Paarl – meaning ‘pearl’ in Dutch – is a suitably named place. A gem of a town nestled in the Cape Winelands, Paarl is often overlooked in favour of its better known neighbours, but as one of the oldest towns in the country, you don’t want to miss out on what is has to offer.
From boutique wine farms and tractor rides to rounds of golf and luxury accommodation, the Paarl Valley boasts charm and classical beauty in equal measure.
Avondale Wine Farm
What to expect: This beautiful boutique wine farm can trace its history back to 1693, but it has undergone a fundamental change in philosophy since the Grieve family took over in 1996. Under the guidance of Johnathan Grieve, the farm now employs a holistic philosophy blending organic principles, biodynamic methods and modern science, to break new ground while crafting world class terroir-driven wines.
Visitors can enjoy a tractor-ride through the working farm to experience first-hand how committed Avondale is to biodynamic farming and sustainability, with everything from a flock of ducks to keep the vineyards free of snails to the use of organic compost, free of chemicals. Of course, wine is sampled as well, and Avondale’s range of award-winning wines has certainly silenced those who may critique their methods as short-sighted and naïve in terms of production.
Operating on the ethos: Soil is Life, Avondale is a dynamic place, operating on an inter-connected system, bound by the relationship between those who work it and Mother Nature.
Website: https://www.avondalewine.co.za/
Val de Vie Estate
Pearl Valley, which now forms part of the larger Val de Vie golf estate, is one of the most well-known and luxurious in the province, with its Jack Nicklaus Signature Course frequently listed amongst the best in the world. Val de Vie has expanded its borders to encompass the course, estate and the new luxury hotel, with more developments planned.
Pearl Valley Golf Course
What to expect: This Jack Nicklaus-designed course is located between the majestic Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountain ranges, making it yet another visually spectacular course in the Western Cape. With challenging water hazards, lush fairways and greens, as well as 81 white river sand bunkers, Pearl Valley is regarded by many as one of the most rewarding courses in the country. World class facilities and visual splendour combine to make this one of the province’s top golf courses.
Website: http://pearlvalley.co.za/
Pearl Valley Hotel
What to expect: The luxury hotel is the latest development for the Val de Vie Estate, and it boasts – apart from its prime location, of course – a swimming pool, two flood-lit tennis courts, horse-riding, a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, wine-tasting at the L’Huguenot Venue & Vinoteque on the estate, and of course, a golf course designed by one of the world’s greatest-ever players. The hotel rooms – there are 38 all showcasing the incredible views of the estate – are just 100 metres away from the clubhouse and boast all the luxurious amenities expected of a luxury hotel.
Website: http://pearlvalley.co.za/
Dish at Val de Vie
What to expect: Since Andrea Foulkes began Dish Food & Social, she has cooked for some of South Africa’s biggest names, catered for the country’s most established and high-profile events, always presenting dishes that are both impeccably presented and inventive. Dish is also now responsible for the management of The Polo Club at the Val de Vie Estate and Foulkes has brought her signature sense of style to the venue. But the Polo Club caters to many types – from families looking for a quick bite to those looking for something a little more substantial – and Dish has managed to put together a menu that serves all its customers’ needs.
- Website: http://valdevie.co.za/
For more information on Paarl and what to see and do while in the valley: http://www.paarlonline.com/
