KWV has unveiled the reimagined KWV Emporium in Paarl — a striking new chapter for its iconic tasting room that pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage while embracing a bold, contemporary vision. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the redesign celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of imperfection — values that mirror KWV’s century-long journey of innovation and transformation.
Long regarded as the showcase for one of South Africa’s most diverse wine and spirits portfolios, the Emporium now offers a layered, soulful interior where tradition meets modern elegance. Open seven days a week, it invites visitors to experience award-winning wines, premium brandies, gins, liqueurs, and more — all under one roof.
“We didn’t want just a facelift,” says Dala Boshoff, KWV’s Manager: Direct to Consumer Sales. “We wanted to create a space that reflects who KWV is: rooted in history, yet confidently moving forward. Wabi-Sabi gave us the perfect framework — honouring the textures of the past while allowing new layers to emerge.”
A Design that Blends Past and Future
The two-month transformation was led by Hélène-Marie Ceillier of international design firm The Re-Styler. The project completely reimagined the main tasting room, while refreshing adjoining spaces to create cohesion and flow. Original features, such as terracotta floors, were carefully preserved and paired with rich natural materials like wood, leather, oxidised copper, and brushed metal.
“My goal was to create a layered, soulful interior that honours KWV’s past while opening a gateway to its future,” says Ceillier. “This is more than a retail space — it’s a destination where heritage, craftsmanship, and sensory experience meet.”
Custom-designed furniture, produced locally to celebrate South African artisanship, anchors the space. A colour palette inspired by winemaking — golden yellows, tannin browns, deep greens, and warm greys — adds depth, warmth, and refinement.
New Experiences at the Emporium
To complement its new look, KWV Emporium has expanded its visitor offering with:
- Monthly winemaker-led tours for enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes insights.
- An extended cellar tour, now including the Cathedral Cellar and KWV’s red and white wine cellars.
- A programme of evening tastings and vertical pairings, announced via newsletter and social media.
Guests can also indulge in KWV’s signature food pairings, such as:
- Potstill brandy with chocolate
- Cap Classique with cheesecake
- Premium wines with cake bites
- Liqueurs and fortified wines with buttery shortbread
The Emporium also offers meeting rooms, an auditorium-for-hire, and access to the acclaimed House of Fire brandy exhibition distillery — making it both a leisure destination and a hub for corporate gatherings.
“Tasting rooms are where people truly connect with a brand,” adds Boshoff. “Every detail here — from design to drinks — was crafted to spark that connection.”
Visit the KWV Emporium
📍 Kohler Street, Paarl CBD
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09h00–17h00
🕘 Saturday: 09h00–16h00
🕘 Sunday & Public Holidays: 09h00–14h00
(Closed: 18 April, 25 Dec, 1 Jan)
📞 Bookings: 021 807 3007/8
📧 info@kwvemporium.co.za
🌐 www.kwv.co.za → Visit Us
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