Annelize Stroebel, CEO of the Drakenstein Local Tourism Association, describes Paarl as a special place with serene, natural beauty that is far-removed from the demands of city life.
Paarl’s inimitable charm includes a remarkable array of wine, history, luxury and outdoor adventures.
The dawn of democracy
“President Mandela served the biggest part of his 27-year sentence on Robben Island, from where he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison. Not many people know that Nelson Mandela spent the last days of his prison sentence at the Victor Verster Prison - now called the Drakenstein Prison,” Annelize says.
On 7 December 1988, Nelson Mandela was moved to a warder’s house on the grounds of the prison. He was confined to the house and garden after he had recovered from tuberculosis at Constantiaberg Private clinic, in Cape Town.
According to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, on 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison, near Paarl, with belongings that included 22 boxes and a surfboard.
Annelize explains that the statue at the gate of Drakenstein Prison marks the place from which Madiba took his first steps to freedom.
Freedom Hill Vineyards on the Wemmershoek Mountain, harkens the mountains Mandela looked upon during his confinement in Paarl.
South African industry publication WINE Magazine voted Paarl property, Fairview Wine & Cheese founder, Charles Back as the second-most influential person in the South African wine industry in 1996. Back was awarded second to then President Mandela.
History and natural beauty
“Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Drakenstein Region, comprised of Paarl and Wellington region, has earned international acclaim,” Annelize says.
“Paarl is acclaimed for quality wines and the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings. The name Paarl means ‘pearl’ and refers to the way the ancient granite mountains glisten in the sun after rain. Early Dutch settlers called ‘den Diamont ende Peerlbergh’ (‘the Diamond and the Pearl Mountain’),” according to Annelize.
She expands: “the town reflects a preservation of history, with well-preserved architecture, museums and galleries.”
The Garden at Babylonstoren is one of Paarl’s most popular attractions. With several unique features, including the Clivia House of Shadows which beams in September and October, the Garden is famed for its fragrance and resplendence.
Babylonstoren is a working farm. Beyond the garden, visitors delight in the hotel, spa, cellar tours, fruit groves, Olive Oil & Balsamic tours, farm shop and other features.
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