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Paarl · Western Cape

Simonsvlei

Simonsvlei is a wine farm in Paarl, Western Cape. About 49 km from Cape Town.

49 km from Cape Town Restaurant
Simonsvlei
Photograph from the farm website

Simonsvlei Winery: Paarl Valley Tasting, Pairings & On-Estate Dining

Simonsvlei Winery is one of Paarl’s most practical full-day cellar stops: a published tasting-room menu, food-and-wine pairings, platters, kids’ grape-juice options, plus independently managed on-estate dining at TUGA Portuguesa and craft beer at KCB Taproom & Bistro. Unlike appointment-only micro farms elsewhere on this route, Simonsvlei publishes flights and rand prices on its official tasting page—then asks you to book, because sittings are subject to availability.

Location for planners: Old Paarl Road / R101, Paarl (official tasting page; postal-style codes on pages have varied—follow estate directions). The farm sits in the Paarl Valley / Groot Drakenstein belt, convenient between town Paarl and the Franschhoek approach roads. For Cape Town day-trippers, that R101 position often beats a full Franschhoek traffic loop when you want structured tastings without sacrificing lunch quality.

Official Tasting Room: Flights & Hours

Official simonsvlei.com/tasting-room lists summer operating hours as:

  • Monday–Saturday: 09:00–17:00 (tastings conclude 16:30)
  • Sunday: 10:00–16:00 (tastings conclude 15:30)
  • Hours may vary on public holidays

Bookings required. Contact +27 (0)21 863 3040 or winetasting@simonsvlei.co.za. A fuller Cellar Door Pricelist is available on request during business hours.

Standard flights (official menu)

  • Favourite Four — R60 pp (any 2 Vineyard Collection + any 2 Lifestyle Collection)
  • Delux Four — R75 pp (any 2 Vineyard + Zeffer Red Blend + Zeffer White Blend)
  • Ultimate Six — R75 pp (any 3 Vineyard + any 3 Lifestyle)

Single tastings (examples from the official board)

Reserve 1945 red or white at R80 pp; Zeffer blends R20; other lines from roughly R10–R20 (Pinto Tinto, Simonsrood, Simonay, Cape Secco, Humbro and related labels as listed). Always re-check the live menu—cellar-door boards change. Building a flight from singles is useful if you only want dessert wine or a specific reserve pour.

Pairings, Platters & Kids Options

Simonsvlei leans into playful pairings rather than only austere flights:

  • Something else pairing — R95 (Ja-Mocha, Toffee Chunk, Zeffer Red)
  • Ice Cream Sorbet Pairing — R145
  • Nougat pairing — R130
  • Perfect Confectionary Pairing — R150
  • Scrumptious Savoury Pairing — R130 (Pinotage salami, biltong, olives, fig, Camembert with four Vineyard Selection reds)
  • Cheese Platter — R160 pp (Dalewood cheeses)
  • Cheese & Meat Platter — R285 for two / R395 for four
  • Kiddie Sweet & Salty / Kiddie Frozen Delight — R80 each (grape-juice based)

Families can therefore keep children engaged without inventing a separate kids’ farm activity elsewhere on the R101. The confectionary and ice-cream options also suit travellers who want a lighter, sweeter tasting arc after a heavy red-wine morning elsewhere in Paarl.

On-Estate: TUGA Portuguesa & KCB Taproom

TUGA Portuguesa Restaurant (official simonsvlei.com/tuga-restaurant) is a Portuguese family restaurant on the estate—peri-peri, seafood and shared platters—managed separately from the tasting room. Temporary trading hours published on the TUGA page: Tue–Sat 12:00–20:30; Sun 12:00–17:00. Booking: +27 66 171 6875.

KCB Taproom & Bistro (Karoo Craft Breweries) shares the Simonsvlei premises for craft beer (core animal-named range such as Kudu / Rhino / Oryx / Impala / Jackal / Ram on brewery materials), pizzas and casual plates. Estate/KCB hour notes have differed slightly on Tuesday openings and weekend tasting rules—confirm beer-tasting days on kcbrew.co.za or with Bennie Erasmus (083 554 4959) before you rely on a Saturday flight. Typical Taproom pattern cited in meta research: closed Mon–Tue; Wed–Sat roughly 11:00–20:00; Sun 12:00–17:00.

Functions (baby showers, year-end gatherings, conference-style space) are steered via TUGA and KCB packages per the estate FAQ—contact those venues directly rather than assuming the tasting room sells event packages.

Wines & Cooperative Character

Simonsvlei’s public identity is that of a Paarl cooperative / cellar with approachable Lifestyle and Vineyard collections, Zeffer blends, and reserve 1945 selections. The tasting room is designed so you can build a short Favourite Four or stretch into Ultimate Six, then add a savoury or confectionary pairing without leaving the property. For wine-route SEO, that combination—priced flights + family pairings + two distinct food venues—makes Simonsvlei a high-utility Paarl pin on any Cape Town day trip map.

Practical Tips

  • Book tasting first; then decide whether lunch is TUGA, KCB, or a platter at the tasting room.
  • Arrive with enough buffer before the 16:30 / 15:30 tasting cut-offs.
  • Prefer official simonsvlei.com over older directory blurbs for fees.
  • Combine with other R101 / Old Paarl Road stops, but allow time—pairings are not five-minute pours.
  • Designate a driver or book a hop-on wine shuttle; three venues on one estate still add up in alcohol volume.

Simonsvlei rewards visitors who plan a sitting rather than a drive-by sip: the official menu is clear, the pairings are distinctive, and the on-estate Portuguese kitchen and craft-beer taproom turn one booking into a full Paarl Valley afternoon.

Things to do at Simonsvlei

  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Wine tasting

    Official simonsvlei.com/tasting-room: classic tasting and exclusive wine pairing options; bookings required, subject to availability; Cellar Door Pricelist on request. Standard flights: Favourite Four R60 pp (any 2 Vineyard Collection + any 2 Lifestyle Collection); Delux Four R75 pp (any 2 Vineyard + Zeffer Red Blend + Zeffer White Blend); Ultimate Six R75 pp (any 3 Vineyard + any 3 Lifestyle). Single tastings priced per wine (e.g. 1945 Reserve Selection Red/White R80 pp; Zeffer blends R20; other lines R10–R20).

    Booking: +27 (0)21 863 3040 / winetasting@simonsvlei.co.za

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Wine & food pairings

    Official tasting menu: Something else pairing R95 (Ja-Mocha, Toffee Chunk, Zeffer Red); Ice Cream Sorbet Pairing R145; Nougat pairing R130; Perfect Confectionary Pairing R150; Scrumptious Savoury Pairing R130 (Pinotage salami, biltong, olives, fig, Camembert with four Vineyard Selection reds).

    Booking: tasting room contacts above

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Workshops & classes

    Platters

    Cheese Platter R160 pp (Dalewood cheeses, Melba toast, preserves); Cheese & Meat Platter R285 for two / R395 for four.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Kids pairings

    Kiddie Sweet & Salty R80; Kiddie Frozen Delight R80 (grape juice–based; official tasting page).

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Restaurant (TUGA Portuguesa)

    Official simonsvlei.com/tuga-restaurant: Portuguese family restaurant (peri-peri, seafood, shared platters) on Simonsvlei; managed separately from tasting room. Temporary trading hours Tues–Sat 12:00–20:30; Sun 12:00–17:00.

    Booking: +27 66 171 6875

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Craft beer taproom (KCB)

    Official simonsvlei.com/kcb-taproom-bistro + kcbrew.co.za: craft beer taproom/bistro on Simonsvlei premises (pizzas, smoked ribs, burgers); core beer range Kudu/Rhino/Oryx/Impala/Jackal/Ram. Beer tastings: kcbrew.co.za states tastings Tue–Fri and no tastings Sat/Sun; estate hours page shows Mon–Tue closed — confirm tasting days when booking.

    Booking: Bennie Erasmus 083 554 4959 / WhatsApp preferred

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Restaurants & dining

    Events / functions (via on-site venues)

    Official FAQ: baby showers, year-end functions, conference space via TUGA and KCB Taproom & Bistro packages directly.

    Details on the farm website ↗

Browse all experience types

Notable wines

Simonsvlei cooperative / cellar range

Wines made here

  • Simonsvlei Cellar Masters Cabernet Sauvignon NV mulberrymineralherbvanilla
  • Simonsvlei Eco-glass Cabernet Sauvignon NV cherry
  • Simonsvlei Hercules Paragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 blackcurrantstrawberrycinnamonalmondmint
  • Simonsvlei Lifestyle Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 cherry
  • Simonsvlei Premier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2012 mulberrymineralherbvanilla
  • Simonsvlei Premier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 mint
  • Simonsvlei Premier Selection Chardonnay 2012 lemonvanilla
  • Simonsvlei South Atlantic Chardonnay 2009 (Lightly Wooded) lemoncitrus
  • Simonsvlei Eco-glass Chenin Blanc NV
  • Simonsvlei Lifestyle Blanc de Blanc NV · Chenin Blanc peachpearapricot
  • Simonsvlei Lifestyle Natural Sweet RosĂ© NV · Chenin Blanc tropicalfloral
  • Simonsvlei Lifestyle Stein NV · Chenin Blanc honey
  • Simonsvlei Lifestyle Sweet Chenin Blanc NV peachpearapricot
  • Simonsvlei Perfect Couple Simonsblanc NV · Chenin Blanc
  • Simonsvlei Premier Selection Chenin Blanc 2013 tropicalpineappleguava
  • Simonsvlei Simonay Blanc de Blanc NV · Chenin Blanc
  • Simonsvlei Simonay Late Harvest NV · Chenin Blanc
  • Simonsvlei Simonay Natural Sweet Rose NV · Chenin Blanc tropicalfloral
  • Simonsvlei Simonay Stein NV · Chenin Blanc
  • Simonsvlei Perfect Couple Simonsrood NV · Cinsaut spicesmoke
  • Simonsvlei Simonay Classic Red NV · Cinsaut
  • Simonsvlei Lifestyle Merlot 2012 chocolatealmond
  • Simonsvlei Humbro Hanepoot NV · Muscat dAlexandrie litchi
  • Simonsvlei Humbro Red Jerepiko NV · Muscat dAlexandrie

24 of 35 wines shown. Wine list from wine.co.za. The taste words are drawn from those notes, which are not reprinted here. Ask the cellar door what is pouring on the day.

Visiting with kids

Two grape-juice kids pairings at the tasting room plus a large playground with jungle gym and zip line beside outdoor seating.

With kids. About 38 min from Cape Town. Suited to toddlers, tweens.

Play areaGrape juiceLawnsCasual foodDogs welcome

  • jungle gym
  • zip line
  • swings
  • monkey bars
  • bike walkway

Simonsvlei Winery makes an easy family outing in Paarl. The tasting room offers two grape-juice kids’ pairings — Kiddie Sweet & Salty and Kiddie Frozen Delight (R80 each when last checked) — so children can join in while adults taste. Third-party reviews describe a playground with a jungle gym, zip line, swings and monkey bars beside the outdoor seating, but it isn’t on the official website — check ahead before you promise it. For food, the KCB Taproom & Bistro serves casual fare, including pizza. It works best for toddlers and tweens, and the farm is listed as dog-friendly. Bookings are required for tastings. Summer hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 (tastings end 17:30), Sat 09:00–17:00 and Sun 10:00–16:00.

Before you go

  • Book ahead, especially on weekends and in school holidays.
  • Dogs are welcome. Confirm which areas, and keep them on a lead.
  • A children's price is listed. Confirm the amount when you book.
What kids’ pairings are available?

Kiddie Sweet & Salty and Kiddie Frozen Delight grape-juice pairings, R80 each when last checked.

Is there a playground?

Third-party reviews describe one (jungle gym, zip line, swings, monkey bars), but it isn’t on the official website — check ahead.

Do we need to book?

Yes — bookings are required at the tasting room. Summer weekday hours run to 18:00 (last tastings 17:30).

Nearby with children

  • Drakenstein Lion Park — Animals, Paarl · 2 km Website
  • Afrikaanse Taalmonument — Kids museum, Paarl · 3 km Website
  • Le Bonheur Reptile Adventures — Animals, Paarl · 3 km Website
  • Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve — Nature reserve, Paarl · 4 km Website

Family notes checked 5 October 2026. Confirm on the farm’s website before you drive. Source. More family farms in Paarl. Things to do near this farm. Weddings on this farm.

Visiting with a dog

Directories/blogs: dog-friendly outdoors (ONS patio, KCB area); not on official simonsvlei.com.

Restaurant terrace

  • Secondary: dogs in outdoor areas / ONS outdoor patio

Checked 6 October 2026. Source. More dog-friendly farms in Paarl.

Weddings here

Functions and celebrations arranged via on-site TUGA and KCB venues rather than a dedicated estate wedding programme.

Limited weddings. About 38 min from Cape Town. 38 min from the airport.

OutdoorIndoor

On-site TUGA Portuguesa and KCB Taproom & Bistro function packages (restaurant-managed)

Suider Paarl winery destination

Simonsvlei Winery is listed as Limited in our Paarl wedding audit. Its official FAQ directs function enquiries, such as baby showers, year-end and conference packages, to the on-site TUGA Portuguesa and KCB Taproom & Bistro.

At a glance

  • Spaces: TUGA Portuguesa and KCB Taproom & Bistro function packages (restaurant-managed)
  • Catering: via the restaurants
  • Accommodation: none on site

There's no dedicated wedding page or published wedding capacity, so ask the restaurants directly whether they'll host a wedding reception. Before you book, ask for a written summary of inclusions (tables, linen, staffing, bar and ceremony set-up), finish times, the rain plan and any compulsory suppliers. Capacities and packages change, so rely on the estate's dated quote for your guest list and season. Most Paarl estates are roughly an hour from Cape Town, so plan guest transport for the evening and confirm where overflow guests will stay.

Price: Rates on enquiry.

Last checked 5 October 2026 against the estate's official information. Confirm details directly before booking.

Does Simonsvlei host weddings?

No dedicated wedding programme is published. Functions run through the on-site restaurants, so our audit marks it Limited.

Who should we contact?

The TUGA or KCB restaurant teams, as directed in the official FAQ.

How many guests can Simonsvlei take?

No wedding capacity is published.

Wedding notes checked 5 October 2026. Guest numbers and packages change. Ask the farm for the current offer. Enquire. Source. More wedding farms in Paarl. With kids. With dogs.

Questions before you go

Where is Simonsvlei?

Simonsvlei is at Paarl Valley / Groot Drakenstein. Most visitors drive there from Cape Town in 50–70 minutes.

When is Simonsvlei open?

Open Sunday. Hours change, so call 021 863 3040 before you drive.

Can I do a wine tasting at Simonsvlei?

Yes, tastings are listed. A current price is not on this page yet, so call 021 863 3040 for fees.

Can I eat at Simonsvlei?

Yes, there is a restaurant on the farm. Book ahead for weekend lunches.

Wine of Origin

Geographical unit: Western Cape → Coastal Region → Paarl

Paarl sits around a granite pluton north of Stellenbosch: a large, warmer district with wards on Simonsberg, Agter-Paarl and Voor-Paardeberg.

Terroir snapshot

Elevation and soil figures are modelled at the pin, not a vineyard block survey. Use them to compare farms, not to quote a technical sheet.

Latitude
-33.789714
Longitude
18.929998
Elevation
131 m (Open-Meteo)
Soil pH
6.4 (SoilGrids 0–5 cm)
Clay
11% (SoilGrids)
Organic C
46.2 g/kg (SoilGrids)

Sources

  • YouTube channel: farm website
  • Wine route membership: association listing
  • Wine list: wine.co.za
  • Family notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Wedding notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Dog notes: farm website, checked 6 October 2026
  • Elevation: Open-Meteo
  • Soil: ISRIC SoilGrids

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