Situated outside Paarl, on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein mountains, Avondale Wine Estate is home to some of the most luscious and abundantly beautiful gardens in the Cape Winelands. Well known for its range of extraordinary wines, as well as the award winning FABER restaurant and an ever increasing range of fun and epic outdoor activities – the spectacular Avondale Wine Estate (Paarl) gardens greatly enhance each visitor’s experience and are a popular drawcard in itself.
“The gardens are perhaps one of our most prized features,” says Johnathan Grieve, proprietor, Avondale Wine Estate. “It is truly part of our family heritage, dating back far beyond our entry into winemaking as a family or even our purchase of Avondale Wine Estate.”
Originally hailing from Durbanville, prior to the purchase of Avondale Wine Estate, the Grieve family lived on a smallholding (Avondale). It was there that Julie Grieve, grandmother to Johnathan and his siblings, showcased her love of nature and the outdoors by creating some of the most magnificent gardens.
“When our family decided to purchase a wine estate in Paarl, our intention was clear – to retain the name ‘Avondale’ and to bring with us the family legacy and love of nature and beautiful gardens,” continues Grieve.
Spearheaded by Ginny Grieve, next generation and mother to Johnathan and his siblings, the last 25 years has seen the outpouring of passion and commitment, manifesting in the creation of seven organic, unique and personally maintained gardens.
No fewer than four of these gardens are all situated on the family’s private residences within the Avondale Wine Estate. “Each garden is cultivated and cared for by that family member or members,” continues Grieve, with each individual garden reflective of that family’s specific interests and personal tastes.
With a beautiful dam and stream running through it, the private garden of Ginny Grieve is home to a selection of beautiful South African plants and a magnificent oak tree together with countless roses, clivia and dahlias. “Our personal garden is a riot of orange and yellow, with a focus on perennials and sun loving plants and flowers,” continues Grieve. His sister’s garden is testimony to her love of roses and natural South African plants with various nooks and different viewing spots and a somewhat English garden feel in places whilst the younger generation’s private garden is a combination of all the above, coupled with being a space for young children to play in and experiment with the soil as they too develop a love for growing things.
“The three remaining gardens form part of the more public area of the Avondale Wine Estate and are all maintained by Ginny Grieve and her garden team,” continues Grieve. Visitors to Avondale Wine Estate are able to enjoy several culinary and wine tasting experiences all the while appreciating the magnificent beauty of the ‘Cellar Garden’ and surrounding mountain views, with FABER restaurant recently awarded ‘Best Garden Restaurant in Africa’ at the Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards.
The ’Rose Garden’, situated at the back of the estate, boasts an impressive display of roses. Lastly, and a source of great pride, is the ‘Avondale Wine Estate Vegetable Garden’. Its seasonal organic produce not only feeds both family and staff but also forms a key part of the natural farm to fork goodness prepared by Chef Dale in FABER restaurant.
“We are surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest beauty,” says Grieve. “It brings us great joy to share this gift with all of our visitors, and to invite them to experience the beauty of the many gardens located on the estate. Whilst the private gardens are not accessible throughout the year, every October sees us opening our home and private gardens to all of our visitors for their viewing pleasure.”
Visitors are invited, and welcome, to stroll around the various Avondale Wine Estate (Paarl) gardens from 10h00 to 16h00 on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 October. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival with all proceeds going to the Avondale Community Creche (NPO) – a creche and playschool that provides a safe and caring environment for the community’s young children.
R50/ person, children under 12 free of charge (under adult supervision).
Cash, Snapscan and credit card accepted.
Regrettably, no dogs or picnic baskets allowed.
For more information, please contact 021 863 1976 or email [email protected]
