Paarl Wine Route

Wineries here are spread far apart, so you might want to select only a couple or take a whole day to taste at leisure. Start in Paarl, home to the impressive KWV, with cellars covering 55 acres and a wide selection of wines.

Along R301/303. On its way to Franschhoek, the R301/303 runs past Avondale Wine, a relatively new farm with a state-of-the-art cellar, a gorgeous rose garden, and excellent wines.

Between R44 and R45. On your way from Franschhoek to Paarl, take a quick detour down the Simondium Road to Backsberg and, a bit farther, Glen Carlou. Backsberg has more going on than Glen Carlou, but they both have wines that are worth tasting and buying. Be sure to make time to visit Babylonstoren, just beyond Glen Carlou, where you could easily spend a day. Continue on, and turn right on the R44. At a four-way stop, turn right onto the R101 and cross over the N1. Follow the goat signs to Suid-Agter-Paarl Road and Fairview.

Along Suid-Agter-Paarl and Noord-Agter-Paarl roads. Fairview is as famous for its goats and cheese as it is for its wines. Leave yourself plenty of time here. From Fairview, turn right onto the Suid-Agter-Paarl Road and make your way to Landskroon, known for full-bodied reds. Turn right on the R44 and, after about 10 km (6 miles), right onto the WR8 (Noord-Agter-Paarl Road), and then right again to Rhebokskloof Private Cellar. If you continue on the R44 toward Wellington, you'll pass Nelson Wine Estate (a.k.a. Nelson's Creek) on your left.