The Danish idea of hygge comes to mind as the seasons change into a rainy Cape winter.
Pronounced hoo-gah or hue-guh, the concept is about embracing the season, finding comfort in cosiness, and enjoying time with family and friends.
What better way to embrace the spirit of hygge than spending time with your loved ones while sharing something delicious and decadent?
Spice Route Destination on the Suid-Agter Paarl Road just outside Paarl offers a smorgasbord of delectable tasting experiences in a beautiful environment, with views of the Simonsberg Mountains and Table Mountain.
The best spot to enjoy a charcuterie tasting
To enjoy: a charcuterie tasting at the Spice Routes Wines tasting area, a short walking distance from Jewell’s Restaurant on Spice Route’s premises.
The tasting includes six of Jewell’s cured meats for R60 per person, or explore the charcuterie and wine journey that pairs six Spice Route wines with the meats for R120 per person.
Delicious charcuterie platters can be ordered in the restaurant. Add a bread basket filled with daily bakes like ciabatta and fermented onion sourdough, served with a selection of house-made spreads.
Tastings are available at the Spice Route Wines tasting area Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, lasting around 30-45 minutes. Reservations are a must for groups of ten or more.
Blend your own Wilderer Gin
Established in 1995, Wilderer Gin is South Africa’s first craft distillery. The distillery uses a wide variety of botanicals, including local Fynbos.
With over 100 international awards and medals, it’s clear that its selection of spirits (including Gin, Grappa and Eau de Vie) is something to experience.
For something to warm up with, try their adored Rogue Apple Pie Moonshine, A beautifully balanced shine, brewed with 100% cold-pressed apple juice, spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and ginger.
You can taste three neat Wilderer spirits for R60, opt for three long drinks at R120, or blend your 500ml bottle of Gin for R495 (all prices per person).
Tastings are available Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Contact Wilderer Gin at 021 863 4367 or info@wilderer.co.za.
Brenda’s Preserves
Explore a sensory feast of deli products, preserves and internationally inspired spice blends – the perfect additions to a winter feast.
Think a pre-made wet curry mix suitable for all types of meat, and all the spices included for a proper Cape winter curry.
It is quick and very convenient to use. Established in 2007, Brenda’s has grown from a one-woman startup to supporting fourteen families and sharing the secrets behind freshly made, additive-free delights.
Visit Brenda’s between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Sunday, or contact them at 021 863 3393 or info@brendas.co.za.
Spice Route Wines
No visit to Spice Route would be complete without discovering its wines. The winery produces three single-varietal red wines from the Swartland that are rich, complex, and infinitely enjoyable, made with ripe fruit of the finest quality.
Experience these wines in different ways through four bespoke pairings:
- Wine & Charcuterie Journey – explore a selection of six wines paired with six Jewell’s cured meats at R120pp.
- Wine & Chocolate – enjoy five wines paired with Beyer’s chocolates at R150pp.
- Wine & Vegetarian Journey – sample six vegetarian tastes paired with six wines at R120pp.
- Wine & Dessert – taste four wines and one sherry, paired with five dessert treats at R150pp.
These tastings, which last about 40 minutes, are available Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm with last seatings at 4 pm. Contact Spice Route Wines on 021 863 5200 or at tasting@spiceroute.co.za.
The Chocolate Room by Beyers
What could be more comforting and decadent than a chocolate tasting on a winter’s day? Enjoy the rich, creamy yumminess brought to you by Belgian-born chocolatier Kees Beyers.
You can opt for the Chocolate Tasting, which includes five chocolates, pralines and costs R60 per person.
Tastings last about 20 minutes and are available Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 4:40 pm.
Also see: Pack your basket and experience Paarl’s top picnic spots
