Restaurants at wine estates in Paarl

The pearl of the Boland is a culinary gem

Paarl is the largest town in the Cape Winelands and the birthplace of Afrikaans - they’ve got the monument to prove it. This town is famous for its granite soil, resulting in a terroir that produces cracking good wine. Wine estates in Paarl have an assortment of restaurants from simple, bistro-style menus to the more elegant affair wine pairing affairs.

Cosecha Restaurant
Located next to the farm’s harvesting area; Cosecha is inspired by vibrant, farm-fresh Latin flavours. Tuck into imaginative dishes such as, tequila marinated beef carpaccio or beef enchiladas with borracho beans.
Wine to try: Noble Hill Chardonnay 2010 – showing hints of butterscotch and flint.
Top tip: The estate also makes its own olive oil.
Noble Hill Wine Estate | Simondium | Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 874 3844

Laborie Restaurant
With a history dating back 300 years, the stylish restaurant and terrace is secluded by vineyards and shaded by ancient oaks. Share a Winelands platter  that consists of charcuterie, pâtés, pickles, preserves, farm cheeses and home baked bread.
Wine to try: Laborie Méthode Cap Classique, it’s a steal at R68 a bottle.
Top tip: Visit the Lazy Day’s Laborie market on Saturday mornings.
Laborie Estate | Taillefert Street | Southern Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 807 3095

The Backsberg Restaurant
Tuck into South African, home-style meals including ostrich carpaccio, smoked salmon stacks and seafood platters from the â la carte menu. Traditional lamb on the spit is available every day during summer, in a stunning, garden setting. Read about our lazy lunches at Backsberg.
Wine to try: Backsberg Family Reserve White 2009, a blend of  chardonnay, roussanne and viognier, it’s all peaches and cream.
Top tip: Backsberg is the first wine estate in South Africa to produce carbon neutral wines.
Backsberg Estate Cellars | Simondium Road | Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 875 5952

The Deck Restaurant
The wine tasting cellar is set in tranquil gardens, overlooking a dam populated with wild birds. Enjoy dishes ranging from gourmet burgers to homemade salmon fishcakes or simply try one of their platters, ranging from cheese to Asian-style snacks.
Wine to try: Ridgeback Viognier 2009 has hints of orange blossom and a palate of peach.
Top tip: Ask about their picnic spot, situated on a large granite rock in the middle of the vineyards.
Ridgeback Wine Farm | R44 | Windmuel | Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 869 8068

The Goatshed Restaurant
Settle in at this Mediterranean-style eatery and  build a cheese platter paired with fresh farm bread. Sit outside for a view of Fairview’s famous Goat Tower or inside for a more rustic feel in the converted barn. There are daily specials too, everything from gravadlax to warming lamb stews.
Wine to try:  All of it! You can order all the estate’s wine in handy carafes.
Top tip: Go for a wine and cheese tasting before your meal.
Fairview Wine and Cheese | Suid-Agter-Paarl Road | Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 863 2450

Rhebokskloof
Chef, Elton Flack, has been creating South African and international dishes for the past 10 years. Enjoy inside Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture.
Wine to try: Rhebokskloof’s flagship wine, Black Marble Hill Syrah 2006, won gold in the Syrah du Monde completion, France.
Top tip: in winter, savour a robust gemsbok osso bucco.
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate | Windmeul | Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 869 8386

Under the Oaks Pizzeria
In a charming, old wine cellar, Italian pizzas are homemade and cooked in a wood fired oven. You’ll be treated to views of rolling fields, birds, animals and majestic mountains.
Wine to try: Under Oaks Chenin Blanc 2010 - enjoy on a warm, summer afternoon or with fish and chicken dishes.
Top tip: tuck into a Parma ham and rocket pizza, beneath enchanting oak trees.
Under the Oaks Farm | Northern Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 869 8962

De Leuwen Jagt Restaurant
In summer, enjoy outdoor terraces, shaded by 300-year-old oak trees and in winter, a cosy restaurant warmed by log fires. Chefs combine Cape Malay cooking with seasonal produce.
Wine to try: De Leuwen Jagt Chadonnay 2009 has a citrus nose and is light, pale grey in colour.
Top tip: try Piadina – Italian flat bread folded with varieties of delicious fillings including Parma ham, salami and Mortadella.
Siedelberg Wine Estate | Suid Agter Paarl Road | Paarl | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 863 5200

By Lisa Nevitt

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Read our overviews of restaurants at wine estates in Stellenbosch, Durbanville, Franschhoek, Somerset West and Constantia.

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