The Paarl wine region is about 50 km northeast of Cape Town.

The town of Paarl itself lies at the foot of a large granite formation with three rounded dome-shaped rocks. The largest of these is Paarl Rock (Paarl means "pearl," and the rock is so named because it glows impressively in the evening glow). Summers in the region are long and warm. Rainfall is usually sufficient, so that additional irrigation is necessary only in exceptional cases. A wide variety of grape varieties are planted in this area. However, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc have the best potential.