We eventually made it to Spice Route in Paarl. Grant and I were so excited, as it has been on our bucket list for quite a while! The experience lived up to all our expectations!
Spice Route Destination
Spice Route pays tribute to our diverse history in the Cape. Many years ago mariners docking in the Cape, would blast their horns upon arrival. A call, heard as far as the Paarl mountains, beckoning farmers from the surrounding areas to gather up their goods and head to the port to trade.
It is this gathering of diverse artisans, which inspired the destination, known today as Spice Route, a true celebration of our Cape heritage.
Spice Route Passport
The invitation to Spice Route provided the perfect opportunity for a “date-day”, which we both needed, after a busy few weeks. Our first stop was the guest information office to collect our Passports. The pocket-sized booklet, retailing at R200 per person, is valid for 1 year from date of purchase.
The Passport includes the following Standard Tastings: Swartland Wine Journey, CBC Beer Tasting, De Villiers Chocolate Tasting, as well as a Wilderer Distillery Spirits Tasting.
Something I love about Spice Route is that you can explore at your own pace, and the various tastings and experiences are all within walking distance of each other.
It was a rather chilly morning, so we decide to start the day off with a coffee at DV Cottage Café. Perfectly roasted small batch coffee from single origins, and single estates made for the perfect start to our day.
Wine Tasting
Next up was wine tasting at Spice Route Wines. Included in our passport, was the Swartland Wine Journey, which costs R50. The tasting consists of a selection of five wines, which you can choose according to our preferences. I was particularly keen to try a few of their red wines, which did not disappoint. Grant opted for more of the white wines on offer. A few of our favourite wines were the Saffron Rosé, the 2017 Chenin Blanc, the 2016 Voignier and the 2016 Chakalaka, which is a delicious red blend.
CBC Craft Beer Tasting
After a delightful wine tasting, we strolled over to the Cape Brewing Company {CBC}, for a craft beer tasting. The Standard Tasting, which costs R50, includes four craft beers from CBC Brewery. I am not generally a beer drinker, however, I do enjoy the occasional tasting, and my favourite is usually a Pale Ale.
Jewell’s Restaurant
With two tastings under our belt, it was high time for lunch, as we were both starving. Our lunch venue was the recently opened Jewell’s Restaurant. The newly renovated space is warm and inviting with gorgeous decor and lots of natural light streaming in through the windows.
The restaurant, a collaboration between Liam Tomlin, and Neil and Tina Jewell, showcases each of their unique talents and expertise. Jewell’s, a farm-to-table eatery, offers dishes using only the best seasonal produce.
We were greeted with a selection of freshly baked bread, served with various accompaniments. A definite favourite was the Spicy Aubergine Dip – Tina has very kindly sent me the recipe, which I am hoping to make this week.
For mains, Grant opted for Pira roasted line fish, served with a delicious bisque and saffron drizzle. It was incredible! As was my Red Angus fillet, served with roasted roots, fermented iceberg, and a bordelaise sauce.
We ended our meal by sharing a decadent Almond slice, served with moonshine sabayon and apple.
If you haven’t been to Jewell’s yet, I highly recommend you book a table soon.
Chocolate Tasting
After lunch, we popped in at De Villiers Chocolate, the best place to satisfy a chocolate craving. I am a dark chocolate lover but the Chocolate & Confectionery tasting, which costs R30, offers a large selection of Dark, Milk and Blonde chocolates. It can be enjoyed on an informal basis, at your own pace.
Wilderer Distillery Tasting
Our last stop was Wilderer Distillery for a Spirits tasting, which we were both looking forward to as we love gin. The Standard Tasting, which costs R30, includes neat tasters of any three available spirits being Grappa, Schnaps and Gin. It was a great end to a fantastic day.
In closing
There are a number of other experiences, as well as eateries, which we did not get to enjoy on our day trip, but you can pop over to the Spice Route Destination Website to find out more.
If you have not been to Spice Route yet, then you are missing out! It was such a fantastic experience, and we cannot wait to go back.
Location & Contact Details
Location: Suid Agter Paarl Road, Suider Paarl, in South Africa. Contact via telephone 021 863 5200 or email [email protected]. Open Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Disclosure
We received a Spice Route Passport, as well as a complimentary lunch at Jewell’s Restaurant, for review purposes. However, Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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