Paarl is best known for its Shiraz. The wine growing region stretches over the broad Berg Valley at its widest towards the west, and the mountain valley of Franschhoek in the north east.
The wine- making life of the Paarl district has been dominated by two major organizations the first being KWV, whose headquarters are in Suider Paarl, and the second being Nederberg, under the aegis of Stellenbosch Farmers Winery. The Berg River flows through the length of the valley and the vineyards are distributed over three main types of soil. This, together with mountain slopes and a river valley, gives Paarl wines a wide range of style.
Backsberg
021 875 5141
Weekdays 08h00 – 17h00
Saturday 09h30 – 16h00
Sun 10h30 – 16h00
Located on the slopes of the Simonsberg, Backsberg is a three generation success story. In a few decades the Back family have put this estate and its wines firmly on the map of the winelands. The Backsberg vineyards cover over 160 hectares and consist predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Weisser Riesling
Nederberg
021 862 3104
Nov – March
Saturday 10h00 – 16h00
Sunday 11h00 – 16h00
For over 200 hundred years Nederberg has been South Africa’s leading and most decorated winery. Having won more international and domestic awards than any other winery in South Africa it is little wonder that Nederberg is thoroughly enjoyed at home and abroad. Built in 1800 the Nederberg homestead is a living monument to their long tradition of winemaking excellence.
Zandwijk
021 863 2368
Zandwijk is the only Kosher Winery in South Africa Whilst religiously adhering to the strict parameters of the Cape Beth Din, an ultra modern and technologically advanced wine cellar is utilised to capture the essence of top quality South African wine.
KWV
021 807 3007
Monday – Saturday 09h00- 16h30
Sunday 11h00 – 16h00
To make wines or to grow grapes for the making of wine in South Africa you must be a member of KWV. Furthermore KWV determines the growing quotas to regulate the amount of grapes grown for wine making. These controls give KWV total power to control the annual minimum to be paid for the wine produced. It is KWV’s duty to dispose of the country’s excess, which at one time they did by producing high quality potable spirit and unmatured brandy. Nowadays very bland wines are to what were the iron curtain countries.
Laborie
021 807 3390
Monday – Saturday 09h00 – 17h00
Laborie lies on the slopes of the Paarl Mountains and was purchased by KWV in 1979. The entire estate – vineyards and buildings- has been completely restored and a new wine cellar and tasting and lecture rooms have been constructed. There is a great restaurant and wine house which is open to the public.
