A Must-Visit: Spice Route Destination has Something for Everyone

Imagine a place where you can enjoy the beauty of oak trees, breathtaking views, and endless opportunities for exploration. Well, look no further than Spice Route Destination in Paarl. This hidden gem offers a variety of experiences that will captivate the entire family.

Nestled on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, Spice Route Destination boasts vast lawns, majestic oak trees, and panoramic valley views that stretch all the way to Table Mountain. With its abundance of artisanal delights and exciting activities, this place has something to offer for visitors of all ages. Trust me when I say, one visit will never be enough!

1. A Gastronomic Adventure Awaits

Hey there! Have you heard about the awesome Spice Route Passport? It’s a nifty little booklet that lets you go on a fantastic tasting adventure with CBC premium beers, Wilderer spirits, and Spice Route wines. And to make things even better, you’ll get to enjoy all these delicious beverages alongside a delectable Jewell’s charcuterie tasting plate. Yum!

What’s really cool about the Spice Route Passport is that it’s valid for a whole year. So you don’t have to rush through your tastings. Take your time, savor every sip, and truly appreciate the flavors. It’s all about enjoying the journey at your own pace.

Oh, and let’s talk about the cost. Guess what? It’s only R290! That’s a pretty sweet deal for all the amazing tastings you’ll get to experience. And if you have any questions or want to make a booking, you can give them a call at 021 863 5200 or shoot them an email at info@spiceroute.co.za.

2. Jewell’s

If you appreciate delicious food that’s prepared with care, then you absolutely need to try the farm-to-table feast created by the talented chef Neil Jewell. Believe me, he only uses the finest ingredients to make his seasonal dishes. The vegetables and herbs come straight from Spice Route’s own farmland, and the beef is sourced from Charles Back’s organic Red Angus herd. When you combine this incredible food with the warm service and breathtaking views, you can see why the restaurant lives up to its name.
When can you visit? The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11:30am to 4pm.
Contact information: You can reach them at 021 204 4875 or via email at jewells@spiceroute.co.za. Don’t forget to book your reservation through Dineplan.

3. La Grapperia

I love going to this cozy German and Italian restaurant that serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and a variety of other dishes. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and they even have a playground nearby to keep the little ones entertained. While enjoying your meal, you can sip on the amazing gin and tonic from Wilderer Distillery. It’s won awards for a reason! And if you want to make it a longer day, they also offer picnics and sundowner drinks at their beach bar. It’s the perfect place to relax, especially when you can watch the sky turn beautiful shades of pink as the sun sets behind the mountain. The restaurant is open on weekdays and Saturdays from 11am to 10pm during the summer, and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm. If you want to get in touch, you can call them at 021 863 4367 or email grapperia@wilderer.co.za.

Now, let me tell you about another great restaurant. It’s called Ristorante Pasta Pasta.

Hey there! If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some delicious Italian food, you’ve come to the right place. At this lovely little trattoria from the Wilderer team, you can indulge in authentic Italian flavors and satisfy all your pasta cravings. With charming red-check tablecloths and tables that spill out into the cozy courtyard, you’ll feel like you’re experiencing la dolce vita in a rustic farm style setting.

Now, let’s talk about the important details. Here are the opening times you need to know: Monday to Sunday, from 11:30am to 10:30pm. So, whether you’re craving pasta for lunch or dinner, they’ve got you covered.

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, you can easily get in touch with them. Just give them a call at 021 863 4367 or send an email to pastapasta@wilderer.co.za. They’ll be happy to assist you.

5. Wilderer Distillery

I want to share with you the exciting story of Wilderer Distillery, a place where world-class spirits are created. This beautiful distillery has a rich history, thanks to the talented master distiller Helmut Wilderer. He created award-winning grappa and eau de vie (schnapps) that have made a lasting impact. Today, his son Christian Wilderer continues the legacy, ensuring that the distillery remains a sought-after destination.

At Wilderer Distillery, they welcome both spontaneous visits and organized tastings. You can experience the delicious flavors of their spirits for just R60. One standout product is the Cape Healing Herb Bitter, an exceptional liqueur made with over 30 fynbos herbs, including buchu, betulina, rooibos, devil’s claw, and African wormwood. You won’t find anything quite like it!

If you’re interested in visiting, Wilderer Distillery is open Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Feel free to reach out to them at 021 863 4367 or send an email to info@wilderer.co.za. They’ll be happy to assist you.

6. Spice Route Wine-Tasting Room

Welcome to Spice Route Wines! As you may have guessed from our name, we pay homage to the brave sailors of the 15th century who traveled the treacherous Cape of Storms in search of exotic spices. Our winery was established in 1997 by Charles Back, inspired by the potential he saw in an old Swartland tobacco farm, Klein Amoskuil, to create unique, hand-crafted wines.

When it comes to experiencing our wines, we offer four different tasting options. You can embark on the Winemaker’s Journey for R75, or enjoy a Wine and Charcuterie Journey or a Wine and Vegetarian Journey for R120, which includes careful food pairings. For those with a sweet tooth, we also offer a dessert-and-wine pairing for R150. No matter which option you choose, you’re in for a delightful tasting experience.

If the weather is cold, don’t worry! We have a warm and cozy underground tasting room where you can savor our wines. But if it’s a beautiful day outside, we invite you to relax under our pergola or on our spacious lawns, where you can enjoy your wine while taking in the stunning surroundings.

Opening times: We are open from Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.
Contact: For any inquiries or to book a tasting, please call us at 021 863 5200 or email tasting@spiceroute.co.za.

7. The Cape Brewing Company

The Cape Brewery Company, also known as CBC, creates a wide variety of craft beers. They take great pride in their brewing process, which is overseen by brewmaster Wolfgang Koedel. He is committed to using only the best ingredients and state-of-the-art equipment. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you have the opportunity to visit the brewery and witness the entire production process. Not only can you see how the beer is made, but you can also taste it right away. You have the choice between trying four different beers for R60 or eight for R85. Once you’ve sampled the brews, you can decide which ones you want to take home with you. The CBC offers a range of four core beers: pilsner, lager, Krystal Weiss, and Amber Weiss. These beers are made using pure and crystal-clear water sourced from a spring in the Paarl mountain. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the world of craft beer at CBC! Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm, and the last tasting is at 4:30pm. If you have any questions or want to get in touch, you can contact CBC at 021 863 2270 or info@capebrewing.co.za. Moving on to another great activity in the Cape Town area, let’s talk about mountain trails.

If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, I’ve got just the thing for you. Head up to the beautiful mountain trails around Paarl Rock Mountain. Managed by Paarl Adventure Trails, these trails have something for everyone, from easy 2.5km hikes to thrilling 35km mountain bike rides.

But before you set off, here are some things you should know. You can pay for your day permit in a few different ways: use Snapscan at the start of the trails, pay online, or even use your credit card at the Information Centre. So it’s super convenient!

Now let’s talk about the cost. For a day permit, it’s gonna be between R80 and R100. But if you plan on going to a few different spots in the Winelands region, it might be worth it to get a Winelands Regional Pass. It costs R1,800 for adults and R1,400 for kids under 18. It gives you access to all kinds of cool places.

The trails are open every day, from sunrise to sunset. So you can come whenever is convenient for you. And if you need any information or assistance, you can head over to the Information Centre. They’re open Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. You’ll find all the help you need there.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, you can contact Paarl Adventure Trails at info@paarladventuretrails.co.za. They’ll be happy to help you out.

9. Go on an Exciting Adventure on the Spies Route

It’s time for an exciting adventure that the whole family can enjoy! Get ready to step into the shoes of a spy and solve mysteries in a thrilling treasure hunt. The Spies Route game is like an escape room, but with a spy twist. You’ll be racing around, going undercover, and cracking clues in a top-secret mission. Your goal? Uncover the truth about a rogue spy.

Gather your team of four and prepare for an adrenaline-filled challenge. While the game is recommended for kids aged 12 and up, younger kids can join in the fun with their parents. This is the perfect activity for a birthday celebration, especially when you pair it with our kids’ party passport that includes lunch and dessert.

Remember to book in advance to secure your spot. All clues and instructions are in English, so make sure you have a good understanding of the language. The game lasts for approximately 45 minutes and costs R80 per person.

Get ready to channel your inner James Bond and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Come spend a fun-filled morning at Môigoeters Creative Studio, where you can unleash your creativity by painting ceramics. From salad bowls to mugs and everything in between, you have a wide range of pieces to choose from. Once you’re done, our team will glaze and fire your creations, ready for you to collect at a later date.

We are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, so you can drop by whenever it suits you. If you have any questions or want to make a booking, feel free to contact us at 076 599 6502 or send us an email at info@moigoeters.com.

Next on the list is The Trading Company.

No trip to Spice Route Destination would be complete without a visit to Abigail Bisogno’s charming Trading Company. Abby, the co-owner of Spice Route, has carefully curated a store packed with delightful surprises. You’ll discover unique, one-of-a-kind items created by local artists, as well as exquisite home furnishings, beautiful jewelry, stylish stationery, and more. Everything is crafted from natural materials, and the store’s decor is all handcrafted or refurbished by talented local craftsmen. It’s a whimsical treasure trove where you’re certain to find the perfect gift for everyone you know.
Store Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
Contact: 021 201 6917, abigailbisogno@gmail.com

12. Brendas

Hey there, food lover! I’m Brenda de Jager, and I’ve taken my love for delicious eats and turned it into a thriving business. At my store, you’ll find a mouthwatering assortment of preservative- and additive-free jams, preserves, pickles, and glazes. It’s a true culinary treasure trove that exudes the delightful aroma of spices.

But that’s not all – at my store, you can also get creative and blend your own spice mixes. Imagine the possibilities! You can whip up tantalizing curries and tagines right in your own kitchen.

Here are the essential details you need:

Opening times: Come visit us any day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, between 10am and 5pm.

Contact: Got a question or need more information? Feel free to reach out to us at 021 863 3392 or drop us an email at info@brendas.co.za. We’re here to help!

13. Lucky Bamboo

Welcome to Green Haven, a serene oasis where nature and beauty come together. I’m Suki Tong, the owner, and I’ve created this magical space just for you. Here, you’ll find an exquisite collection of green treasures that make perfect gifts for yourself or your loved ones.

As you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by the graceful stems of lucky bamboo, delicately displayed in beautiful vases – their unique shapes and foliage captivating your gaze. Alongside them, you’ll discover the vibrant Chinese money plants, majestic money trees, cheerful golden coin daisies, and elegant philodendrons. Each of these plants carries positive energy, bringing good vibes to any space.

Our doors are open from Monday to Sunday, allowing you to escape into this botanical paradise from 9am to 5pm. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at 079 559 9733 or suki@redeggblog.com. We’ll be happy to help you.

14. Beauty is Life

Indulge in some well-deserved pampering and treat yourself to rejuvenating beauty treatments with Elzette Calitz. Whether you’re in need of a relaxing massage, a revitalizing facial, a flawless mani-pedi, or a waxing session, Elzette has got you covered.

Our salon operates by appointment only, ensuring that you receive personalized attention and a tranquil experience. To book your appointment, give us a call at 082 726 6514 or email us at elzettecalitz@icloud.com.

15. Nigiro Tea at the Spice Route

If you already love tea, then you probably know about Mingwe Tsai. His tea emporium in the Southern Suburbs is a delightful place where you can explore the magic of different tea blends. Now, he’s bringing his expertise and love for tea to the beautiful Winelands. Imagine having access to up to 120 different tea blends! That’s what awaits you at Nigiro Tea at the Spice Route.

One of the exciting features that Mingwe Tsai has planned for the tea experience is a custom table called the Tea Compass Fountain. This unique table will enhance your tea-drinking experience, taking it to a whole new level.

Opening September 2023
Opening times Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 863 5200

But that’s not all. The Spice Route Destination offers so much more for the whole family. There are two extensive playgrounds where the kids can have a great time. And if they have extra energy to burn, there are open lawns and paths for them to run around.

Spice Route Destination is the perfect place to spend quality family time. You can enjoy a delightful mix of attractions and activities any day of the week.

Contact 021 863 5200, info@spiceroute.co.za
Where to find it Spice Route Destination, Suid Agter Paarl Road, Paarl