Produced in Paarl
south africa’s most-awarded private distillery was started in 1995 when a german restaurateur and visitor to the country was stunned to learn that no grappa was produced locally despite the abundance of high-quality fruit. Wilderer wilderer.
co.za) was soon in business and has become something of a Paarl institution – with Pappa grappa restaurant providing laid-back jazz brunches on sundays and serving up all manner of german-inspired tastes. Fuelled by the recent boom in the gin market, the distillery is expanding but grappa remains at its heart. In the tasting room, you can learn about the distillation process, taste and buy spirits made in limited, experimental quantities, and even blend your own gin.
Looking for a mixer for your newest gin acquisition? Barker and Quin barker
andquin.co.za) is a tonic water produced in the region from mountain spring water. For a floral flavour that’s enjoyable as is, try the pink bottle: its contents are made with natural hibiscus, honeybush and real quinine.
For an outing the whole family will enjoy, head to the alpaca Loom Coffee shop and Weaving studio alpacas.co.za) situated just outside Paarl. Take a tour of the facilities, watch as they weave a variety of items on-site and make sure you feed these furry creatures. Paarl Visitors Information Centre paarlonline.com