KWV has unveiled a beautifully reimagined look for its renowned tasting room in Paarl – the KWV Emporium – with a redesign that honours the brand’s rich history while embracing its innovative spirit. Drawing on the Japanese design philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the revamped space celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of age and imperfection – values that echo KWV’s century-long legacy.
Recognised as the primary showcase of one of the most diverse wine and spirits portfolios in South Africa, the KWV Emporium now features a more layered, soulful interior that blends tradition with contemporary elegance. The space is open seven days a week, offering visitors a gateway into the world of award-winning wines, premium brandies, gins, liqueurs, and more – all under one roof.
“Updating the KWV Emporium has been an incredibly exciting journey for us,” says Dala Boshoff, Manager: Direct to Consumer Sales. “We didn’t just want a facelift – we wanted to create a space that reflects who KWV is: a brand rooted in heritage, but confidently moving into the future. Wabi-Sabi gave us a beautiful framework to tell that story – embracing the textures of the past while allowing new layers to form.” The redesign beautifully captures the principle of Wabi-Sabi – the art of finding beauty in imperfection – a philosophy teaches us to appreciate the simple, the modest, and the aged. It’s an approach that values the marks time leaves behind, seeing elegance in asymmetry, roughness, and simplicity. This outlook resonated deeply with KWV’s own journey — a brand shaped by time, innovation, and transformation, adds Dala.
Located in the heart of Paarl alongside the historic KWV cellars, the Emporium first opened its doors in 2001. The recent renovation, completed in just two months, was spearheaded by Hélène-Marie Ceillier of international design firm The Re-Styler.
The project completely redesigned the main tasting room, while restyling adjoining zones to create visual cohesion and a refined atmosphere that honours both the industrial character of the building and the legacy of the KWV brand. Original elements such as terracotta floors were preserved, layered with noble materials like warm wood, leather, oxidised copper, and brushed metal.
“My goal was to create a layered, soulful interior that honours the past while confidently welcoming the future — a space that goes beyond retail to become a destination where craftsmanship, heritage, and sensory experience truly come together,” says Ceillier.
The furniture was custom designed specifically for KWV and manufactured locally to celebrate South African craftsmanship. A tactile colour palette rooted in winemaking — golden yellows, tannin browns, and deep greens, softened by warm greys — brings warmth and elegance to every corner.
The result is a space that reflects KWV’s evolution: from a historic wine cooperative to a global producer of celebrated wines and spirits, always rooted in connection — to people, place, and palate.
New tours, tastings & experiences
Along with the physical transformation, the KWV Emporium has expanded its experiential offering to include:
- A new monthly tour led by a KWV winemaker, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a more technical, behind-the-scenes perspective.
- An extended cellar tour, now including the atmospheric Cathedral Cellar and KWV’s red and white wine cellars.
- A curated programme of evening tastings and vertical pairings, advertised via newsletter and social channels.
Guests can also enjoy KWV’s signature food pairings, including:
- Potstill brandy with chocolate
- Cap Classique with cheesecake
- Premium wines with cake bites
- Liqueurs and fortified wines with buttery shortbread
A place for connection
The Emporium also includes meeting rooms, an auditorium-for-hire, and access to the impressive House of Fire brandy exhibition distillery — creating a hub for both casual visitors and corporate gatherings.
“Tasting rooms matter – they’re personal,” adds Boshoff. “This is where you meet the heart of the brand. Every detail here, from the design to the drinks list, was crafted to invite connection.”
Visit the KWV Emporium
Kohler Street, Central Business District, Paarl
Monday–Friday: 09h00–17h00
Saturday: 09h00–16h00
Sunday & Public Holidays: 09h00–14h00
(Closed 18 April, 25 December, and 1 January)
Book tastings: 021 807 3007/8
Email: info@kwvemporium.co.za
Visit Us www.kwv.co.za
Stay updated by following @KWVonline on Facebook and Instagram or joining the KWV Winemaker’s Selection wine club.
Categories: KWV
