Since moving to the Northern Suburbs in 2017, I have been fortunate enough to visit several of the Durbanville Wine Valley’s most well-loved and popular estates.

Some are new and upcoming, while others are longstanding favourites, littered with awards or which have glowingly stood the test of time.

But, regardless of status or age, their incredible beauty, top class wines and fun atmospheres and experiences unify them in their specialness.

I have not visited all the Durbanville Wine Valley estates as yet… So here are some of the lovely estates I have been to, with a focus on what makes each unique and special:

Klein Roosboom: Candlelit Wine Tasting in a Cave and a Classy Restaurant and Deli

Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery is a beautiful boutique wine estate.

It is passionately run by Karin de Villiers, along with the help of her family and an efficient, close-knit team of staff.

Together, they ensure a memorable experience – whether you visit for a unique wine tasting in a candlelit cave (one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets!), tuck into a delicious platter or enjoy a meal at their lovely eatery, Jean Restaurant and Deli.

The estate produces some truly gorgeous wines. These include the likes of Marianna Rose 2017, Nicol Merlot 2016 and Janet Shiraz 2016… With both lovely whites and reds – and the beautiful rose – it is sure to prove a hit among every kind of wine fan.

Klein Roosboom itself is small but offers plenty. This includes: child-friendly play facilities, a selection of interesting wine tasting settings (like a lovely, sheltered outdoor lounge area and an impressive long table in the wine tasting venue), a classy restaurant and deli, nature walks around the farm and, above all, a quaint but welcoming wine farm atmosphere.

What makes it special:

Undoubtedly, the cosy, beautifully decked out ‘caves’, great eatery and deli and peaceful nature walks.

The unique caves, in particular, offer a romantic glimpse into the past, while still keeping things modern.

Contact: +27 (060) 877 2678, info@kleinroosboom.co.za

Website: kleinroosboom.co.za

Durbanville Hills: Award-winning Wines and Views for Days

Durbanville Hills needs very little introduction… Not only is it one of the best wine estates in South Africa… But it is a consistent award-winning wine estate, which draws foreign and local visitors by the droves.

This quality estate offers a unique, high vantage setting and is complete with a stunning restaurant, delightful wine tasting centre, unique experiences (like the Table Mountain wine safari or cellar visit) – and best of all, beautiful wines to enjoy!

What makes it special:

It’s undoubtedly the incredible wine pairing options combined with the beautiful, plush wine tasting centre. (This offers impressive indoor and outdoor seating).

The views from here are absolutely amazing. And it is definitely one of my most memorable overall wine tasting experiences to date!

I really love that they offer a wide selection of wine tasting options too.

These include: the Crystal Tasting, Cheese and Wine Pairing (five cheeses and five wines; I had this and loved it!), Chocolate and Wine Pairing – and even a fun and interesting Biltong, Dried Fruit and Wine Pairing (another winner).

Contact: +27 (021) 558 1300, info@durbanvillehills.co.za

Website: www.durbanvillehills.co.za

Canto Wines: The Home of MCC and Macaroon Magic

Canto Wines, a relatively young estate, is definitely one of the valley’s most exciting new additions. This lovely boutique wine farm is a pleasant outing no matter why you visit.

It’s a small space, it must be said, but is very tastefully done out. Plus, the wine tasting venue is as chic and classy as you would find on even the biggest, most commercial of wine estates.

Not only does this estate produce quality wines but it also hosts great functions and weddings, offers its own well-stocked deli, yoga and wine sessions and relaxing picnics too.

But my standout aspect is the fun, oh-so-delicious MCC and Macaroon wine pairing.

What makes it special:

While yoga and MCC and delightful build-your-own picnics are definitely major drawcards..

For me, one of the best parts about Canto Wines is the excellent MCC and Macaroon wine pairing they offer, as I mentioned earlier.

The macaroon flavours are playful and interesting, with the likes of Red Velvet, Turkish Delight and more to tantalise your tastebuds.

Meanwhile, the MCC wines are sublime. They offer an interesting range, including Chardonnay MCC Brut 2015, Shiraz Rose MCC Brut 2013 and Pinot Noir MCC Brut 2013 to name a few.

Contact: +27 (021) 492 2821, info@cantowines.co.za

Website: cantowines.co.za

Meerendal Wine Estate: Sophisticated and Fun Estate Experiences

This historic estate is one of the most popular wine farms in the whole of Cape Winelands.

They offer two restaurants (in Carlucci’s and fine dining IL Tesoro) and a farmstall eatery and deli, hotel accommodation, a wine tasting room, mountain biking and running trails and more.

While I have not yet had the pleasure of trying any of their wines, the estate is definitely one of my favourites in terms of settings and all-round offerings.

The Cape Dutch homestead (which doubles as a five-star, luxury boutique hotel) is as gracious and beautiful as they come. What’s more, the farm permeates a blissful, family-friendly vibe.

I have only dined at Carlucci’s but it is a lovely restaurant. One that offers some farm-style food and a soothing, laid-back environment. It’s very popular in the valley and is almost always busy.

What makes it special:

The incredible Cape Dutch architecture and varied, beautiful venues. The estate’s setting is unique and memorable.

It also offers a sophisticated wine estate experience without a drop of pretentiousness.

And, with its various events and activities throughout the year, Meerendal offers plenty for everyone to enjoy!

Contact: +27 (021) 975 1655, info@meerendal.co.za

Website: meerendal.co.za

D’Aria Winery: Delicious Wines on the Deck

For me, D’Aria is the grand dame in the Durbanville Wine Valley… With a longstanding history, a beautiful farm setting and a wide range of offerings – everything from function catering to lovely guest cottages, eateries and more – it is certainly a well-rounded, popular choice.

What makes it special:

It has got to be its delightful wines (all of which, from what I have sampled to date, taste great) and unique wine tasting setting.

This offers a choice between a chilled indoor lounge, spacious lawn area or even the fun deck section.

While the wine tasting is self-service (choose an option and pay before your tasting)… In my experience, the staff on hand are helpful. They also provide good insight into the different wines available to you.

The sparkling wines are particularly excellent. My favourite, the Music Range, gives a nod to the more whimsical and musical things in life, with names like Soprano, Pop Song and Rock Song.

The setting is memorable and soothing and on weekends, D’Aria pumps with people. This goes to show just how popular its wine tasting facility and wines really are.

Contact: +27 (021) 801 6772, info@daria.co.za

Website: www.dariawinery.co.za

Diemersdal Estate: Excellent Food and Wines in a Stunning Setting

Diemersdal is one of the oldest, most beloved wine estates around. While it was established in 1698 when Simon van der Stel granted a burgher, Hendrik Sneewind some farmland… The estate of Diemersdal was formally born sometime later, when Captain Diemer married the Sneewind window.

An inventory – dating as far back as 1702 – proves that wine has been made on this beautiful estate for three centuries. Since 1885, six generations of Louw family have passionately maintained this glorious farm.

Over time, they have turned it into the multi-award-winning estate we know (and love) today.

Diemersdal is not the biggest estate to explore – although the farm itself covers plenty of vineyard and grazing land – but it is certainly one of the most lovely.

Diemersdal is littered with delightful flowers, oak trees, lawns and above all, incredible, well-restored Cape Dutch architecture. This includes their on-site restaurant, Diemersdal Farm Eatery.

This bistro-style eatery is located inside a restored stable. I love how it beautifully blends new and old elements together new.

The Farm Eatery comes very highly rated indeed. Chef Martin de Kock blends classical French training with Provencal, Spanish and Asian elements and the result is impressive every time.

To me, Diemersdal Farm Eatery is quite pricey but the food, drinks and service is of the highest quality.

While you dine, sit inside or out – or enjoy a wine tasting at the tasting room or on the spacious lawns. (Note: If you want a table on Saturdays for the Farm Eatery, advance booking is required.)

What makes it special:

I think the fact that the estate has a sense of grandeur, preserved history and playful quirkiness makes it highly appealing.

The Diemersdal Farm Eatery is particularly fascinating to visit. Especially as, within its restored 1928 walls, it offers oh-so-cool decor and interior props.

What’s more, its outdoor picnic bench and umbrella seating is one of the most enjoyable I have encountered. (Happily, it is also a very child-friendly outdoor space with a wide lawn area and grass bank-embedded slides.)

To really enhance the experience, enjoy some Diemersdal wine, good coffee or a tasty, creatively laid out mini cheeseboard.

I must also give special mention to Diemersdal’s excellent, value-for-money Estate Tasting. Priced very affordably, this wine tasting allows visitors to enjoy any six wines from the Matys and Estate Ranges.

Contact: +27 (021) 976 3361, restaurant@diemersdal.co.za (Farm Eatery)

Website: diemersdal.co.za

De Grendel Wines and Restaurant: All Round Class and Quality Experiences

De Grendel Wine Estate is one of the most famous wine farms anywhere in South Africa… It is a consistent crowd favourite among tourists and locals alike.

This multi-award-winning estate offers the best in fine dining (De Grendel Restaurant is undoubtedly world-class in terms of setting and food offerings), quality wines, dairy farming and, perhaps most of all, impeccable views… The most famous of which are those of Table Mountain and even Cape Town Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean too.

After almost two years of waiting, I was thrilled to finally experience this gorgeous estate and try their oh-so-scenic wine tastings.

The tasting room and adjoining restaurant (situated below) could not be better positioned if they tried…

What makes it special:

So wine tasting and dining here is a particularly special experience. Especially when every snap sneakily includes Table Mountain in the background. It’s pure magic.

De Grendel also weaves a fascinating tapestry of winemaking and farming history. Although first established in 1720 by Claas Mayboom, it was in 2000 – some 200 years since the first vineyards were planted here – that modern-day De Grendel Wines sprang to life.

There are some 110 hectares under vines but the estate sources grapes from far and wide. Most famously from chilly, fruitful Ceres, where the Graaff family have also been farming for generations.

Today, De Grendel offers some incredible wines. You can enjoy their Flagship and Premium wine tastings at the estate, as you soak up the views. (They also offer an excellent Gourmet Selection platter. This ensures a taste of the fine food too).

On the day we visited, we split both tasting options between us. This meant sampling 12 top wines. I generally enjoyed all of them – but, for me, there were some clear standouts. Like the 2016 MCC Brut (so good), 2018 Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc, 2017 Shiraz and the 2015 Noble Late Harvest dessert wine.

In addition to its restaurant and wine facilities, De Grendel now also offers intimate farm game drives. These must be booked in advance with the estate.

It isn’t hard to see why De Grendel’s reputation proceeds it. After all, they are a quality estate through and through… with unquestionably, the best Cape Town views for miles around!

If you haven’t been to De Grendel, you should go.

Three Spades Cider: 

If you aren’t an out-and-out wine lover like me, it’s handy to know that De Grendel also produces some beautiful, premium Three Spades Cider.

Made from quality apples grown in the rich Elgin Valley, this cider is almost too elegantly packaged to open (but I managed!).

It will appeal to a lot of people; I love that it feels like a cross between the very best apple juice and champagne. It’s perfect for drinking with whatever you please. I had mine with a slice of cake as a dessert treat and it was good.

Disclaimer: I received this apple cider as part of a lovely gift package.

It was sent to me by Liquid Pulse Marketing and Communications, on behalf of De Grendel Wines.

However, views are entirely my own and were not influenced by this.

Contact: +27 (021) 558 6280, info@degrendel.co.za

Website: degrendel.co.za

 

Bloemendal Estate: Durbanville’s Most Child-friendly and Young-at-Heart Estate

Established in 1702, Bloemendal Wine Estate is a lovely, historic and incredibly family friendly wine farm in the heart of the Durbanville Wine Valley.

With its off-road access, the estate is easily accessible and small enough to explore in an hour.

The Cape Dutch buildings, rolling lawns and beautiful treed spaces make Bloemendal a pretty estate.

It offers plenty for groups of friends, couples and families in particular, as there is the child-friendly, on-site restaurant, Bon Amis; a tasting room and terrace; and a cool bike track, which ensures extra fun and fitness.

(The bike track and estate play areas are great for kids. They certainly appear to be a big hit every time I visit.)

In fact, this estate is one of the most family friendly wine farms I have been to, so it is definitely geared at families – a nice break from tradition!

What makes it special:

Aside from offering a lovely looking restaurant in Bon Amis (complete with an exceptional playground), Bloemendal also offers the exciting biosport cycle track, wine tasting pairing options and, as mentioned, a truly family friendly environment.

There are great play facilities and plenty of space for little ones to run about and explore.

I am also a huge fan of their wine and ice-cream pairing. This pairing offers three wines from their Waterlily range paired with three ice creams (one gelato, two sorbets).

It is a fun and interesting experience, which is very affordable and perfect for summertime. This makes it an ideal outing for a group of friends or a couple to enjoy.

And because they also offer some sweet kiddie ‘pairings’, children can tag along for some sweet treats, while their parents enjoy Bloemendal wines.

The estate can also be hired for events and weddings and, as it is a charming, unfussy Cape wine farm, I am sure it makes for a lovely venue.

Contact: +27 (021) 976 2682, info@bonamis.co.za, winetasting@bloemendalwines.co.za

Website: bloemendalestate.co.za

 

Groot Phesantekraal: A Tranquil Gem for Great Food and Wine

Groot Phesantekraal is somewhat out of the way in the Durbanville Wine Route but it is a hidden gem of note.

With its tranquil setting overlooking rolling farmlands and distant suburbs; excellent food and wine offerings; and good service, this historic Durbanville estate impresses from the moment you wind up its long driveway towards the restaurant and tasting room.

The restaurant – housed in a beautifully restored former stable – offers both indoor and outdoor seating (thanks to the grass terrace) and a wonderful mix of great, seasonal dishes and drinks.

Menu pricing is fair by wine farm/restaurant standards, especially as the food is on the fancier side.

During the week, the restaurant offers a lovely selection of breakfasts and lunches, while on weekends they default more towards brunches and pizzas.

Either way, whatever you order is sure to impress. Their 200g beef burger (with added bacon and chips) is one of the best I have had and they are famed for their desserts and cakes so be sure to leave room for something sweet!

What makes it special:

The peaceful setting, interesting history and wine displays (jars line the one wall, with flavours guests have tasted in the wines over the years) and great food makes this classy wine farm a winner.

Contact: +27 (021) 825 0060, restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za

Website: grootphesantekraal.co.za

 

Nitida Wine Farm: Good Food in Relaxed, Yet Classy Spaces

Nitida Wine Farm is perfect for classy, yet relaxed meals with friends and family.

With two lovely restaurants in child-friendly Tables at Nitida and Cassia Restaurant, a slightly more upmarket, water-fronting offering, Nitida makes for a great visit.

They also offer winetastings and you can enjoy short, yet scenic walks around the vineyards and farm dam (which Cassia overlooks), where proteas and historic cannons can be found.

What makes it special:

Definitely the food and the picture-perfect setting.

Tables at Nitida is like something out of a fairytale book and is great for families, while Cassia is the place to go for gourmet breakfasts, lunches and classy dinners.

Best of all, both Tables and Cassia also hosts functions, weddings and conferences, making Nitida a dreamy venue.

Contact: +27 (021) 976 1467,
info@nitida.co.za

Website: nitida.co.za

 

Signal Gun: A Relaxed Estate with Stunning Vistas, Wine Safaris and a 300-Year-Old Cannon

Regrettably, as of December 2023, the Signal Gun restaurant has been confirmed as permanently closed.

Signal Gun is one Durbanville estate that I need to explore more thoroughly – but based on my first experience of this scenic estate, it is a lovely, relaxed offering.

Here, guests can enjoy a pleasant restaurant; wine and Hoogeberg beers from their brewery (they are the first small craft brewery in Durbanville apparently); a wine safari; live entertainment; and even a 300-year-old cannon firing (this takes place every first Saturday of the month).

Not only does this estate have a nice selection of food and wine offerings (everything from delicious craft burger meals to tasty pizzas and kiddies meals) – but they also have an exciting wine safari.

The wine safari runs over weekends (during selected timeslots) and includes a glass of wine. So, as you explore the farm, you can sip and soak up the scenery, while also spotting game such as eland, springbucks, zebra and ostrich to name a few.

What makes it special:

I think what makes it special for me is their excellent restaurant. With indoor, outdoor and sheltered deck seating, Signal Gun Restaurant offers a relaxed, yet surprisingly sophisticated dining experience. Service is friendly and good and the food is great. I did not sample the estate wines during my visit, as I was the designated driver but my friends seemed to enjoy theirs.

I also really love the views from the estate restaurant – even the parking lot offers stunning views across the farm and rolling hills, with distant mountains peeping through the trees.

Also, in addition to normal wine tastings at their tasting room, guests can also enjoy Beer or Biltong and Beer tastings. Please note: These two tasting options are dependent on availability. 

Contact: +27 (021) 976 0770, reception@signalgun.com

Website: signalgun.com

 

In Closing

These are but a few of the local Durbanville wine estates I have had the pleasure of visiting to date.

I rate each of them highly in their own regard. And, for their different qualities and great wines, I can certainly recommend them.

I look forward to adding more Durbanville Wine Valley gems to this list as I go!

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