There is no better time to visit the glorious Boland town of Paarl than during the cold winter months. From winter-warming menus to wine tastings, loads of fun activities and incredible winter offers, pencil Paarl in on your list of things to do this winter.
Paarl is known as the Pearl of the Winelands for valid reasons and visitors can enjoy the incredible scenery and great tourism offerings by day and cozy up in front of a fire with a glass of award-winning wine at any of the fabulous accommodation facilities.
Several restaurants are offering special winter menus with real comfort food such as curries, slow-cooked oxtail and nourishing soups. Tasting spectacular Paarl red wines at various tasting rooms in the region is a surefire cure for the winter blues.
For tastings of a different kind, try the tea or brandy tastings at the KWV Wine Emporium, another legendary local brand. “A taste of tea” is the ideal alternative for non-drinkers or designated drivers, while the brandy tasting takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the House of Fire to celebrate this renowned South African drink.
Paarl has a thriving coffee shop culture with loads of shops lining the historic Main Road or located on nearby wine farms. Kikka, Bean in Love, Back’s Restaurant and Deli, Knus Karoo Kombuis and La Paris Bistro are some of the spots to get a coffee kick.
Looking for a touch of art and culture? Don’t miss a guided tour at the impressive Afrikaans Language Monument and Museum. The iconic granite landmark was completed in 1974 and offers an amazing insight into the development of the Afrikaans language as well as stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The museum is situated in Pastorie Avenue in the town centre and traces the history of the language.
Visitors can get creative at the Eve Art Studio, where Madelein Eve presents workshops and art classes.
For the adventurous at heart, the Paarl Adventure Trail Network is a must for a hike, rock-climb or mountain bike ride. It consists of custom-built trails that traverse a variety of terrain around the Paarl Mountain. The picturesque landscape of fynbos vegetation is dominated by massive rounded granite rock formations set among wild olives, rock candlewoods and wagon trees.
Keep the cold outside and indulge in a pampering session at one of the local spas. Visitors can spoil themselves with treatments at the Garden Spa at Babylonstoren.
