Fire damages historic building at Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl

By Johnathan Paoli

A historic colonial-era building at the Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl, Western Cape, was badly damaged by fire on Saturday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of guests and the deployment of firefighting helicopters and ground crews to prevent further destruction.

According to the Drakenstein Municipality, the fire broke out shortly after midday, with emergency services responding swiftly to contain the blaze.

Flames tore through parts of the estate, destroying two major structures, the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the estate’s accommodation facilities.

The municipality confirmed the extent of the damage and highlighted the urgency of the response.

The affected building is believed to be up to 300 years old, underscoring concerns about the loss of historically significant architecture.

Laborie Wine Estate is one of the oldest wine farms in the Paarl region and forms part of the area’s colonial heritage, attracting both local and