Plaisir Estate | Historic Simonsberg Wine Estate in Paarl and Franschhoek

Plaisir Estate is one of the most significant historic wine estates situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain between Paarl and Franschhoek. The estate benefits from a diverse range of elevations, aspects and well-drained decomposed granite soils, creating ideal conditions for the cultivation of premium wine grapes. This unique terroir enables the production of elegant, site-driven wines from varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Plaisir Estate is recognised for its classical winemaking approach and its commitment to expressing the character of the Simonsberg region.The estate’s history dates back to 1693 when French Huguenot Charles Marais was granted land by Governor Simon van der Stel. He named the property Le Plessis Marly after his home village in France, from which the present name Plaisir eventually evolved. Marais was among the few Huguenot settlers with practical winemaking experience, helping to establish the foundations of the Cape’s wine industry. Today, Plaisir Estate remains one of the Cape Winelands’ largest single wine farms, combining centuries of heritage with sustainable land stewardship. Its striking modern cellar, completed in 1993, seamlessly integrates contemporary winemaking technology with the estate’s historic Cape Dutch architecture and long viticultural tradition.