A Glimpse of the Paarl Wine Route
Just 40 minutes on the R44, off the N1, and a quick drive from Cape Town, you’ll find the Paarl Wine Route. Amidst breathtaking scenery, is the opportunity to explore restaurants in Paarl, as well as renowned wine farms. Paarl is bordered by the scenic Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, and Klein Drakenstein mountains to the south, southeast, and east. You can experience its old-world charm and new-world style winemaking while enjoying a typically Mediterranean climate. Paarl is also spectacular in spring when the orchards bloom and the oak trees that line the main road have their first flush of green. In summer, soak up long, hot sunny days, with hints of cooling breezes.
For wine tasting, look out for the region’s increasingly well-regarded red and white blends, produced for every palate. Discover many of these wines on our website, which are testament to wine mastery and innovation.
The Perfect Pairing: Botanicum and Ridgeback
Nestled on the edge of a tranquil lake and surrounded by breathtaking vineyards and mountain views, Botanicum’s picturesque setting makes for an unforgettable dining experience. You can expect various meal options that are rich in flavour, and reflect the true artistry of contemporary cuisine. The dishes contain a modern European flair, made with the best seasonal, fresh Cape produce there is. Soon, guests at Ridgeback Wines can look forward to the Botanicum menu inspired by fresh ingredients, expertly paired with our extensive wine offering. Not only this - guests can also enjoy the beauty of our estate, while being comforted by surrounding Paarl mountains and many natural wonders.
What to Expect on the Botanicum Menu
At Ridgeback, we believe that great wines deserve equally remarkable food. This philosophy is brought to life at Botanicum, where the menu highlights the very best of local produce and ingredients. From artisanal Neapolitan pizzas to carefully crafted seasonal dishes, each plate is designed to complement and enhance the flavours of our estate's fine wines. From the snacks and charcuterie boards (featuring wood-fired garlic and Rosemary Focaccia), to calamari starters, salads, grilled options, and seasonal soups – the choice is all yours. Not to forget Botanicum’s most decadent desserts to indulge in. If you’re joining Botanicum for breakfast, you can enjoy freshly baked banana bread, flaky croissants, or a smoked salmon bagel topped with cream cheese, red onion, capers, and lemon. Also pair your meal with blissful beverages such as coffee, honey nut lattes, and teas. Please note that breakfast is only available on weekends.
Wine and Dine at Ridgeback with Botanicum
Imagine spending sunny summer days relaxing on our beautiful lawn, picnicking beneath the trees with family and friends, and enjoying the laid-back charm that Botanicum brings to the Ridgeback Wine Estate. It’s the perfect spot for a casual meal or a special occasion—offering something for everyone, from locals to travellers. The grand opening of Botanicum will be announced soon - you can sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know. We look forward to welcoming you to our wine estate soon, making you part of our enduring legacy in the heart of Paarl. In the meantime, we invite you to look at our broad range of Ridgeback wines, suitable for every palate.
