, we make extraordinary wines approved by Mother Nature. Certified organic and practicing bio-dynamic agriculture; we go beyond both these beneficial systems of natural farming by using the best 21st Century science, technology and knowledge to enhance sustainability. Our commitment to promoting life does not only lead to Mother Nature’s approval; it also ensures the premium quality of Avondale’s unique, naturally-made, slow wines. The vigour of our well-tended vines leads to excellent grapes bursting with fresh flavours that are evident in our individually-styled, classic wines, so full of life and character. Avondale is home to FABER -a contemporary farm-to-fork restaurant.
Reviewed By GeryV - Vancouver, Canada
You cannot ask for better: great organic food, a setting that cannot be beat and wonderful staff - the small but special menu has enough variety and the people make sure you have a great experience .... catch a sunset and admire the magnificent garden - you can make a check mark next to "GREAT DAY"
3. Vondeling Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
This working wine farm has a tranquil atmosphere with panoramic mountain and vineyard views.This historic farm was originally named Vondeling, from whence the wines take their nameThe farm has a three-centuries-old winemaking tradition dating back to the early 1700's. Vondeling invites you to visit our tasting room in the exciting, yet unspoilt Voor-Paardeberg region.The existing cellar and tasting centre were updated and renovated, complete with traditional style thatched roof and large 'stoep' where guests can enjoy the fine views of the Paardeberg. Visitors can pre-book a generous farm style Vintner's Platter which they can enjoy at the tasting room with a delicious bottle of Vondeling wine. For groups of 10 or more, we are happy to create a delicious, homemade set menu to suit your needs. With the addition of St Clement's, a charming country chapel, we are also able to host weddings for up to 100 people. Booking for our Vintner's Platter or set menu meal options is essential.
Reviewed By PennWinchester - Winchester, United Kingdom
I visited this exquisite estate whilst on a tour of the Western Cape, exploring the wildflowers of the area. Julian the owner, gave our group of 18, a highly informative tour of the estate which was fascinating and clearly displayed his passion for the environment and wine making. We then made our way to the tasting dining area, where we had a nine wine tasting, followed by the most flavoursome meal of the trip, lovingly prepared by Mariaan, who also led the tasting. The sun shone, the wine was some of the best I tasted in South Africa, loved the Chenin Blanc and the setting was exquisite. The little chapel on the estate was also interesting to visit and weddings are often held there. I highly recommend this venue, where there is also accommodation, if you enjoy fine food, flavoursome, un pretentious wines at highly affordable prices, immaculate attention to detail in all the estate undertakes and a true feeling of relaxation and tranquility. If I visit South Africa again, I will return and plan to stay over so I can absorb the truly magical setting.
4. Fairview Wine and Cheese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,079 reviews
Reviewed By SteveRainville99 - Orlando, United States
What am outstanding experience this was once again! The Master tasting was as amazing as always. Thanks to our Sommelier Juli who went above and beyond at every corner. She was so friendly, informative, and SUPER PATIENT with some of our party! For just $7 for a private Master tasting of 8 wines paired with 8 cheeses, in a gorgeous barbell room, this is the best deal on Earth! But just dont take my word for it, and make your way there, I promise you won't regret it! Thanks to Juli and the staff of Fairview for another wonderful wine tasting experience!!!
5. Nederburg Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
With a proud history dating back to 1791, the Nederburg winery, set against the imposing Drakenstein Mountains near Paarl, is dynamic, forward-thinking and progressive. A famous South African heritage wine brand, Nederburg is a leading example of the country’s wine excellence and innovation. Nederburg creates hand-crafted micro-cuvées for specialist wine lovers and beautifully balanced and accessible wines for everyday enjoyment, with equal commitment. They offer an exciting taste discovery. When the farm claims a reputation of wine excellence, it's no empty boast. Its recipe? Impeccable quality credentials, an ongoing award-winning track record, and a talented team led by cellar-master Lizelle Gerber, that strongly focuses on continually exploring ways to better their best efforts.
Reviewed By Dleewin - Cape Town, South Africa
My family and I enjoyed the most amazing lunch at The Manor Restaurant. We had the perfect table on the balcony, with the most beautiful views. The food was excellent and we all enjoyed delicious steak, burgers, and a charcuterie platter. We ended off with a really enjoyable wine and hot chocolate tasting. Our waiter took such good care of us - felt as if we were VIPS! One of the best wine farm and restaurant experiences we have enjoyed in Cape Town as a family. Highly recommended!
6. Afrikaans Language Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Reviewed By Reispret
This was our first visit. Will definitely do it again. Beautiful interesting construction with a walk through tunnel. Neat gardens to relax and a small outside restaurant with a view and decent pizzas. Great outing for the whole family.
7. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By emarieb_13 - Paarl, South Africa
A must do over the weekend No excuses. You can visit this by car, on foot, with a bicycle. Alone or with friends. And the experience will be divine. You and nature, nothing else. Just come... Enjoy the picturesque landscape of fynbos vegetation dominated by massive rounded granite rock formations set among wild olives, rock candlewoods and wagon trees. Take a vigorous hike, or climb Bretagne Rock, follow one of the many hiking trails, visit Mill water Wild Flower Garden where numerous species of Proteas may be viewed, catch a bass at Nantes dam or enjoy mountain biking, picnics and panoramic views of the Drakenstein valley. Entry fees Entry is R30 per occupant in a vehicle payable at the reserve’s main gate. Entry is free during the week. Buy your map with the mountain’s MTB and hiking routes at the Paarl Visitors Information Centre at R50. Directions As you enter Paarl Main Road via the N1 from CT, take a left at the off-ramp. Follow Paarl Main Road, go straight over the first robot and then left at the first road on your left hand side (Jan Phillips Mountain Drive). Follow this road for approximately 6kms until you get to the Meulwater day braai & picnic site. Alternatively, follow the road leading up to the Afrikaans Language Monument (Gabbema Doordrif Road) and take the dirt road turning off to the right (Jan Phillips Mountain Drive) leading past the Amphi theatre, until you reach the Meulwater day braai & picnic site picnic area. GPS Co-ordinates: Lat: -33° 45′ 27.594″ Long: 18° 56′ 50.3658″ Facility hours Summer: 07:00 – 19:00 (1 Oct – 31 March) Winter: 07:00 – 18:00 (1 April – 30 Sept) Note: No entry is allowed 1 hour before closure times. Important information Remember, there are no shops on the reserve, so bring along your own fire wood, grid and supplies. Strictly no dogs or music is allowed in the reserve and day camps. No horse riding facilities available. Only licensed vehicles, no off-road motorbikes and/or quad bikes allowed. No larger than 22 seated busses are allowed. There are no swimming facilities on the reserve. Please help us keep the mountain clean by using available refuge bins. This is a high fire risk area – STRICTLY NO FIRES in areas other than demarcated braai/camp facilities. Report any fires immediately!
8. KWV Sensorium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Experience the art of wine and brandy at the KWV Sensorium - a beautiful & modern art space situated in the heart of Paarl. Taste KWV's award winning wines and brandies while taking in our impressive South African art collection. Free wifi is available which will give you access to our innovative digital platform. KWV's broad range of premium wines and brandies are also available for purchase.
9. Plaisir de Merle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
in keeping with its long-standing tradition of "classic elegance", one of the Cape's best known wine estates is taking a novel approach when it comes to tasting exclusive wines in an exclusive venue. Come and enjoy the magnificent views and savour the best that Plaisir de Merle wines have to offer. Plaisir de Merle is a popular venue for private functions, weddings, conferences and exclusive "villa stays" in the historic Manor House.
Reviewed By melaniedI8301KF - Cape Town Central, South Africa
This farm offers Friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. Kids are welcome and you can bring picnic blanket to relax on the beautiful lawns. They don't have a restaurant but their Cheese and Meat platters are to die for. The wines very fruity and nice. Will definitely go again.
10. Spice Route Destination
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 681 reviews
Reviewed By kalgran
The Spice Route makes for a lovely day out with a range of restaurants, chocolate and gin tasting, glass and ceramic studios in a beautiful setting with an exceptional view. Well worth going for lunch filtered by a languid wander around.
