WHEN the Cape winter sets in, the best outings are the ones that don’t ask too much of you: a scenic drive, a good lunch, something warm in hand, a little browsing, some tasting and no dashing between venues in the rain.
This is where Spice Route Destination in Paarl comes into its own.
Set against the Paarl winelands, Spice Route offers an easy winter day out where visitors can eat, taste, shop and linger in one place — perfect for slow Saturdays, school holiday planning, visiting family or those “we need to get out of the house” winter moments.
Food is the natural starting point. Visitors can settle in for a long winter lunch at Jewells restaurant, where seasonal produce and generous plates make staying a while feel like the plan all along. For something more relaxed, La Grapperia Pizza and Bistro offers pizza, comfort food and a laid-back atmosphere suited to families and friends. It’s also one of the few spots along this stretch of the Cape serving pinsa — the lighter, crispier Roman-style take on pizza.
Wine tastings at Spice Route Wines, indoor sipping and slower experiences make the destination an ideal cold-weather choice, especially when an outdoor-only outing feels overly optimistic. Add tea experiences at Nigiro Tea (pictured above) and browsing at The Trading Company and the day becomes less about ticking boxes and more about taking time.
It’s a useful option to plan early, before everyone is bored and scrolling for ideas. For Cape Town visitors, it’s a manageable day trip. For Paarl locals, it’s a reminder that winter plans are close to home.
Pick a lunch spot, book if needed, leave room for a tasting, browse slowly and don’t rush the view. Winter isn’t the season for beach bags and late sunsets, but it’s really the season for winelands comfort.
