Paarl
The Paarl wine region is located in the coastal area of South Africa’s Western Cape - about 65kms north-west of Cape Town. The town of Paarl lays at the heart of the region, named after the shiny granite mountain in the distance.
The climate is very similar to the Rhône Valley in France, with moderate warm summers cooled by Atlantic breezes towards harvest season. Vineyards grow on the flat valley floor, and have expanded extensively into the surrounding hillsides.
For most of the 20th century, the Paarl region was at the heart of the South African wine industry, but the shift has gradually mixed towards Stellenbosch. However, the terror driven wines of its sub-areas, have revitalised the region in recent years.
Paarl represents around 120 wineries ranging from large co-operative cellars to historic family-owned estates. It combines old-world charm with new-world style winemaking and is becoming increasingly well-regarded for red and white wine blends.
