The Mediterranean climate, diverse soils and good sunshine around Paarl appeal to plenty of wine makers and the land here is tightly sowed with vines, most of them now producing red wines, including South Africa’s own Pinotage and good quality Shiraz.

Some of the regions leading producers are Fairview (which also makes cheeses on site so you can taste their wine and cheese together) Veenwouden and Nederburg, home of the annual wine competition. The region’s largest is KWV which produces inexpensive wines you’re likely to see in your local supermarket.

The warm weather means that the best wines come from grapes on the higher vineyards. Paarl is the largest town in the wine lands region and is set into dramatic shaped granite mountains. It's got a big country town vibe with all mod cons so it doesn't feel that rural.

Written by  Kat Mackintosh.

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