With the first school holiday of the year (from 27 March) and the Easter long weekend in sight, many Capetonians and visitors to the Cape will be looking for easy day trips that combine good food, relaxed views and something a little different. Just outside Paarl, Spice Route Destination introduces a new way for visitors and locals to experience a working farm filled with a variety of artisanal offerings.
The new Spice Route Passport offers guests the opportunity to explore the destination through a curated tasting journey. The updated passport allows visitors to choose any four tasting experiences from a selection across the farm, offering greater flexibility for different tastes and preferences.
Located on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, Spice Route has long been known as a place where multiple producers and creatives operate side by side. Wine, premium beer, sweet treats, charcuterie, spices and blends are all available on site, allowing visitors to explore tasting rooms, workshops and art exhibitions on foot while taking in the surrounding vineyards and mountain views.
The passport concept builds on this idea of discovery. Instead of following a fixed route, visitors can now design their own tasting path across the farm.
Wine lovers may begin at Spice Route Wines, where a tasting introduces five wines produced from vineyards across the Swartland. Beer enthusiasts can stop at the Cape Brewing Company (CBC), where guests can choose between a selection of five beers or a tasting of Rekorderlig perry ciders.
Other stops offer something slightly different. At Wilderer Distillery, visitors can sample neat spirits with an optional mixer, while Nigiro Tea offers a tasting of premium teas. For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Angels Confectionery focuses on ice-cream and fudge.
There are also interactive elements along the way. At Brenda’s, guests can blend their own salt and spice mix to take home, while La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro offers a refreshing mocktail as part of the experience.
Because visitors select their own four tastings, the experience works equally well for families, couples and groups of friends exploring the farm together. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available. Some may prefer to focus on wine and spirits, while others might opt for chocolate, tea and ice-cream.
In addition to the tasting experiences, Jewell’s Restaurant and La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro offer a range of dining options daily.
The passport retails at R320 per person and can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace throughout the day. Tastings are available Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with the final tastings concluding at 16:00, making it easy to plan a leisurely outing during the school holidays or over the Easter weekend.
The new Passport is available on-site, at the guest office, and can be ordered online at www.spiceroute.co.za.