Out and about in Voor Paardeberg
South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.
Introduction
The Voor Paardeberg ward in the Paarl district lies about 15 km northwest of the town of Paarl, at the foot of the granite outcrop known as Paardeberg and includes eight wineries. Though Paarl is notoriously hot, this ward boasts summer daytime temperatures of up to five degrees cooler than average - thanks in large part to winds that blow off the nearby West Coast. The ward is making a name for itself with some exotic white blends as well as Shiraz and Pinotage.
WHAT TO DO
• Your first stop is sure to be the Voor Paardeberg Visitors Centre on the David Frost Estate, where you'll get the chance to taste all 46 wines produced here. A collection of pro-golfer Frost's memorabilia is on display and you can improve your putting on a specially installed green. Open 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, and 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays. Tel 021 869 8339.
• Visit the breeding programme for Cape Quagga on the farm Far Horizons, part of Horse Mountain Wines, that seeks to re-introduce this extinct species from southern plains zebras. The Paardeberg borrows its name from the huge herds of quagga, or "wilde paarden", that once roamed here. Find out more at www.quaggaproject.org, or contact Craig Lardner on 082 444 4568. • The Staart van Paardeberg property features the Exotic Plants Company, which sells orchids. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:00, during season. Tel 021 869 8644.
WHERE TO STAY
• Situated in the middle of a private game reserve on Oude Denneboom is a beautifully restored farm cottage originally built in 1800. You'll sleep in the company of two breeding barn owls in a nesting box outside the main bedroom. The cottage is self-catering, but food and drinks can be arranged on request.
Gaze at the springbok and bontebok while you enjoy breakfast, or try your hand at fishing, hiking or mountain biking. Tel 021 853 4839 or visit www.oudedenneboom.co.za
• The Manor House at Vondeling offers seven en suite bedrooms with a dedicated chef and housekeepers, and other luxuries such as a pool and spot-lit tennis court. The house is let in its entirety, ensuring total privacy during your stay. Tel 021 869 8595 or visit www.vondelingwines.co.za.
• David Frost Estate offers a onebedroom self-catering cottage with a fireplace, air-con and swimming pool. It's a sanctuary for golfers and guests can discuss their favourite sport over a braai in the evening. Tel 021 869 83392.
