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Gin, ice cream & chocolate – 3 tempting...

Gin, ice cream & chocolate – 3 tempting reasons to visit Spice Route

Explore Spice Route

Situated on the foot hills of Paarl mountain, Spice Route is a multi-activity wine farm with 12 different experiences on offer. There’s so much to see, eat and taste that it really requires a full day visit or even better, multiple trips so that you can enjoy each experience properly. On my previous visit I only saw half of what was on offer and so last week myself and a friend decided to do some further exploring.

Paarl is known to get super hot and the day we decided to visit was a real scorcher but thankfully we discovered plenty of shade and cool options at Spice Route.

Our first stop was a delicious lunch at La Grapperia under the shade of the Oaks. We took a peak inside and the interior is lovely too with a relaxed country style feel. Inside the restaurant, you’ll also find Wilderer Distillery where you can do a tasting of their renowned gin, grappa and schnaps. If you’re a fan of local gins, then you definitely need to try Wilderer’s Fynbos Gin.

La Grapperia - Spice Route

Spice Route

Our next stop was the charming DV Café for dessert. They have a large outdoor area but we headed straight inside to discover a cool interior with a Parisian café ambiance. They offer coffees and a variety of cakes and sweet treats, all gluten free, and homemade ice cream and sorbet. We opted for their sorbet tasting which was amazing – the Chocolate sorbet is an absolute winner!

DV Cafe - Spice Route

DV Cafe - Spice Route

DV Cafe - Spice Route

DV Cafe - Spice Route

DV Cafe - Spice Route

DV Cafe - Spice Route

From DV Café we headed across to their chocolate shop where they make all of their De Villiers chocolates. They make their chocolate from carefully sourced cocoa beans which allows them to develop their own unique flavour profiles and carefully control the process. Here you can do 2 different tastings or simply stock up on chocolates. With so many chocolate bars on display and all in beautifully designed wrappers, you won’t want to leave empty handed.

If you’re looking for gifts and decor with a local flair then you’ll enjoy The Trading Company. You can also visit CBC Brewery, Barley & Biltong, Richard Bosman’s charcuterie, Bertus Basson’s restaurant, Brenda’s Deli, Red Hot Glass and of course Spice Route wines. Everything is within walking distance, so all you need is some time and an appetite!

DV Chocolate - Spice Route

Spice Route, Paarl

All photography: Lana Kenney ©


  1. Gail

    25 January

    This has been on my “bucket list” for ages!! Looks so beautiful & well worth a visit soon!

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