Durbanville Wine Route

Breede River Valley | Constantia
Durbanville | Franschhoek | Stellenbosach

Durbanville is arguably one of the best groomed and well looked after residential, business and agricultural areas in Cape Town today. Many exciting developments have taken place here over the past few years, at the same time however, Durbanville has managed to retain it's lush and greenery and rural atmosphere which makes the area so attractive.

Durbanville History

The town of Durbanville, which originally went by the name Pampoenkraal (pumpkin corral) owes its rural nature to a law prohibiting industrial development within its boundaries. The suburb lies just 7 km from Table Bay and about twenty minutes' drive from Cape Town against the Tygerberg (Leopard's Hill).

Durbanville's heritage and links to the early Cape of Good Hope date back over three centuries. Then, wild animals roamed the Renosterveld and the indigenous people traded with the early pioneers at the Cape. Originally, with Biesjes Craal, Elsjes Corael and Bommelshoek, the Pampoenkraal border outpost supplied the Dutch East India Company with fresh produce as well as meat. In the early 1700s vineyards were established in the area.

The Wine Industry

The Durbanville Wine Route with its six estates produces some of the country's top wines, the main estates are ...

• Altydgedacht
• Bloemendal
• Capaia
• Diemersdal
• Durbanville Hills
• Havana Hills
• Meerendal
• Nitida

In terms of white wines, Durbanville Wine Valley is best known for its frequently awarded Sauvignon Blanc, with its Semillon wines starting to attract attention. On the red side, the valley’s wines are characterised by intense full black and red berry flavours in the grapes, as well as complex herbaceous characteristics and elegant tannins. The Durbanville Wine Valley is especially noted for its Merlot and Shiraz.

Other Activities in the Area

Apart from the abundance of historic wine farms and original Cape architecture, Durbanville is also served by an excellent golf course. Other attractions include a horse racing track, game lodge a bustling village centre, gliding from the Fisantekraal airfield and proximity to top class shopping malls. Its rural feel while still being only a few minutes drive from the Bellville city centre and proximity to the towns of Paarl and Stellenbosch make it an excellent choice for business travelers.

Useful Websites:

Durbanville Info: www.durbanville.info