Have more fun this winter! Travel by wheels or magic carpet to an exotic rendezvous in the Boland. It might be cold out there but you don’t have to hide indoors at home. The quaint town of Paarl knows how to banish the winter blues with lush wines and superlative cuisine at the Persia to Paarl Festival which takes place at the picturesque Nederburg wine estate. “We annually celebrate the Shiraz cultivar because of the special affinity Shiraz vines have for the Paarl terroir, thus gracing wine drinkers with world class wines,” says Sandra Lotz, Paarl Vintners CEO. The rich Persian ambience of the festival owes its theme from the legend that the Shiraz grape (also known as Syrah) originated in ancient Iran some 7 000 years ago.

Experience the sensory pleasures of ancient Persia with the region’s exquisite wines and cuisine, Middle Eastern and local arts and crafts, and inspiring demonstrations in a setting of deep royal hues. A Persian parade by Paarl Vintners members, belly dancers and live music will add to the celebratory atmosphere. Rugby fans need not stay away – you will be able to cheer on the bokke on a big screen.

Need to know? Tickets can be bought prior to the festival at a discounted price of R55 from all participating wineries or the Paarl tourism office, or at the gates at R65. The price includes a goodie bag with wine glass and other promotional products. While children under the age of 18 enters for free, entertainment in Aladdin’s Corner costs R20 and a safe child minding service is available at R25 per hour. To reach Nederburg from the N1 turn west on Sonstraal Road and follow the road for approximately 3km.