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Paarl Wine Region Guide
Where Scenic Beauty Meets Wine Heritage Beyond Stellenbosch
EXPLORE ALL OUR GUIDES TO SOUTH AFRICA'S WINE REGIONS
Last updated: April 10, 2024
Introduction
First-time visitors to the majestic Western Cape often head straight for its most famous wine region – Stellenbosch – to taste some excellent wines, relax, and pretty much stay put. This is understandable, as many excellent wineries can be found in South Africa’s premier wine zone. But, to miss out on Paarl would be a tragedy, as this is one of the Cape’s wine lands’ most beautiful and scenic parts. A mere 45-minute drive from Cape Town, Paarl offers quite a different set of growing conditions to Stellenbosch, with the resulting differences in wine styles quite apparent to anyone familiar with the wines further south. The town of Paarl itself is the third oldest European settlement in South Africa, and the region has played a major role in the country’s 20th-century history. On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Vester Correctional Centre in Paarl after 27 years of imprisonment. His release signaled the start of a new era and the end of apartheid. Today, a bronze statue of Mandela is proudly displayed in Paarl, a reminder that there is more to the region than its viticultural legacy.
In the north of the Stellenbosch zone, Paarl is South Africa’s second-largest wine region. It is increasingly becoming important for high-quality winemaking and attracting lucrative tourism. Today, there are over 14,000 hectares under vine; Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards surrounding the town of Paarl in the 17th century and found the rich, fertile soil and benign Mediterranean climate more than favorable. The region has long played an important role in South Africa’s wine history. The former Cape Wine Association, known as KWV, was situated in Paarl before abandoning its remit and being privatized. They used to control the vast majority of the Cape’s wine industry (they still make the vast majority of the country’s brandy) before the rise of the private investor, and the number of Cape wine farms subsequently trebled. Although Paarl may no longer be the focus of the Cape wine scene, some excellent wines are made here by producers such as Fairview and Coleraine, often without the price tags of their Stellenbosch neighbors.
Geography and terroir
The Paarl wine-growing region, further from the cooling influence of False Bay to the south, enjoys high daytime summer temperatures and offers excellent conditions for producing ripe, powerful wines from red varieties. Traditionally, the area was devoted to whites, but the best winemakers are realizing that the true potential lies with Bordeaux and classic Rhone varieties. Some excellent examples of Shiraz are found in the region, and some seductive, fleshy, and rich Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines are also produced. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc are planted in almost equal quantities, although Chenin Blanc needs cooler sites to reach its full potential.
Thankfully, despite the generally hotter temperatures across the zone, the growing conditions are far from homogenous in Paarl, and several cooler meso-climates do exist where Chenin and other white varieties can thrive. Some great value, delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Semillon are increasingly emanating from the region, proof that Paarl doesn’t have to be the land of ‘big’ red wines. Even Pinot Noir, the most delicate and troublesome of varietals to grow, is enjoying a renaissance in Paarl, with good examples being coaxed out of the higher altitude, cooler terroirs. One of the most exciting aspects of this appellation is the grower’s willingness to experiment with less internationally famous varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz do abound. Still, successful results are also seen with white and red Rhone varieties. Could Paarl be the New World’s answer to the Rhone Valley in southern France? Look out for Viognier from Ridgeback for your answer.
Today, Paarl’s talented winemakers are producing wines that rival all but the finest examples from the more celebrated Stellenbosch region further south. And with ever more talent and money flowing into this once-neglected part of South Africa’s wine heritage, it’s safe to assume that many more exciting developments and wines are yet to come.
Key Grape Varietals
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
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Chenin Blanc
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Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
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Semillon
Explore the allure of the Semillon grape & its legendary connection to Sauternes. Unveil the history & flavors of this captivating varietal. Cheers!
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Viognier
Viognier comes from the northern Rhône valley AOC of Condrieu and is where its most famous white wines are produced.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
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Shiraz
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
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Nearby Charming Towns and Cities
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Stellenbosch: A historic South African wine hub with stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-class vineyards, epitomizing Cape Winelands' elegance.
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Stellenbosch: A historic South African wine hub with stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-class vineyards, epitomizing Cape Winelands' elegance.
Read moreAuthor
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
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