Paserene Tasting Lounge: A Designer Nest in Franschhoek

Hey there! Step into the Paserene Tasting Lounge in Franschhoek and get ready for a tranquil experience surrounded by the delightful chatter of swallows. The winery’s name, inspired by the Latin word for traveling birds, sets the tone for a truly unique journey. And that essence is beautifully reflected in everything from their wine labels to the art and the architecture.

Now, I know there are plenty of traditional venues vying for your attention, but trust me, Paserene is an absolute gem that you simply can’t afford to miss. Just a few minutes outside of town, this vibrant winery will captivate your senses and take you on a memorable wine-tasting adventure.

And let’s not forget about the winemaker, Martin Smith. His expertise and passion shine through every sip. In fact, Paserene’s Marathon 2020 and Chardonnay 2020 were each awarded an impressive 93 points in the esteemed Platter’s Wine Guide 2024. Now, that’s something special, don’t you think?

In 2015, I became the proud owner of 12 hectares of land that was once part of La Chataigne. Together with my co-owner, Martin Smith, and our general manager, Stephanie Duval-Laidet, we set out to create a truly modern and stylish destination inspired by the beauty of a swallow’s nest. Our venue offers a variety of experiences, including wine tasting and delicious bites from our build-your-own-platter menu.

As you relax and indulge in our wine offerings, you’ll be treated to stunning views of a serene dam and a meticulously landscaped indigenous garden adorned with captivating sculptures.

Our Wine

What sets our wine apart is Martin’s extensive experience and expertise. With 10 years of working in wineries in the United States and six years as the winemaker at the renowned Vilafonté in Paarl, his passion and meticulous approach shine through in every bottle.

Although our vineyards span only eight hectares, we carefully select grapes from exceptional vineyard sites in Franschhoek, Elgin, and Tulbagh to ensure the highest quality in our annual production of 40,000 bottles.

I, Suzaan White, the operations manager, want to share with you the vibrant and playful side of Paserene through the exciting Elements Range. We have carefully crafted these wines to bring you joy and delight, all while offering exceptional value for your money.

Let me introduce you to the enchanting lineup of the Elements Range. First, we have Bright, a refreshing and citrus-forward chardonnay that will awaken your taste buds. Next, we have Rosie, a delightful rosé dominated by carignan grapes, perfect for sipping on a sunny summer day.

Now, let’s move on to the Emerald, a luxurious sauvignon blanc that embodies elegance and finesse. Its crisp flavors and lively character make it an exquisite choice for any occasion. And for the red wine lovers, we have two captivating options.

First, there’s the crowned jewel of the Elements Range, Midnight. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a customer favorite, enchanting palates and captivating hearts with its boldness and sophistication. And last but not least, we have Dark, a mesmerizing syrah sourced from grapes in Tulbagh. It’s a wine that embodies depth and mystery, beckoning you to take a sip and discover its secrets.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the high-end and refined Paserene range. This collection embraces structure and elegance, showcasing the true mastery of our winemakers. Among this selection, you’ll find our Chardonnay, a wine that exemplifies grace and complexity, and the crown jewel of this range, the 2020 Marathon.

These wines have received an outstanding 4.5-star rating in Platter’s, a testament to their unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Finally, we have the 2020 Union, a magnificent red wine made from carefully cultivated syrah grapes in Tulbagh.

Paserene invites you to embark on a journey of taste and discovery. Each sip will transport you to a world where art, passion, and dedication converge in a glass of exceptional wine. Join us and experience the magic of Paserene.

When it comes to Martin’s wines, there are two particular blends that stand out: the Shiner White and the Siner Red. These delicious nonvintage wines are carefully crafted using grapes grown in the exquisite Paserene terroirs.

What to eat with these wines

When you visit the tasting room, you’ll be delighted to see a wonderful selection of small plates designed to perfectly complement Martin’s wines. This means that you have the freedom to create your own personalized platter. There are so many tasty options to choose from, including charcuterie from the talented Neil Jewell, smoked trout from Franschhoek’s Three Streams Smokehouse, and free-range beef biltong by the skilled Ryan Boon. You can also enjoy artisanal cheeses paired with fynbos honeycomb, which comes straight from the onsite beehives. And let’s not forget about the freshly baked bread, the delectable homemade snoek pâté, and a variety of other delicious bites like bitterballen and olives.

If you’re a fan of liquorice, you’re in for a treat! Martin is planning to introduce a wine-and-liquorice pairing experience soon. You’ll get to savor the amazing flavors of Martin’s wines alongside the delightful Lakrid by Bulow liquorice. It’s a match made in heaven! The cost for this special pairing experience is R150, which includes three wines and three liquorices.

We were so enchanted by the beautiful flavors and the unique setting that we couldn’t resist taking home a case of wine. It’s the perfect way to extend the joy and savor the memories of this extraordinary experience.

In Franschhoek, there are various wine tasting experiences for you to enjoy. You can choose from three different options: Cost Elements Tasting, Paserene Tasting, and Liquorice pairing. The Cost Elements Tasting costs R100 and includes five wines. The Paserene Tasting costs R200 and includes four wines. If you’re a fan of liquorice, you can opt for the Liquorice pairing, which costs R150 and includes three wines.

If you’re planning to visit Paserene, it’s good to know that the Franschhoek Wine Tram makes stops there every hour. The winery is open Monday through Sunday from 10am until 5pm. If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, you can contact them at 021 876 2714 or send an email to info@paserene.co.za. Paserene Farm is located on R45 in Franschhoek.

So, if you’re looking for a wine tasting experience in Franschhoek, Paserene is definitely worth considering. With their variety of tasting options and convenient location, it’s a great choice for wine lovers.