Durbanville Hills: 5 Reasons to Visit this View-Drenched Destination

Views from Durbanville Hills span a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour over the course of a day: the dappled greens of rolling vineyards, the majestic blue-tinged silhouette of Table Mountain, and the oranges and purples of sunset over Table Bay. Only 20 minutes from Cape Town’s CBD, it’s easy to pop in for a quick wine-tasting or a sundowner cocktail, and even easier to linger longer, soaking up those views, perhaps for an afternoon cellar tour followed by a leisurely dinner.

These are our top 5 things to do at Durbanville Hills:

1. Taste the wine

Made from top-quality grapes, grown by nine leading vineyard owners in the Durbanville region, the Durbanville Hills wine ranges are quintessential expressions of the varied terroirs of this cool-climate area, and there’s a wide selection to suit all palates and pockets.

Once you settle into the comfortable chairs in the tasting room lounge, or at an outdoor table shaded by olive trees, you’re spoilt for choice. Go for the introductory Crystal tasting; the Awards best of the best; or explore creative pairings with cheese, chocolate, or biltong and dried fruit, each with a helpful page of tasting notes. The Collector’s Reserve tasting pushes the boat out with interactive food pairings, and a cellar tour (you’ll need to book 48 hours in advance).
Opening times Monday, 12pm – 6pm;
Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Collectors Reserve Tasting: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Cost Pairings: R120 (5 wines with pairings)
Crystal Tasting: R90 (5 wines)
Awards Tasting: R105 (7 wines)
Collectors Reserve Tasting: R295 (food pairings, cellar tour + a complimentary bottle of wine)
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2. Award-winning dining

The most spectacular of Table Mountain and sunset views are to be had from the floor-to-ceiling windows and viewing terrace of Tangram, the flagship restaurant at Durbanville Hills, where chef Tamzyn Ehlers creates her magic with seasonal local ingredients. The cuisine has won Tangram a number of international awards – it’s elevated but uncomplicated, beautifully presented with gorgeous textures and depth of flavour: Cape Malay spiced linefish; chicken, bacon and sage roulade; pork belly with sweet potato polenta; or beetroot Wellington with mushrooms, to name a few. The short bistro-style menu comes with pairing suggestions from the Collectors Reserve range (at cellar door prices).
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8.30am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Sunday, 8.30am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm
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3. Do a cellar tour

Towering 60 000-litre steel tanks and more intimate rows of wooden barrels, the Durbanville Hills cellar is a state-of-the-art modern facility capable of producing small-batch high-end wines as well as the firm market favourites. A guided cellar tour delves into secrets of the harvest, grape selection, fermentation, ageing and bottling, and includes a tasting during the 90-minute experience. Booking a day in advance is essential.
Opening times  Monday – Friday, 11am or 3pm
Cost R110 (includes Crystal tasting)
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4. Laidback lunches

The Olive Grove casual bistro is the place for family lunches and informal meals, with tables spilling out under the olive trees and a nearby grassy play area with a jungle gym. Think West Coast oysters, hake and chips, charcuterie platters and blackboard chef’s specials. And don’t miss the sparkling wine-infused popsicles for dessert.
Opening times Monday, 12pm – 6pm
Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
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5. A versatile venue

The spacious double-volume restaurant, tasting room, and several more indoor and outdoor spaces can be booked for a variety of curated private events: family celebrations, conferences and corporate functions.

Head out to Durbanville Hills for comfortable contemporary spaces, an almost encyclopaedic selection of wines, good food and views to dine for.

Contact 021 558 1300, [email protected]
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town

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