Profile
Laborie Wine Estate Paarl is one of the Cape Winelands’ most historically significant, visually spectacular, and comprehensively vibrant wine estate destinations — a living heritage site on Taillefer Street, off Main Road, Paarl, Western Cape, whose origins trace back to 1691 when Isaac Taillefert of the French La Bri district received his land grant, planted vines beside the Berg River, and produced wines that Frenchman François Lequat declared “the best in the colony and similar to the small wine of Champagne”. Today, more than 330 years later, Laborie Wine Estate Paarl continues to produce wines of distinction while offering the full spectrum of Winelands experiences — wedding and conference venues for up to 200 guests, luxury accommodation in 8 guest rooms and a historic Manor House room, the celebrated Stoep Restaurant, the beloved Suzanne bistro and cocktail bar, a Farm Grocer, vineyard picnics, a kiddies jungle gym among the vines, hiking and cycling trails up Paarl Mountain, and annual festivals and longtable dinners.
“Where heritage meets modern living.”
The Taal Monument crowns the view behind the historic manor house, Paarl Rock rises behind, and the Drakenstein Mountains frame every outdoor moment — while an extraordinary piece of local history reminds visitors that the granite from the quarry on Laborie’s land formed the very foundation of South Africa’s Parliament building.
A History of 330+ Years
Laborie Wine Estate Paarl’s story begins with the Huguenot Tailleferts:
- 1691: Isaac Taillefert of the French La Bri district receives the farm grant
- The Taillefert family from the Champagne region clears bush, plants vines, and establishes the viticultural traditions that continue today
- François Lequat writes that the estate’s wine is “the best in the colony and similar to our small wine of Champagne”
- 1972: KWV acquires the estate and develops it into the Winelands landmark it is today
- Today: A thriving estate village in the heart of Paarl — described as “entwined in Paarl life, absorbing local flavours in a dreamy setting among the vines”
- The estate’s quarry granite formed the foundation of South Africa’s Parliament building
Weddings — Champagne Cellar to Manor House Lawns
Laborie Wine Estate Paarl offers a selection of distinctive venues for weddings of every scale and style:
The Champagne Cellar (Up to 120 Guests): The estate’s centrepiece wedding venue — “beautifully renovated, combining modern elegance with a touch of historic charm”:
- Large windows framing expansive views of Laborie’s vineyards and Paarl Rock
- Contemporary décor with sophisticated ambiance
- Ideal for intimate weddings and larger celebrations alike
The Private Dining Room (20–30 Guests):
- Intimate space for rehearsal dinners, pre-wedding breakfasts, and exclusive celebrations
- Perfect for everything from business lunches to baby showers
The Vineyard Garden:
- Lush outdoor ceremony and function space between the vines
The Werf Lawn:
- Scenic outdoor space with Drakenstein Mountain views
The Historic Manor House:
- Centrepiece backdrop for ceremonies and photos
Charming Estate Gardens:
- Multiple garden spaces for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and photography
“Picture a vineyard longtable set between the rows of vines, or a laidback picnic celebration on the manor house lawns, an outdoor ceremony on the Vineyard lawn, a bubbly and brunch daytime event, or a chic formal seated dinner in the Champagne Cellar.”
Conferences — Up to 200 Guests
Laborie Wine Estate Paarl is a distinctive corporate retreat and conference venue:
- “A setting where business moves differently — refined and relaxed”
- From intimate strategy sessions to larger conferences of up to 200 guests
- Historic Manor House, Champagne Cellar, and scenic outdoor venues all available
- Fully equipped for seamless execution
- Wine tastings, longtable dinners, and team experiences available to complement conferences
Accommodation — 8 Rooms, Manor House & Cape French Style
Laborie Wine Estate Paarl’s boutique guesthouse offers a complete Winelands immersion:
- 8 luxury guest rooms + 1 special room in the historic Manor House
- All rooms furnished in Cape French style — décor inspired by the estate’s award-winning wines
- Views: Manor House gardens, vineyards, and the majestic Drakenstein Mountains
- Werf Deluxe Suite: Hypo-allergenic bedding, free minibar items, in-room safe, desk
- Free WiFi, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, streaming services
- Free English breakfast included
- Outdoor pool with stunning views
- Bike hire, outdoor fireplace, library, picnic area
- “The rooms are comfortable, clean, beautifully decorated and spacious”
- Children not allowed | No pets
Dining — Stoep, Suzanne & The Farm Grocer
Stoep Restaurant:
- The estate’s signature all-day restaurant with sweeping vineyard views
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner — South African cuisine, local and international
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
- “A place to feel at home”
- Phone: +27 21 807 3232
Suzanne (Bistro & Bar):
- Named after Suzanne Taillefert — Laborie’s first lady of the house
- All-day brunch from coffee to cocktails
- Bottomless Sunday mimosas 11:00–14:00
- Banana bread French toast, roosterkoek eggs Florentine, smoked salmon salad, shakshuka, croissants, pizzas
- Paarl Brewery craft beers, classic cocktails, Cap Classique, fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Pergola outdoor tables with chic indoor décor
Farm Grocer:
- Carefully curated fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal delights
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice for Suzanne
- Online delivery shop for wine, cakes, fresh produce
- Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00 | Sun 08:00–17:00
Vineyard Picnics:
- R395 per person | R180 for kids’ basket
- Seasonal picnic crate doubling as a table — fresh from the Farm Grocer
- Mini baguette, local charcuterie and cheeses, smoked snoek smoor with roosterkoek, chicken satay, sweet treats
- Choose your spot: on the lawn or between the vines
- Sunset picnics with mountain glow and estate wine
- Booking 24 hours in advance required
- Wednesday–Sunday 12:00–17:00
Events, Markets & Activities
- Laborie Lazy Days Market — every Saturday 09:00–14:00
- Annual festivals, longtable dinners, and live music
- Wine tastings and cellar tours
- Kiddies jungle gym among the vines — children are welcome
- Hiking and cycling trails from the estate up to Paarl Mountain
- Near Boschenmeer Golf Course (1.7 miles) and Paarl Mountain Local Nature Reserve (4.3 miles)
Practical Details
- Address: Taillefer Street, off Main Road, Paarl, Western Cape
- Phone: +27 21 807 3095 (general) | +27 21 807 3232 (restaurant)
- Email: events@laborieestate.co.za
- Website: laborieestate.co.za
- Founded: 1691 (330+ years of history)
- Accommodation: 8 rooms + Manor House room | Cape French style | free breakfast
- Weddings: Champagne Cellar (120) + Manor House + Vineyard Garden + Werf Lawn + Private Dining Room
- Conferences: Up to 200 guests
- Restaurants: Stoep + Suzanne + Farm Grocer
- Cape Town Airport: 28 miles
- Best for: Paarl wine estate weddings, Cape Winelands corporate retreats, Franschhoek–Paarl weekend getaways, historic winery venue, vineyard picnics, Stoep Restaurant Paarl, Suzanne Sunday brunch mimosas, winelands accommodation, Laborie market Saturdays
For wedding packages, conference bookings, accommodation reservations, and event enquiries, visit the official Laborie Wine Estate website or call +27 21 807 3095.
Also explore other popular wine estate venues and wedding venues in Paarl and the Cape Winelands or browse Western Cape wine estate event venues on Event Venues SA.
