The African Voyager

Paarl, South Africa

The wine experience: our top 5 wineries in Paarl

Southern Africa • See & do • The wine experience: our top 5 wineries in Paarl

Our pick of Paarl’s top wineries

Wine tasting in Paarl is all about immersing yourself in the full vineyard experience. You’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful landscapes, sipping carefully crafted wines and soaking up the stories behind each bottle. These wineries invite you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air and truly connect with what’s in your glass. Ready to sip, relax and soak in the atmosphere of the Paarl Valley? Let’s dive into our top picks of Paarl’s best wine farms.

Noble Hill

Noble Hill is an organic wine estate located on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains. Noble Hill is well known for their regenerative farming practices, producing wines that reflect the unique granite soils of the region. The tasting experience here is laid-back and welcoming, where you can sip their crisp Sauvignon Blanc on the terrace while taking in the mountain views, accompanied by the friendly winery dog Kuba. Besides the exceptional wines, we also love dining at their Latin-inspired restaurant, Cosecha. Noble Hill also have their own range of home-grown olive oil – be sure to grab a bottle on the way out!

Noble Hill
Simondium Rd
Simondium
Paarl
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Noble Hill

Vondeling

Vondeling Wines is set against the Paardeberg mountain range and has a winemaking tradition that dates back to the early 1700s. This winery has a deep connection to the environment, with a focus on protecting the local fynbos and biodiversity that thrive around the vineyards. The wines here are crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the natural beauty of the terroir to shine through. We enjoyed their Babiana white blend, named after a rare indigenous flower found on the estate. The tasting room’s interior is modern and beautifully decorated but the outdoor seating area offers the perfect setting to sip wine with the mountains as a backdrop.

Vondeling
Voor-Paardeberg Rd
Paarl
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Vondeling

Brookdale Estate

Brookdale Estate is a family-owned wine estate that breathes life into old vines. The Rudd family has transformed Brookdale into a world-class destination, with Kiara Scott, their winemaker, producing an exciting range of wines including their flagship Chenin Blanc. The tasting room at Brookdale is just as elegant as the wines, the ultimate setting to enjoy their unique range of wines. We highly recommend the Mason Road Sip & Dip pairing – four wines paired with gourmet dips like hummus and baba ghanoush. We also loved doing the cellar tour, where you get a glimpse into their state-of-the-art wine cellar and hear the history of the estate and vines.

Brookdale Estate
Hawequa Bos Pad
Klein Drakenstein Rd
Paarl
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Brookdale Estate

Laborie Wine Estate

Laborie Wine Estate is one of Paarl’s oldest wine estates, with a history dating back to 1691. The estate is renowned for its Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines and a wide range of award-winning still wines – our favourite is the Blanc de Blanc! Set at the foothills of Paarl Mountain, Laborie Wine Estate offers amazing views and a variety of experiences for visitors. You can enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours and even stay overnight in one of their luxury guest rooms. The estate also hosts family-friendly events and has a food market, making Laborie Wine Estate the perfect destination for a day out in the Cape Winelands.

Laborie Wine Estate
Taillefer Street
Paarl
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Laborie Wine Estate

Simonsvlei Winery

Simonsvlei Winery has an interesting history dating back to 1945, when it was founded by a group of visionary wine farmers. Named after Simon van der Stel, the founder of the South African wine industry, the winery produces quality wines that are both affordable and delicious. If you’re interested in the winemaking process, they offer behind-the-scenes tours, we found the tour very interesting, it gives you a glimpse into the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Simonsvlei Winery has a friendly approach to wine tasting with the most welcoming atmosphere, so there’s no pressure – just good wine and good company! The same can be said about their restaurant – the Ons Restaurant serves traditional South African dishes and the vibe here is unmatched, just smiles and good times!