Paarl · Suid-Agter-Paarl
Fairview
The goat tower, artisanal cheese, wood-fired pizzas and Charles Back's fun-first winelands classic.
About Fairview
Charles Back's iconic Paarl estate — famous for its goats, cheese-making, wood-fired pizzas and one of the most fun casual wine experiences in the Cape.
Fairview is the antidote to formal wine tasting. Goats, cheese, wood-fired pizzas, generous portions, a big open lawn and a genuinely inclusive vibe — plus wines that go from easy Goats do Roam bottles to serious Beacon Shiraz and the Cape Blend flagship.
History
Charles Back is one of South Africa's most influential wine personalities. He took over the family estate in the 1970s and turned it into a food-and-wine destination, with sister brands Goats do Roam and La Beryl Blanc.
The wine experience
The Tasting Centre runs walk-in tastings all day, plus a range of pairings (wine and cheese, wine and chocolate). The Goats do Roam pairing is a favourite for casual groups.
- Standard tasting
- Wine & cheese pairing
- Chocolate pairing
Signature wines
- Beacon Shiraz
- Caldera (Cape blend)
- La Beryl Blanc
- Goats do Roam range
Food on the estate
Goatshed Restaurant (wood-fired pizza, cheese boards, family food) and cheese counter.
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- Goat tower is a genuine Cape landmark and kids love it
- On-site artisanal cheesery is world class
- Restaurant is well-priced and casual — a real winelands lunch
- Great value across the wine range
- Big enough for large groups without feeling overrun
Cons
- Extremely busy on weekends — arrive early or book ahead
- Parking can be chaotic in peak season
- Restaurant is casual, not a fine-dining option
- Location is further from Stellenbosch than most 'winelands' stops
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Fairview.
How much does a wine tasting at Fairview cost?+
Tastings at Fairview start from R90 per person. Options include Standard tasting, Wine & cheese pairing, Chocolate pairing. Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Fairview's opening hours?+
Fairview is open Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00. Tastings are pre-booked and the last tasting slot usually closes 60–90 minutes before the estate does, so arrive with time to spare.
How far is Fairview from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Fairview is roughly 50 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 25 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl.
Do I need to book in advance at Fairview?+
Yes — like most Paarl estates, Fairview works on pre-booked tastings, especially on weekends and in peak season (November–April). Walk-ins are sometimes possible mid-week but never guaranteed.
Is there food available at Fairview?+
Goatshed Restaurant (wood-fired pizza, cheese boards, family food) and cheese counter.
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Fairview?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Fairview and the wider Paarl winelands from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Winelands hotels. One flat rate covers the vehicle, driver, fuel and tolls — you taste freely, we drive safely. Request a quote for your dates and group size.
Visiting Fairview? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.