Nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, Spice Route Destination in Paarl offers a thrilling blend of artisanal experiences, scenic beauty, and exceptional food and drink. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or family traveler, this expansive estate caters to every interest. With something for everyone, it’s no surprise that it has quickly become a must-visit destination. In this guide, I’ll take you through the 15 best reasons why Spice Route Destination should be at the top of your travel list.
1. A Passport to Artisanal Tastings
One of the most unique experiences at Spice Route Destination is the Spice Route Passport. This pocket-sized booklet is your ticket to a personalized tasting journey through some of the estate’s finest offerings. You’ll sample a curated selection of CBC premium beers, Wilderer spirits, and Spice Route wines, all paired with a delicious Jewell’s charcuterie tasting plate.
The passport is valid for a whole year, so you can take your time exploring each tasting at your own pace. Whether you’re a craft beer lover or a wine aficionado, this passport gives you exclusive access to a world of flavors.
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Cost: R290
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Contact: 021 863 5200 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The Spice Route Passport was the highlight of my visit. Each stop was a new adventure, and the charcuterie plate was a perfect pairing to the different drinks. A great way to explore at your leisure!”
2. Jewell’s: Farm-to-Table Dining at Its Best
For food lovers, Jewell’s is an absolute must. This restaurant is the brainchild of charcuterie expert Neil Jewell, and it’s a celebration of seasonal, farm-to-table dining. With ingredients sourced from Spice Route’s surrounding farmland, and organic Red Angus beef from Charles Back’s herd, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail.
The warm service, coupled with panoramic views of the estate, elevates the entire dining experience, making it the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch.
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Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:30am – 4pm
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Contact: 021 204 4875 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The beef was so tender, and the flavors just popped. Sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine, looking out at the mountain views – it felt like the perfect escape.”
3. La Grapperia: Casual Dining with a View
Looking for a more relaxed atmosphere? La Grapperia offers a laid-back, family-friendly environment where you can enjoy wood-fired, thin-based pizzas and a range of other delicious Italian and German-inspired dishes. The best part? You can sip on Wilderer Distillery’s award-winning gin while the kids play in the nearby playground.
If you visit in the late afternoon, don’t forget to stick around for the stunning sundowners as the sky turns pink over the mountains.
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Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm (summer)
Sunday, 11am – 6pm -
Contact: 021 863 4367 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The pizzas were perfect – crispy and flavorful, with the best crust I’ve ever had. The gin-and-tonic combo was a refreshing treat as the sun started to set.”
4. Ristorante Pasta Pasta: Authentic Italian Charm
If you’re craving authentic Italian pasta, Pasta Pasta is the place to go. This cozy trattoria, part of the Wilderer team, brings the flavors of Italy straight to the heart of Paarl. With rustic decor, red-checkered tablecloths, and an inviting courtyard, it’s the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
The pasta here is fresh and the sauces are divine – just like you’d find in a small Italian town.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 11:30am – 10:30pm
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Contact: 021 863 4367 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “I was transported straight to Italy with every bite. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the flavors were so fresh. It’s the kind of place where you linger over every course.”
5. Wilderer Distillery: A Legacy of Craft Spirits
A visit to Spice Route would not be complete without a stop at the Wilderer Distillery. Known for their world-class grappa and eau de vie, Wilderer spirits are a testament to the artistry of master distiller Helmut Wilderer, and his son Christian Wilderer continues the family legacy. You can explore the distillery, enjoy a tasting, and sample unique spirits like the Cape Healing Herb Bitter, made from over 30 local herbs.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
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Contact: 021 863 4367 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The Cape Healing Herb Bitter blew me away – it was unlike anything I’ve tasted before. The distillery tour was informative, and I loved sampling the grappa straight from the source.”
6. Spice Route Wine-Tasting Room: A Journey Through Terroir
The Spice Route Wine-Tasting Room offers a fascinating dive into the world of hand-crafted wines. Charles Back opened this winery in 1997, and since then, it has become a leading name in the industry. The wine-tasting options here are varied and include everything from the Winemaker’s Journey to paired options such as Wine and Charcuterie and even Dessert & Wine Pairing.
For those who prefer a cozy atmosphere, the underground tasting room is perfect, while the expansive lawns and pergola are ideal on sunny days.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
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Contact: 021 863 5200 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The wine-tasting experience was beautifully laid-back, and the pairings were spot-on. I especially loved the chocolate-and-wine pairing – an unexpected treat!”
7. The Cape Brewing Company: Craft Beer Excellence
For craft beer enthusiasts, The Cape Brewing Company (CBC) is a must-visit. Brewed with precision and passion, their beers range from pilsners to ambers, all crafted using crystal-clear spring water sourced from the nearby Paarl mountain. A tour of the facilities, followed by a tasting of four or more beers, offers a deeper appreciation of the brewing process.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (last tasting at 4:30pm)
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Contact: 021 863 2270 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “I’m a huge fan of craft beer, and CBC did not disappoint. The pilsner was crisp and refreshing, perfect for the warm Paarl weather.”
8. Mountain Trails: Hike or Bike with a View
For those who want to stretch their legs and explore the outdoors, Spice Route offers scenic mountain trails on Paarl Rock Mountain. Managed by Paarl Adventure Trails, the trails cater to all levels, from a relaxed 2.5km hike to a more challenging 35km mountain bike route.
With breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, it’s an excellent way to work up an appetite before your next meal or tasting.
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Cost: R80 – R100 for day permits
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, sunrise – sunset
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Contact: [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The 2.5km hike was perfect for a morning stroll – the views were just stunning. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good walk in nature.”
9. Spies Route Adventure: The Ultimate Family Challenge
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive family activity, Spies Route Adventure is a must. This thrilling experience combines a treasure hunt and escape-room clues, making it ideal for kids and adults alike. Team up to solve clues and uncover the mystery of a rogue spy in this exciting, fast-paced adventure.
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Cost: R80 per person
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Duration: 45 minutes
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Contact: [email protected]
Personal Insight: “This was such a fun family activity. The clues were tricky but engaging, and it was a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. My kids loved it!”
10. Ceramics Painting at Môigoeters Creative Studio
Unleash your creativity at Môigoeters Creative Studio, where you can paint ceramics and take home your creations. Choose from a range of pottery pieces, from mugs to salad bowls, and let your artistic side shine. The team will glaze and fire your piece for you, so you can pick it up later.
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Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
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Contact: 076 599 6502 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “I had a blast painting my own mug. The studio had such a calming atmosphere, and it was a great way to unwind after a busy day of exploring.”
11. The Trading Company: A Shop of Local Treasures
No visit to Spice Route would be complete without a stop at The Trading Company, a boutique shop curated by Abigail Bisogno. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of handmade, limited-edition items, from beautiful jewelry to bespoke homeware and exotic cushions. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or a special souvenir from your visit.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
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Contact: 021 201 6917 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The Trading Company was full of quirky finds, from artisan candles to vibrant table linen. I found the perfect gift for a friend and couldn’t resist picking up a cushion for my living room.”
12. Brendas: A Taste of Homemade Goodness
If you appreciate homemade, preservative-free goodies, then Brendas is an absolute gem. Brenda de Jager has turned her love for food into an artisanal business, making jams, preserves, pickles, and glazes that are all made from scratch. You can even blend your own custom spice mixes for flavorful curries and tagines.
The fragrant, spice-laden shop is a treat for the senses, and you’ll leave with a jar (or several) of something truly special to take home.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
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Contact: 021 863 3392 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “The jams here were heavenly. I couldn’t leave without grabbing a jar of the spicy fig preserve – perfect for cheese platters or just spreading on toast!”
13. Lucky Bamboo: A Serene, Green Escape
For those looking for a bit of tranquility, Lucky Bamboo offers a serene environment filled with lush greenery. This lifestyle shop is dedicated to all things green, featuring an assortment of plants known for their symbolic meanings of good luck and positive energy. Think lucky bamboo, money trees, and Chinese money plants, all presented in elegant vessels that make perfect gifts or decorative additions to your home.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
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Contact: 079 559 9733 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “I was drawn to the lucky bamboo display – the plants are so calming and beautiful. It made for the perfect moment of peace during my visit.”
14. Beauty is Life: Pamper Yourself with Luxurious Treatments
After a full day of exploring, unwind and treat yourself to a bit of pampering at Beauty is Life. Elzette Calitz offers a range of beauty treatments, including pedicures, manicures, facials, and massages, all designed to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you’re looking to relax or simply want to treat yourself to a spa experience, this spot is the perfect way to end your visit.
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Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, by appointment only
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Contact: 082 726 6514 | [email protected]
Personal Insight: “After a long day of hiking and tasting, a relaxing massage here was just what I needed. Elzette has magic hands – I left feeling completely rejuvenated!”
15. Nigiro Tea at Spice Route: A New Brew for Tea Lovers
Tea aficionados will be delighted to discover Nigiro Tea, brought to Spice Route by renowned tea master Mingwe Tsai. With over 120 different tea blends available, this new addition to the estate offers an immersive experience into the art of tea appreciation. You can even indulge in the Tea Compass Fountain – a custom table that creates an exceptional tea experience, combining flavors and aromas in a truly unique way.
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Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
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Contact: 021 863 5200
Personal Insight: “I’m a big fan of tea, and Mingwe’s selection was divine. The custom tea table was such a special experience – I’ll never look at tea the same way again!”
Bonus: Spice Route Destination’s Family-Friendly Offerings
Beyond these 15 incredible activities, Spice Route Destination is also perfect for families, with ample green space for picnics and relaxation. Two extensive playgrounds ensure that kids can burn off energy while adults can enjoy a peaceful moment in the serene environment.
Personal Insight: “It’s not just for adults – my kids had a blast at the playground. They loved running around the grounds while I sipped wine and relaxed.”
Final Thoughts
Spice Route Destination is more than just a winery or distillery – it’s a full experience that combines food, drink, art, nature, and fun, all in one place. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the mountain trails, indulging in world-class wine and craft beer, or simply taking a moment for yourself at a beauty treatment, this estate offers something special for everyone.
From the unique Spice Route Passport to Jewell’s exquisite farm-to-table meals, each experience at Spice Route will leave you with cherished memories. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and head to Paarl for a getaway you won’t soon forget!
Disclaimer:
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please refer to official channels for accurate and up-to-date contact information, including the right Instagram, Facebook, phone numbers, addresses, and map links.
