Paarl Rock
Paarl Rock is a granite outcrop that forms part of the larger Paarl Mountain. The views from the Rock are breath-taking and you'll be able to see the whole Paarl landscape. A popular activity at Paarl Rock is rock climbing.
It’s a relatively easy climb and even safe for children to explore the surrounds. The vistas are truly exquisite. The reserve around the Rock offers various walking trails for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the area.
The trails vary from 2.5 km to 10 km. Hikers should expect the climb to the second rock (Bretagna Rock) to take around an hour. The mountain biking trails are also great, and there are opportunities for bird watching, fishing and picnics.
Fairview Farm
In 1693, Fairview in Agter Paarl was granted to a French Huguenot family. Some 300 years later it was acquired by another religious refugee, Charles Back I from Lithuania. Fairview was the first Cape Wine Estate to offer wines made and bottled on the estate to the public.
Not only does it produce world-famous goat and cow's milk cheeses, it has the even more famous goats that visitors can pet and feed. Since buying Seidelberg Estate and manor next door, Fairview now purveys the premier Spice Route wines. There is a custom-built microbrewery, and the historical manor is now home to an artisanal organic chocolatier. Fairview's award winning wine collections include the cheekily named 'Goats do roam' range that depicts a goat tower with roaming goats.
All the bakers, waiters and wine stewards are previously disadvantaged Cape Winelands locals empowered by the Fairview employment program.
KWV Wine Emporium
Situated in the Paarl Valley, The KWV Emporium is a great place to experience South African wine. KWV was founded as a winemaking co-operative in 1918 by Western Cape Winemakers to further unity amongst the wine farmers of South Africa, as well as ensure the production of top-quality wines and brandies.
After the co-operative gained legislative control of production, sale and export of SA’s wines in the 1920’s, farmers could develop the industry and become more innovative. In 1997 KWV was converted from a co-operative to a company structure.
Visitors can enjoy a private wine cellar tour at the emporium, which features the famous Cathedral Cellar, the barrel maturation cellar and some of the world’s largest vats within the wine cellar complex. The wine tasting areas include award-winning brands of wines, brandies and fortified wines. There is also a coffee shop for a light snack.