Out and about in Simonsberg-Paarl

A relatively new ward in the Paarl district, Simonsberg-Paarl is to be found on the north-eastern foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains between Paarl and Stellenbosch, and is home to an array of wellknown wine farms.

Boschendal Wine Farm, Simonsberg-Paarl

This popular and very historical wine farm, established in 1685, offers the use of its oak shaded lawns and pretty pavilion, as depicted on the label of its Pavilion range of wines, for ceremonies (there's also a small, Sir Herbert Baker-designed stone church nearby) as well as receptions.

Lifting the lid on chocolate

Annual consumption of cacao beans in the 1900s averaged 600000 tons a year. Yet chocolate is something of a closet thing. Wine's tasting panel probes its sensuous appeal. By Jos Baker.

Franschhoek Restaurants

OUR FAVOURITES

The most distinguished among Franschhoek's splendid line-up: the venues that cracked the nod in WINE magazine's Top 100 restaurant guide.This beautiful valley is famously South Africa's prime dining destination. Donald Paul and Alex Brown polish up their French accents and head out to where food really matters.