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Plaisir de Merle - The symbol of pure enjoyment
 


» Plaisir De Merle   +27.218741071     www.plaisirdemerle.co.za     plaisirdemerle@capelegends.co.za
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Plaisir de Merle Wine Tasting

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  Plaisir De Merle
Phone +27.218741071
Fax +27.218741689
eMail plaisirdemerle@capelegends.co.za
URL www.plaisirdemerle.co.za
Address P.O. Box 121
Simondium
7670
South Africa

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our tasting venues » Plaisir de Merle Wine Tasting
Phone  +27.218741071
Fax  +27.218741689
eMail  tjordaan@distell.co.za
Internet  www.plaisirdemerle.co.za
Paarl
NO Large groups welcome    Wheelchair access
  WEEK  SAT  HOL
WINE ROUTE: 
 
In keeping with its long-standing tradition of “classic elegance”, one of the Cape’s best-known wine cellars has taken a novel approach when it comes to tasting exclusive wines in an exclusive venue.

Plaisir de Merle, an historic farm in the glorious Drakenstein area of Paarl, has revamped its Tasting Centre just in time for the summer season and the expected influx of visitors to the Cape Winelands. The newly renovated Tasting Centre, once an old barn which was built in 1823, adjoins the picturesque, 18th century Homestead. It has a relaxed lounge atmosphere, where visitors can sample wines at their leisure, ensconced in comfy couches and fine surroundings. This new approach to wine-tasting is designed to expand the whole experience and allow visitors to absorb not only the pleasures of the wine, but, at the same time, a glimpse of a past gracious era.

The modernized Tasting Centre is versatile enough to accommodate both small and large groups. And the use of folding doors extends the area without compromising the authenticity and elegance of the surroundings.

Situated on the fertile south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg, Plaisir de Merle has a rich history dating back to 1693 when Simon van der Stel was Governor and many pioneering Huguenots were settling in this desirable Drakenstein region of the Cape.

Today the modern Plaisir de Merle, situated on 974 hectares, has become one of the largest wine farms in the Cape. Only specific identified prime vineyard sites are chosen for planting the vines for the Plaisir de Merle range of wines – blocks that best reflect the characteristics of the terroir. Although about 400 hectares are planted with noble grape varieties only about 80 hectares of the vineyards are used for Plaisir de Merle wines.

Cellarmaster Niel Bester’s approach is to produce wines which are internationally acceptable. He strives for softer fruit tannins rather than hard tannins, wine with ageing potential, yet ready to drink while relatively young. The emphasis is on capturing as much fruit as possible and on the discreet use of oak.

The Plaisir de Merle range consists of a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot and other special release wines such as a Shiraz and Grand Plaisir are available on a limited basis from the cellar only.

The cellar with a huge central mural which graces the entrance, opened in 1993. Although modern in design it is partially hidden by a moat and blends well with the surroundings. Visitors to the cellar can enjoy an all-encompassing view of winemaking activities from a bridge which runs right across the upper level.
 
opening hours
Plaisir de Merle is open for tasting and wine sales from Mondays to Fridays from 09h00 to 17h00 and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 16h00 from November to March and from 10h00 to 14h00 during the winter months (April to October).

Sundays are by appointment only for groups of 10 – 15 persons.

German tours are offered by prior arrangement.

The tasting facility and wine sales are open on Public Holidays but closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday and New Year’s Day.

Cellar tours should be booked in advance by telephoning +27 21 874-1071 or emailing plaisirdemerletours@distell.co.za (maximum number per group: 15).

The facility also offers a small meeting area for conferences of up to 14 persons.

Contact Plaisir de Merle:
Tel: +27 21 874-1071
Fax: +27 21 874-1689.

Visit the website on www.plaisirdemerle.co.za.