Western Cape Wine Estate
Ayama Wines
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At a glance
Region
Paarl
Established
2005
From Cape Town
53 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
The inside track
The estate
Ayama Wines is a historic wine estate in the Voor-Paardeberg ward of Paarl, celebrated for introducing Vermentino to South Africa and offering authentic Italian-inspired dining and hospitality.
Ayama Wines is nestled on the slopes of the majestic Paardeberg Mountain near Paarl and brims with a rich history and Italian flair. Ayama, a Xhosa word meaning "someone to lean on," reflects the spirit of friendship that unites the owners, an Italian couple from Friuli who embarked on a new adventure in South Africa in 2005. The farm's logo, a leopard, pays homage to the majestic creatures that roam the mountain as part of the "Cape Leopard Project."
Ayama encompasses 250 hectares, boasting 70 hectares of vineyards, 10 hectares of olive groves, and 4 hectares dedicated to artichokes and various horticultural crops. Fynbos (indigenous shrubland) and natural bush complete the diverse landscape. The farm's rich history stretches back to 1685, when it was first established by a French Huguenot named Martin Poisson. Later, the land became part of the Sailor Malan family, a South African hero of World War II.
Wine
Ayama's philosophy is a beautiful fusion of exceptional terroir and Italian passion for winemaking. Their vineyards showcase a unique blend of Italian and South African grape varieties. Be among the first to experience their Vermentino, the first planted in South Africa in 2014, and the recently introduced Nero d'Avola. Alongside these Italian gems, they cultivate a diverse selection, including Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir, Durif (Petite Sirah), Carignan, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage, and Muscat.
Dining
Ayama's Italian-inspired restaurant offers a delectable lunch menu. Guests staying at the farm can also pre-order meals cooked at lunch for reheating later.
Wine Tasting
Sample Ayama's unique blend of Italian and South African grape varieties, from Vermentino and Nero d'Avola to Grenache, Durif, and Pinotage, guided by the estate's knowledgeable team.
Gallery
Estate
Where to find us
Stay here
Stay at Ayama Wines
Ayama Manor House and Farm Cottage on the Paardeberg — five en-suite guest rooms (plus Vermentino for four) and two self-catering cottages, with farm breakfast, WiFi, garden terraces and an outdoor pool.
Explore accommodation at Ayama WinesAccommodation
Carignan
Features
- en-suite bathroom
- breakfast included
- free WiFi
- free private parking
- common area with fireplace, pool table, chess, small library
- garden and terraces
- outdoor pool with annex shower
- Jacuzzi
Rates on request
Grenache Blanc
Features
- en-suite bathroom
- breakfast included
- free WiFi
- free private parking
- common area with fireplace, pool table, chess, small library
- garden and terraces
- outdoor pool with annex shower
Rates on request
Petite Sirah
Features
- en-suite bathroom
- breakfast included
- free WiFi
- free private parking
- common area with fireplace, pool table, chess, small library
- garden and terraces
- outdoor pool with annex shower
Rates on request
Nero d'Avola
Features
- en-suite bathroom
- breakfast included
- free WiFi
- free private parking
- common area with fireplace, pool table, chess, small library
- garden and terraces
- outdoor pool with annex shower
Rates on request
Vermentino
Features
- en-suite bathroom
- breakfast included
- free WiFi
- free private parking
- common area with fireplace, pool table, chess, small library
- garden and terraces
- outdoor pool with annex shower
Rates on request
Artichoke Cottage
Features
- self-catering
- living room
- kitchen
- patio
- breakfast on request (not included)
Rates on request
Harvest Cottage
Features
- self-catering
- living room with kitchen
- breakfast on request (not included)
Rates on request
More to explore
More estates in Paarl
Explore the region
Your guide to the Paarl Wine Valley
Explore Paarl with a day built around Ayama Wines and its neighbours.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Many estates welcome walk-ins for a casual tasting, but the popular experiences — guided cellar tours, food pairings and heritage tastings — book up fast, especially in season. We'll reserve everything for you as part of your tour.
Custom tour
Build a custom tour around Ayama Wines
We're your local concierge in the Cape Winelands. Every estate visit is part of a bigger day — build your custom tour online and we'll craft a personalised itinerary around Ayama Wines, or skip the form and WhatsApp us now.