Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Places to go and things to do in Paarl
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OUTDOORS Visible from the N1 highway, the Taal Monument is a bold tribute to Africa’s youngest language. Coupled with the Taal Museum in Paarl itself, the aim is to preserve and promote all aspects of the Afrikaans language and culture, while recognising the influence of all languages on each other. There are free tours of the monument for groups of 20 or more. Call 021 863 2800. A visit to Paarl has to include a quick trip to the Drakenstein Correctional Centre. This prison, then known as Victor Verster, became famous when the world’s most loved prisoner, Nelson Mandela, was transferred there in December 1988. It is on the R301 just outside Paarl; call 021 864 8000.
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EAT Along with beautiful vistas, Paarl offers some of the region’s finest restaurants. If the gardens at Babylonstoren don’t take your breath away, then the proerty has a choice of restaurants to try. The Greenhouse offers a small menu of picnicstyle foods prepared daily with home-made breads, charcuterie and jams. Open from Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, bookings can be made at 021 863 3852. Rated as among the very best in Paarl is Noop on the Main Road. Nestled under two ancient oak trees the establishment is renowned for creating unpretentious dishes from the finest in-season local ingredients. Bookings at 021 863 3925.
The Goatshed, on Fairview farm, has established itself as one of Paarl’s favourite estate restaurants. Call 021 863 2450.
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DRINK From the centre of Paarl you are within a short drive of some the region’s finest wine farms; Fairview has become famous for their Goats Do Roam range. Based on a mix of southern French and Italian style blends, they come at attractive prices and include a red blend, a white blend and a rosé. KWV was established in 1918 as a representative body of all wine farmers in the region. It has now become one of the premier exporters of wines and brandy operating from a 22ha complex in Paarl.
It’s a great place to start any wine tour of the region. It is open seven days a week, call 021 863 3803. In a region dominated by stellar wines it’s the Berg River Brewery that’s causing locals to smack their lips. Two ales, a lager and a low-alcohol weisz made from organic and natural ingredients in an authentic craft-style round out their range. Tastings are available daily in the taproom, 021 871 1390.
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SHOP The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio is a shopping destination with a difference. Alpacas and llamas are related to dromedary camels found in Africa and Asia, and all three co-exist on this farm. In addition to tours of the animals – they are child friendly and can be fed – the farm offers a range of woven (on site) products, such as scarves, shawls, blankets and rugs. Also on offer are handknitted mittens, beanies and jerseys, plus an assortment of alpaca yarns. There are daily tours of the farm, call 021 863 2495.