Fairview Estate has to be one of my favourite wine cellars to visit. It is situated on the South Western slopes of Paarl and has spectacular views of Table Mountain. Fairview has a lot more to offer than just fantastic wine though. As you drive into the parking area you notice a tall tower in a pen where two goats, one male and one female live.
The male climbed up the tower steps strutting his stuff and showing off his magnificent horns while the female stayed close to the wall where she got lots of attention from people passing by. It is fitting that they have goats here seeing as most of the cheeses produced and sold here, which I was soon to find out, are in fact goat’s cheese.
Fairview received three 5 star ratings from the 2013 John Platter’s South African Wine Guide. I went into the tasting room where you have an option of tasting wine only, cheese only or both. I went for both naturally, wanting to try everything on offer.
I started with the wines, where I sampled an exquisite selection of wines including the Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc, Fairview Chardonnay, a few from the Goatfather range and the Goats Do Roam range. I took a sample of my favourite wine and went to the next room to taste some cheese.
The first two were lovely, served with homemade relishes, the next was a very strong cheese which was not at all pleasant. I then realised I actually don’t like goat’s cheese at all and stuck with the wine instead!
Once I had explored the tasting rooms I went outside to sit in the beautiful gardens while everyone else went to buy the cheeses and wines they enjoyed. While there I picked up a leaflet about the Spice Route Winery which was only 800 metres from where we were. I read further and found they had beer and biltong tasting, chocolate tasting and a glass studio.
I was immediately excited and off we went. The CBC brewery was really interesting, you could see how the beer was made and the beers they make are delicious. I went to look at the chocolate tasting and if I had a sweet tooth would have definitely taken part. By this time I was very hungry and set out to see what the restaurants had to offer.
I chose to eat at a tapas and pizzeria restaurant which had a great menu. The platters of meats and cheese were exquisite and the pizza was phenomenal. I sat outside in the garden area surrounded by oak trees while enjoying my food and the stunning surrounding views. I then took a wander around to find the glass studio that had intrigued me so much.
I absolutely love glass decor and was overwhelmed at the beautiful pieces they had on display. You can also look into the workshop where they make everything that you see on sale.
After a long day I headed back home after having had a really enjoyable day out. There was so much to choose from and so much to do in one day, and I look forward to my next visit.
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