Cape Town Wine Tasting | Day-tripping the Durbanville Wine Valley

30 Jun 2022 Secret Getaway 6 min read

The Durbanville Wine Valley is a fascinating part of the Cape Winelands and the perfect day-trip experience for your next weekend getaway.

A quick, 20-minute drive from Cape Town, you'll find this odyssey of some 15 wine farms and estates - each quite as different and shaped by the fantastic hills surrounding them, just waiting to be discovered.

From the modern Durbanville Hills Wine Estate to the more quaint Klein Roosboom or Ntida, this valley offers you an unexpected wine-lover's adventure.

Altydgedacht

Try this Ultimate Wine-Tasting Planning Guide for more winelands adventures in Cape Town.

Altydgedacht

Altydgedacht has been in the care of the Parker family since 1852, with a wine heritage spanning six generations.

The farm's modern legacy has been reinvented through a partnership with the Van Der Merwe Family of VDMV Property Holdings, establishing a new era for this lifestyle farm.

You and your family will enjoy this country setting, with a the vibrant Zipzoom outdoor adventures to keep the kids entertained. It includes a forest mountain biking track and zip lining all while suspended a few meters above the ground.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Friday: 11h00 to 17h00. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Tygerberg Valley Rd, Cape Farms.
Tel: 021 967 1295
Email: [email protected]

Bloemendal

Bloemendal Wine Estate

A historic gem, this farm was established in 1702 and is one of the largest wine farms in the region, reaching up along the Kanonberg Mountains.

This estate is an idyllic wedding venue and its Bon Amis restaurant a firm favourite with weekend regulars.

Bloemendal offers a bespoke selection of wines in their tasting room or on the lush terrace. The kids will love the jungle gym or you can treat them to a kiddies' non-alcoholic 'wine'-tasting.

Wine tasting time:

Tuesday to Saturday 10h00 - 17h00. Sunday 11h00 - 15h00. Closed on Mondays. Public Holidays 11am – 3pm
Address: M13 Tygerberg Valley Road, Bloemendal.
Tel: 021 976 2682
Email: [email protected]

CantoWines

Canto Wines

A boutique winery that lends itself to lazy weekends and languid drives through the vineyard. Secure your picnic spot on the farm's oversized lawn, just perfect for the kids to run free.

Make the most of the treats from the onsite deli including a variety of cheeses, cold meats, gourmet marshmallows and macarons. Picnic spots are limited to 10 and are secured on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to get there early.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Thursday: 11h00 – 17h00. Friday: 10h00 – 18h00. Saturday: 10h00 – 18h00. Sundays: 11h00 – 17h00. (kitchen closes ½ hour before closing) Public holidays open from 10h00 – 18h00.
Address: Canto Wines, Vissershok Rd, Durbanville.
Tel: 021 492 2821
Email: [email protected]

DAria

D'Aria

Get an insider look at how these special handcrafted wines are made from start to finish, as all grapes are handpicked, and bunches and berries also undergo a second hand-sorting at the cellar.

D’Aria’s wines also have a whimsical aspect with musical wine names like Songbird, Soprano, Blush, Lullaby, The Piccolo, Pop Song and Rock Song. Their tasting room is designed for a full-bodied wine experience, with seasonal specials giving you great value for money.

Wine tasting times:

Mondays to Fridays: 10hh00 – 18h00. Saturdays: 10h00 – 17h00. Sundays: 11h00 – 17h00. Public Holidays: 11h00 – 17h00. Last tasting is served 30 minutes before closing.
Address: M13 Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville.
Tel: 021 801 6772
Email: [email protected]

DeGrendelInsider Secret: The area between Durbanville and Bloubergstrand is known as “Sauvignon Blanc Country”.

De Grendel Wines

This area has exceptional views of Table Mountain and the De Grendel visitor experience makes the most of it. The long glass encased verandah of their Tasting Lounge make the setting and experience a grand affair.

You can also enjoy farm tours, where you'll get to see springbok, eland, red hartebeest and bontebok. Bookings essential, at least one day in advance.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Saturday: 09h00 - 17h00. Sunday: 10h00 - 16h00
Address: De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant, Plattekloof Road, Panorama
Tel: 021 558 6280
Email: [email protected]

Diemersdal

Diemersdal Wine Estate

Diemersdal is a well-known landmark in the lush Durbanville Valley, with over three centuries of wine heritage.

The estate's award-winning red wines are rooted in the traditional open fermenters used to enhance the natural flavours and soften the tannins. And there is a brand new winery for the production of its white wines.

Round-off your tasting experience with the hearty, seasonal dishes at The Farm Eatery, where Chef Martin de Kock combines his love for South African flavours with the flair of French culinary techniques. Or you can cosy up inside the old farm stable, carefully restored to create an intimate, rustic feel, or lounge on the lawns overlooking the vineyards.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Saturday 09h00 – 17h00. Sundays from 10h00 – 15h00
Address: Koeberg Road, Durbanville.
Tel: 021 976 3361
Email: Fill in the contact form here

Durbanville_Hills

Durbanville Hills

A visit to Durbanville Hills is as easy and enjoyable as their popular wines, from their Collectors Reserve range to the Cellar Door exclusive wines.

Regular, seasonal food and wine evenings at the inhouse restaurant Tangram gives you an interesting opportunity to learn about wine and the winemaking process. They also have a state-of-the-art cellar, with a wine-cellar tour and bottling of your own blend of wine, a must-do experience.

Being a more modern estate, Durbanville Hills is well-suited to large groups but booking for all experiences is advised, especially over weekends.

Wine tasting times:

Monday 12h00 – 18h00 (last rounds at 17h00).
Tuesday to Friday : 10h00 – 18h00 (last rounds at 17:00).
Saturdays: 10h00 – 17h00 (last rounds at 16h00).
Sundays: 11h00 – 17h00 (last rounds at 16h00).
Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h00 (last rounds at 16h00).
Address: Tygerberg Valley Rd, Cape Farms, Durbanville.
Tel: 021 558 1300
Email: [email protected]

Phesantekraal

Groot Phesantekraal

Groot Phesantekraal has a new Tasting Room, balancing the old-world charm of this wine route beautifully.

Explore the farm’s colourful history through their classic range of wines while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a working farm. Their contemporary restaurant fare on offer in the restored mule stables is a dining affair with a difference.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Friday: 11h00 – 18h00 (Last tastings at 17h30). Saturday & Sunday 10h00 – 17h00 (Last tastings at 16:30).
Address: Klipheuwel Rd, R302, Cape Town.
Tel: 021 975 2346
Email: [email protected]

Hillcrest

Hillcrest Wine & Olive Estate

This boutique winery, set in the Tygerberg Hills on the outskirts of Durbanville, is a winelands playground offering a host of activities, a casual style restaurant, delicious olives and award winning wines.

The estate is also home to the Hillcrest Quarry, a festival and live event location offering an amphitheatre experience.

Makers of some 33 000 bottles of wine a year to be exact, evenly split between white and red wines, Hillcrest wines are highly sought-after. The tasting room is situated across from the Hillcrest restaurant, with a beautiful outside veranda showcasing the exceptional views.

Wine tasting times:

Wine tasting times: Wednesdays to Saturdays 10h00 - 17h00. Sundays 11h00 - 17h00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: M13 Tygervalley Centre Service Rd, Durbanville.
Tel: 021 975 2346
Email: [email protected]

Klein_roosboom_2

Klein Roosboom

This winery is an unexpected delight with its wine-tasting experiences in wine fermentation tanks that have now been transformed into specially decorated caves.

Each has a unique theme, all enhanced by a magical shimmer of the tartaric acid deposits on the walls from wines made many moons ago. Booking for these caves are essential.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a fun-filled picnic with the family (that includes your adorable fur-family) on the lawns or relax among the vineyards with fresh goodies from the Jéan Restaurant & Deli. There are also three leisurely walking trails to experience on the farm.

Wine tasting times:

Tuesdays to Sundays: 09h00 - 17h00. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville.
Tel: 0860 572 572
Email: [email protected]

lochlynne

Loch Lynne Wine Estate

Essentially a working farm, this beautiful wine estate has been on a transformative journey since the turn of the century. Its original farmhouse underwent extensive renovations in 2008 and in 2014 the function venue and Vineyard House were added.

They serve a special high-tea and a new wine-tasting room currently on the cards.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Thursday: 08h00 to 17h00. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 09h00 - 16h00.
Address: Koeberg Rd, Durbanville
Tel: 061 636 2393
Email: [email protected]

Maastricht

Maastricht Wine Estate

Maastricht has an extensive wine heritage. Historical documents show this was one of the first nine farms to be registered as a wine producer in the region and a line of old oak trees planted by a Dutch monk in the 1700’s can still be seen on the estate today.

Its newly renovated tasting room is a great place for friends and family to meet to enjoy seasonal cheese platters or the traditional Dutch bitterballen on the menu.

Wine tasting times:

Tuesdays to Saturday: 10h00 - 16h00. Sundays: 10h00 to 15h00. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Tygerberg Valley Rd, Nieuw Maastrecht.
Tel: 021 976 1995
Email: [email protected]

Meerendal

Meerendal

A family-run vineyard with a history that started in 1714, the hills of Meerendal rise above surrounding Durbanville landscape, with a variety of slopes, soil types and micro climates.

This makes it possible to grow a wide range of classic cultivars with equal success. Thys Smit, their passionate winemaker has maintained Meerendal's reputation as one of South Africa’s flagship wine estates.

The estate offers luxury accommodation, fine dining and also runs a Wine Academy. There are also regular events, including Die Dam music festival to plan your visit around.

Wine tasting times:

Wednesday to Sunday: 07h00 - 16h00.
Address: Meerendal Wine Estate, R48 Vissershok Road,
Durbanville.
Tel: 021 975 1655
Email: [email protected]

Nitida

Nitida

At Nitida, the wine-making philosophy is that beautiful wine comes through thoughtful management in the vineyards. This family-owned vineyard harvests and sorts by hand, always seeking the gentlest methods.

At Cassia Restaurant you will be wined and dined with diverse culinary dishes paired with their award-winning wine in the tranquil setting on the deck overlooking the farm's dam.

Wine tasting times:

Monday to Friday: 09h30 – 17h00. Saturday from 11h00 – 16h00.
Sundays and Public Holidays 11h00 – 15:h00. December 24 & 31: 09h00 – 13h00. Closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Family Day and New Year’s Day.
Address: Nitida Wine Cellars Tygerbergvalley Road/ M13 Durbanville.
Tel: 021 976 1467
Email: [email protected]

Signal_Gun

Signal Gun

Signal Gun Wine estate forms part of the signal gun chain that extends from Signal Hill in Cape Town all the way to Swellendam in the east. The original Signal Gun on the farm is still in good working order and is used to mark special occasions.

Their tasting venue called Die Stal, a former cattle barn and milk stable, is now an adventurous wine and craft beer visitor experience. Try the beer and biltong or wine and nougat pairings. Cheese platters are also available.

Wine tasting times:

Tuesdays to Saturdays: 09h00 - 22h00. Sundays: 09h00 - 18h00. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Hooggelegen Rd, Durbanville.
Tel: 021 976 0770
Email: [email protected]

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