Paarl, a scenic town some 50 km from Cape Town, is situated beneath a large granite outcrop, which is the second largest in the world, the biggest being Uluru (previously Ayers Rock) in Australia. It is formed by three rounded domes, the most prominent of which is named Paarl Rock (which means pearl rock) as it gleams in the early morning light, especially after it has rained. A large variety of grapes are grown in Paarl, which has the second most vineyard plantings in the winelands. These include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz, which have the best potential, particularly the latter. More recently, typically Mediterranean varieties such as Viognier and Mourvèdre have been planted on warmer slopes. The Paarl district includes two wards, each with its own characteristics: Simonsberg-Paarl, on the northern and eastern foothills of the Simonsberg, prime wine-growing terroir recognised for Chardonnay, Shiraz and red blends; and Voor Paardeberg, with its distinctive granite outcrop, long a source of top-quality grapes for top producers and now becoming a star in its own right.
