Cape Town’s northern vineyards in the Durbanville Wine Valley are rolling out the red carpet in celebration of the official 200th anniversary of Durbanville town. Wine lovers are going to be in their element with a specially curated tasting experience on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11. This exclusive, once-off event showcases the finest wines from the region’s esteemed wineries, offering visitors a unique opportunity to savour the terroir and rich heritage that have defined Durbanville’s excellence in both winemaking and hospitality.
Participating wine farms include De Grendel, Durbanville Hills, Klein Roosboom, Nitida, Maastricht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, Canto, Meerendal, Diemersdal, and Groot Phesantekraal, each presenting signature varieties and limited-release vintages as well as special, farm-wholesome menus. Visitors can indulge in exceptional wine pairings and guided tastings with winemakers who continue to elevate Durbanville’s standing as a premier wine destination.
Some of the exclusive experiences include special evenings of wine tasting with live music. Pricing across the events varies, ensuring there’s something for everyone, and some events must be booked in advance. For the full programme, visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za.
Art exhibition by local schools
Significantly, the Durbanville Wine Valley celebration will highlight the deep-rooted association of agriculture with the community as the very spark that gave rise to it. This is showcased in a creative initiative that draws attention to these links through the participation of 15 schools uniting in an region-wide art exhibition. Works created by schoolchildren will be displayed in the tasting rooms of participating farms.
Getting around: take your Durbanville wine adventure to a new level
For those wanting to experience multiple wine farms with ease, the recently launched Durbanville Wine Safari has laid on an evening tour on both its northern and southern lines for April 10. This convenient transport will run between 17:45 and 21:15 and allows guests to explore the valley’s finest wineries stress-free, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable tasting adventure.
Honouring centuries of excellence
Natasha de Villiers, manager of the Durbanville Wine Valley Association, emphasized the importance of wine in the region’s growth. “For 200 years, Durbanville has been shaped by its agricultural roots, with winemaking playing an integral role in its evolution. Our wineries have not only contributed to the local economy but have also helped define the area as one of South Africa’s premier wine destinations. This milestone is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of generations of winemaking families.
“We look forward to welcoming newcomers as well as loyal supporters of Durbanville to enjoy what our members have planned over the two days in April.”
A premier destination for wine lovers
Situated just a short drive from Cape Town, Durbanville offers visitors more than just outstanding wines. The valley is a haven for travellers seeking immersive and unique experiences, from wine tastings, cellar tours and excellent restaurants to family-friendly activities. The scenic landscapes, coupled with excellent walking and cycling routes, make Durbanville an irresistible destination for those looking to explore both the natural beauty and the flavours of the region.
A great start to a bright future
The 200th anniversary of Durbanville is a celebration of rich heritage. It is also the herald of a great new future shaped by world-class wines and visitor experiences. As such, it represents a historic milestone for the record books and one that simply cannot be missed.
For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley’s activities, follow @durbanvillewine on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit the website at www.durbanvillewine.co.za. For more information about the Durbanville Wine Safari service and to reserve a seat, contact bookings@durbanvillewinesafari.com.
