Situated on the slopes of the scenic Paarl Mountains, the Spice Route boasts various tasting and cultural experiences – all within walking distance of each other. Its broad-ranging offerings make for a full day’s excursion that has visitors coming back for more. The destination’s recently released a ‘passport’ – a pocket-sized booklet that gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a selection of five tastings for only R190.
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This is a great ‘pay-once’ option and ideal for a group day trip to the Winelands. Passport owners can choose to complete all tastings in one sitting, or over various visits throughout the year. If you’re looking for interesting ways to spoil friends, family and colleagues, or simply feel like treating yourself, it is guaranteed to impress. Here are some highlights you can look forward to on your visit to the beautiful Boland estate:
1. Brenda’s Deli
Start your exploration of Spice Route with a sensory journey at Brenda’s Deli. The smell of spices immediately envelops you as you enter the shop, evoking images of bustling North African souks and aromatic Tunisian tagines. Mix your own blend of spices and create ‘flavour adventures’ for your next dinner party. Brenda’s Deli products and preserves are additive-free and made from fresh, natural ingredients.
Contact: 021 863 3392
2. Barley and Biltong Emporium
With chef Philip Pretorius taking the lead in the kitchen, Barley and Biltong Emporium offers some of the best burgers in town. This beer garden with a Cape twist is the ideal spot to enjoy a pint of craft beer and a delicious range of beef, kudu, eland and springbok biltong. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Contact: 021 863 5200.
3. Barn Artists Studio and Gallery
Since December 2013, the Barn Artists Studio and Gallery has functioned as the work and exhibition space for resident painters Diane Back and Jake Watson. They also regularly invite other local artists to create and display their work alongside their own. Visit the gallery to watch the artists ply their craft, shop for original artwork, or take part in one of the ninety-minute painting sessions.
Contact: 021 863 5221.
4. Bertus Basson at Spice Route
The restaurant celebrates the best of South African cuisine with an original take on traditional dishes. Enjoy a leisurely lunch under the oak trees or on the stoep, from where you can embrace the beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, pop into the restaurant and help yourself at the ‘Pak ’n mandjie’ area, where you can select a bottle of wine, artisinal meats and delicious baked goods to enjoy on the lawn.
Contact: 021 863 5222
5. Cape Brewing Company (CBC)
The CBC brewery produces a wide range of beers, using only the finest ingredients, state-of-the-art equipment and is crafted by master brewer Wolfgang Koedel and his passionate team. Beer enthusiasts and curious visitors alike are invited to discover CBC’s award-winning brews — made independently and without compromise at the foot of the Paarl Mountains.
Contact: 021 863 2270
6. De Villiers Chocolate
Chocolate making was initially only a hobby for Pieter de Villiers, founder of De Villiers Chocolate. But once he discovered the richness and diversity of single-origin chocolate, an obsession was born. And once you taste some of the chocolaterie’s flavours – the Sea Salt Caramel and Chai Milk are our favourites – you’ll understand why. The De Villiers team’s passion for artisanal and handcrafted food has also led them to expand their offering to coffee and homemade ice cream – the perfect combination on a hot summer’s day.
Contact: 021 874 1060
7. La Grapperia
Situated next to Wilderer Distillery, La Grapperia offers a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere. Enjoy a diverse and flavourful selection of wood-fired pizza, flammkuchen and platters, with wine or beer on tap. In summer, guests can sit under the oak trees and experience the panoramic views of the Cape Winelands, or huddle near the indoor fireplace on colder days and warm up with grappa, schnapps and gin that is made on-site.
Contact: 021 863 4367
8. Red Hot Glass
Red Hot Glass is a world-class glassblowing studio that has been producing original glasswork for over twenty-five years. The team strives to make the studio the top glass destination in Africa. Each piece is unique, from hand-blown perfume bottles to colourful vases, chandeliers, sculptures and unique artefacts. Watch the glassblowers in action or browse the beautiful array of objects in the gallery.
Contact: 021 8630330
9. Richard Bosman’s Quality Cured Meats
Since 2009, Richard Bosman’s Quality Cured Meats has been producing exceptional Italian and Spanish style charcuterie. Partnerships with farmers have made it possible for the small factory to source the finest pasture-reared animals, delivering superior quality and flavour. Bosman’s philosophy is to interfere as little as possible with the meat, and to rely on the quality and time to make the magic happen. The meat is hand-salted, hung and cured for two to twelve months, resulting in delicious, artisanal fare that’s well worth the wait.
Contact: 083 277 3494
10. Spice Route Wines
The new age of the Swartland began in 1997, when Charles Back stumbled across an old Tobacco farm called Klein Amoskuil. Bewildered by the quality of grapes in a region better known for its wheat, the potential was obvious. Back set forth to acquire the farm and study its soils and extreme climate and the Spice Route Winery was born. The hand-crafted wines were brought from the Swartland to Spice Route in Paarl, to be enjoyed by all. Indulge in a wine tasting in a rustic underground tasting room, or outside under the pergola, while taking in the magnificent views of the Simonsberg mountains.
Contact: 021 863 5200
11. The Trading Company
The Trading Company is an eclectic décor store filled with a melange of old and new, trendy and colourful, and fresh and artistic. The key philosophy of the shop is to bring together local creative talent and all in one space. With a carefully selected range of bespoke homeware, toys, games, and jewellery, the Trading Company is a celebration of local design.
Contact: 021 201 6917
12. Wilderer Distillery
Visit Wilderer Distillery and sample some of the world’s finest grappa, gin and schnapps. Pop in at the on-site distillery and experience how the best raw material and cutting-edge German distilling equipment are used to create the drinks that have made Wilderer the brand of choice for connoisseurs world-wide.
Contact: 021 863 4367
Photography: Original93 and Spice Route Destination
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