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[title]With over a century of winemaking history and a deep-rooted legacy in South Africa, KWV’s Cathedral Cellar in Paarl is more than just a cellar.
It’s a sensory journey, a story in oak, and with its newly revamped KWV Emporium - re-opened in July this year - it is a destination you can (and should) experience for yourself.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a curious traveller, a fan of architecture and history, or simply in search of a beautiful day out in the Winelands, KWV offers a rich, immersive experience that blends history, architecture, art, and taste - all under one roof.
The iconic Cathedral Cellar, built in 1930, is often described as one of the most beautiful wine cellars in the world. This architectural wonder earns its nickname thanks to its vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and sacred stillness.
For those familiar with the Cathedral Cellar wine range produced by KWV, you would have noticed the nod to design with an intricate copper embossment on its label.
A valley of wine vat heritage
But what truly sets this cellar apart and quite literally takes your breath away as you enter the room are the 32 hand-carved stukvats.
The 12,000-litre wooden barrels, each 3 metres in circumference, line the walls like gigantic guardians of the past.
Each vat tells a story from the arrival of the first vines at the Cape to the founding of KWV in 1918.
Some date back to the 1960s and were carved over the years by artisans; others are more recent tributes to South Africa’s rich winemaking journey.
Stroll along the valley of vats, and you will find distinct details in every carving. There is a barrel showcasing Dionysis – the God of Wine - while others feature iconic quotes by poets such as D.J. Opperman. You could learn something new every time you visit.
But what truly sets this cellar apart and quite literally takes your breath away as you enter the room are the 32 hand-carved stukvats.
The 12,000-litre wooden barrels, each 3 metres in circumference, line the walls like gigantic guardians of the past.
The latest addition to the collection of barrel art was carved by an artist named Ivan Hunter. KWV is over 100 years old, and KWV took the opportunity to celebrate that by fusing the past and present of the pioneering company.
Inscribed on the barrel is “KWV celebrating 100 years of success in innovative viniculture.”
Together, they form a barrel-to-barrel timeline you can walk through (and photograph, of course).
The cellar, while stunning to experience, is of course also fully functional as a working cellar.
The room is temperature- and humidity-controlled to prevent the angels from taking too much of their share… In the wine industry, the term 'angel share’ refers to the wine that naturally evaporates during barrel maturation.
Emporium’s Wabi-Sabi revamp: Celebration of the perfectly imperfect
The KWV Emporium, situated just a short walk from the Cathedral Cellar, has recently undergone a stunning two-month redesign inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi - the idea that beauty is found in imperfection.
The result is a space that feels soulful, warm, and rooted in craft. Encouraging you to raise a glass to celebrate those perfect imperfect moments in life with family and friends.
The entire KWV complex is 22 hectares in size, situated on prime land in the middle of Paarl. While there aren’t any vineyard tours, they offer an extensive range of wine & spirits for patrons to test on their taste buds. With so many offerings to taste, tour and toast – it’s worth the visit.
Time Out Tip: If you whisper “#KWVEmporiumReimagined” at the tasting counter, you’ll get access to an insider offer - 10% off during August.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Wine & Brandy Tastings
Enjoy guided tastings of KWV’s award-winning wines and premium spirits. Choose from a variety of pairing experiences, including:
- Potstill brandy & chocolate
- Cap Classique & cheesecake
- Premium wine & cake bites
- Liqueur & buttery shortbread
- Cathedral Cellar Tour
Explore the inner sanctum of KWV’s historic maturation cellar and learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass. See how red wines are matured in over 3,000 French and American oak barrels - some for up to 18 months.
Did you know: What’s the difference between red and white wine? The skins. The skins are what give wine its colour. Remove the skins, and you can make a white wine from red grapes.
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Monthly winemaker-led tours for those who want a more technical, in-depth look at KWV’s viniculture.
House of Fire Brandy Distillery tours, where you can discover the art of brandy-making in the very place where KWV crafted its first brandy in 1926.
Special Events
Planning a special gathering? The Emporium features meeting rooms and an auditorium for hire. Under the management of well-known Chef, Mynhardt Joubert – Mynhardt’s Kitchen at Cathedral Cellar offers the best food and KWV wines, making it an ideal venue for intimate concerts, private dinners, or corporate tastings. The acoustics in this venue are surprisingly good too.
Know Before You Go:
Location: KWV Emporium & Cathedral Cellar, Kohler Street, Paarl Central Business District (about 1.5 hours drive from central Cape Town)
Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 09h00–17h00
- Saturday: 09h00–16h00
- Sunday & Public Holidays: 09h00–14h00
- (Closed 18 April, 25 December, and 1 January)
Entrance: General entry is free, but tastings and tours are charged per experience. Prices vary depending on the package. Advance booking is recommended for tours and pairings, especially on weekends.
- For Bookings, call: 021 807 3007/8
- Email: info@kwvemporium.co.za
- Website: www.kwv.co.za