Wine & Cheese Tasting in Paarl

The itinerary to South Africa also included a visit to a local winery, offering us a glimpse into the country’s rich viticultural heritage. A little research reveals that South Africa’s winemaking history stretches back to 1659, when the very first bottle of wine was produced at the Cape. Today, the country ranks among the world’s top ten wine-producing nations. The heart of this tradition lies in the Cape Peninsula, particularly around Cape Town, where renowned wine-growing regions such as Constantia, Stellenbosch, and Paarl are located. Read here for more information

Our tour took us to Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate in Paarl, an estate with a legacy dating back to 1699 - over three centuries of winemaking. There, we enjoyed a delightful pairing of wines and artisanal cheeses, a specialty for which Fairview has become internationally recognized. The experience was not only a tasting, but also a journey through history, terroir, and craftsmanship.

Yumsing with our Malaysian tour guide.

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After the wine tasting, we continued our journey to Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s oldest and most picturesque towns. Unlike modern cities, Stellenbosch has preserved much of its historic charm - there are no high-rise buildings dominating the skyline. Instead, the town is graced with oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture, and a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.

Stellenbosch is also widely known as a university town, home to Stellenbosch University, one of the country’s leading academic institutions.

This town was at one time called the Town of Oaks due to the many Oak trees planted by the founders.

Typical old buildings in Stellenbosch.

Dutch Reformed Church, Stellenbosch