Have a Lazy Day at Laborie

 The Laborie Lazy Days Market takes place this Saturday, 28 May, on the estate. Live music, fresh produce and baked goods are just some of things to look forward to.

 For further information and bookings contact 021 807 3390

	THIS WEEK'S FEATURED STALL

	Basket Case
	Basket Case run by Darielle and Ann sells beautiful handmade woven baskets to use in and around your house. These baskets come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Ideal to put your wood in for your winter fire or at your braai place. Great to store children's toys in, beach towels or use as planters for in your trees, shrubs, orchids and potted flowers. There are also great raffia handbags and beach baskets in a large variety of colour.

The Diamond, the Pearl and the Tortoise

In October of 1957 Abraham Gabbeman headed an expedition on orders of Jan van Riebeek to make contact with Khoi groups to barter with.  In addition to procuring livestock for the Cape Good Hope they were also eager to find the rumoured mines of the Kingdom of Monomotapa. 

Their primary mission was successful. The treasures of Monomotapa however eluded Gabbema’s party. But they did not return to Cape Town completely sans treasure. Well sort of...

The garnet bowlers on the west of the Berg Valley caught the eye of Gabbema as it glistered in the sun. He referred to the manifestation of nature as " de Diamondt en de Peerlberg " (Diamond and Pearl Mountain).  The name stuck and evolved over time to Pearl Mountain which the town was later named after. 

Had Gabbema not made the observation that the boulders looked like jewels the town’s name might have been as romantic as Paarl.  Not familiar with precious gems, the local Khoi tribes called the mountain “Tortoise Mountain”.  

Regardless of one’s frame of reference there is no denying that Paarl Mountain is a magnificent sight.  

For the Love of Paarl

The Jewel of the Cape Winelands, Paarl brings the best together the very best of mountain views coupled with acres of lush green vineyards. Paarl and the surrounding areas provide visitors with a host of accommodation options, from 5 star luxury to" back to nature" camping and everything in between. The majestic Drakenstein mountain range forms a spectacular backdrop Paarl and the surrounding winelands is home to numerous lovely wineries, some of which also make homemade cheeses and liqueur brandy. Olive farms produce olive oil and various varieties of bottled olives and Paarl is filled with a variety of fantastic restaurants.

For the more active, there is an excellent paragliding launch site off Paarl Rock, which also offers excellent granite climbing and rambles. You could ride up the back of Paarl Mountain, do a wine tasting horse trail, or even trundle through the vineyards in a horse-drawn cart. In summer there are early morning hot air balloon flights. 
 

There is no shortage of things to do in the area. Days out for families are very popular. For the wine conesieur, a wine tasting tour is a most. Pick from well know wineries or try some of the smaller boutique wine farms.

               Nearby Locations

• Wellington 7.0km
• Fairview 9.8km
• Klapmuts 16.8km
• Bainskloof 21.7km
• Franschhoek 24.9km
• Stellenbosch 28.9km
• Hermon 30.4km
• Kraaifontein 32.7km
• Riebeek Kasteel 36.7km
• Brackenfell 37.7km