Nestled on Noord, Agter Paarl Road in the Windmeul area of Paarl, Ridgeback Wines was established in 1996 by Vernon Cole and has grown into a premium wine estate spanning about 62 ha, with roughly 35 ha under vine. Named after the iconic Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, the estate reflects tenacity and quality in both its wines and hospitality offerings.
The Ridgeback Guest House, part of the estate, offers five individually decorated en-suites rooms overlooking vineyards, rose gardens, or hills. Each room features air conditioning or fans, DSTV, a mini bar, a tea/coffee station, and a private safe. Guests can relax by the pool or stroll to the tasting centre overlooking a tranquil dam with birdlife and willow trees.
For food lovers, the now-closed The Deck Restaurant (also known as The Deck at Ridgeback) once served light meals and lunch in a serene al fresco setting beside the dam, with weeping willows and waterfowl. It offered a peaceful lunch spot with excellent wines, though it is permanently closed as of 2025.
