Franschhoek & Paarl

 

Paarl is a scenic town about 50km from Cape Town. Located beneath a large granite outcrop, it was at the heart of the South African industry for many years with the KWV cooperative, one of South Africa's leading wine and spirits producers, being based here. With its Mediterranean climate and long, warm summers, it's perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz. Mourvedre and Viognier.

Just to the southeast of Paarl is Franschhoek or the ‘French Corner’. Founded by French Huguenot settlers, who imbued the valley and its mountain slopes with their French traditions and winemaking expertise, Franschhoek has become well known for quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon with some vines being over 100 years old! Chardonnay, Shiraz and Merlot are grown here.