The 15 Best Wine Farms in Durbanville

A mere 20 to 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre lies the Durbanville Wine Valley, famed for its warm hospitality and cool-climate wines. Though often overshadowed by its well-heeled siblings, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Durbanville’s unique location, against the slopes of the Kanonberg and Tierberg mountains, yields the perfect conditions for producing utterly sippable whites and aromatic, light-bodied reds.

Add lush meadows and shining lakes, a rich history, epic mountain-biking trails, picturesque restaurants and wine-tasting rooms, and vast open plains replete with unique flora and fauna, and you have a wine valley that ticks all the boxes.

Which are your favourite Durbanville wine farms? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery

Setting Against the backdrop of vineyards and rolling hills, the intimate atmosphere of this family-run farm is what sets it apart.
Restaurant Jéan Deli, headed by chef Lorianne Heyns, offers an assortment of fresh pies, bread and salads, as well as a selection of refreshing craft beers. Meals can be taken in the Deli, or packed into a picnic basket to be enjoyed on the farm’s lawns.
Wine-tasting Klein Roosboom stands out from the crowd with its unique wine-tasting experiences, which take place in caves carved out from old concrete wine tanks. While tasting the array of wines, many of which are named after family members, guests can learn about the wine-making process.
Kids’ facilities Partybike South Africa offers two-hour family-friendly rides around the estate
Things to do The farm has three pet-friendly walking trails, where you can enjoy the fresh air and work up an appetite for your picnic-style lunch.
Contact 079 693 9646, info@kleinroosboom.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville

Groot Phesantekraal

Setting With expansive meadows populated by wild geese and roaming sheep, and vineyards stretching out in all directions, this picturesque farm epitomises the freedom of the countryside.
Restaurant Housed in the estate’s old stable, the restaurant offers contemporary country cuisine with a wonderfully rustic atmosphere. Hearty lunch options such as beef burgers and roasted lamb shoulder are on offer, along with breakfast dishes and wood-fired pizza.
Wine-tasting The indoor wine-tasting venue is adjacent to the restaurant, but guests can opt to enjoy tastings on the grassy terrace outside, along with a selection of cheese and charcuterie.
Wine shop After your lunch or wine-tasting, pop into the shop for some take-home cases.
Contact 021 825 0060, wines@phesantekraal.co.za / restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za
Where to find it Groot Phesantekraal Farm, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville, Cape Town

Diemersdal

Setting An historic homestead surrounded by lush gardens is the centrepiece of this family-owned estate. Rolling vineyards cover the slopes of the Dorstberg, and vast lawns with uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside stretch out in all directions. Traditional and modern wine-making methods, coupled with cool ocean winds and dryland farming, produce a series of delicious sauvignon blancs.
Restaurant Helmed by chef Martin De Kock, who combines classical French training with Spanish and Asian influences, The Farm Restaurant offers a lunch and dinner menu that guests can enjoy inside the intimate venue, or outside on the lawn where horses frolic in the distance. Options include Chalmar beef sirloin and grilled abalobi linefish, among others, as well as a selection of small plates from the tapas menu.
Wine-tasting Guests can sample six award-winning wines in the tasting room, and choose from a snack menu that includes biltong and cheese platters. Afterwards,
Contact 021 976 3361, functions@thefarmeatery.co.za
021 976 1810 (The Farm Eatery), info@thefarmeatery.co.za
Where to find it M58 (Koeberg Rd), Durbanville

De Grendel

Setting Lush meadows, a tranquil dam and the image of Table Mountain on the horizon make this an immersive Winelands escape (despite being only 20 minutes from the CBD).
Restaurant The glass-panelled walls lining De Grendel Restaurant ensure the estate’s views are on full display as guests enjoy chef Ian Bergh’s creations (classic dishes with a modern twist), using produce plucked from the estate’s organic vegetable garden. (Ian worked with the legendary Franck Dangereux at La Colombe).
Wine-tasting The Tasting Lounge and Stoep is an elegant setting in which to enjoy the estate’s award-winning wines, complemented by views of the vineyards stretching out towards Table Mountain. And should you wish to buy a case or two to take home, all wine is available in the wine shop and can also be delivered.
Things to do Do a game-spotting Jeep tour of the farm, which is home to springbok, bontebok and red hartebeest.
Contact 021 558 6280, info@degrendel.co.za
Where to find it Plattekloof Road, Panorama, Cape Town

Maastricht Wines

Setting This charming, family-owned wine farm set among sprawling meadows and rolling hills, boasts panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean – it almost feels like you could reach the beach from the nearest hilltop. The farm itself consists of a few homesteads beside a small dam.
Wine-tasting Although there is no restaurant on the estate, the wine-tasting venue is an experience in itself, allowing you to taste five wines, ranging from merlot to sauvignon blanc, accompanied by seasonal cheese platters and bitterballen. On any given day, you might bump into the owners, who are more than happy to answer questions. Afterwards, pop by the wine shop and top up your home stash.
Contact 083 642 2582 / 076 540 5105, info@maastricht.co.za
Where to find it Maastricht Farm, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville

D’Aria

whatsonindurbanville

Setting Lush vegetation and tall trees enclose the meadows and rolling hills of D’Aria, which are planted with vineyards cooled by the cool ocean breeze.
Restaurant There are two restaurants: The Terrace at D’Aria and Patina. The former is enclosed by glass walls to maximise the views, and offers pizzas, hearty steak dishes and salads. Patina is a carnivore’s paradise, serving well-prepared steaks accompanied by top-drawer wines.
Wine-tasting The wine-tasting room offers a selection of the farm’s fine vintages, including the Premium Range of red blends and the Music Range of sparkling wines. These can be enjoyed along with cheese platters and views of the estate.
Things to do D’Aria is situated on a cycling route that winds its way through the Durbanville Winelands. Cocktail connoisseurs should head straight to Botany Cocktail Bar.
Contact 021 801 6772, info@daria.co.za
Where to find it M13 Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville

Durbanville Hills

Southern Vines

Setting The vineyards and meadows of this illustrious estate stretch out towards Table Bay, creating a postcard-perfect environment that feels far removed from city life despite being only a short drive away from the city centre. Unobstructed views of Table Mountain rising above the lush landscape enhance the experience.
Restaurant The Tangram Restaurant is an elegant venue, with glass-panelled walls allowing the majestic panorama in. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes such as biltong-dusted fillet, butternut-and-quinoa “meatballs”, and fresh oysters from Saldanha Bay.
Wine-tasting Guests can enjoy a range of pairings, such as wine with cheese, chocolate or biltong. These take place in the comfortable lounge area of the estate’s cellar, or outdoors under the olive grove.
Kids’ facilities The Tangram Restaurant includes a play area to keep children occupied.
Contact 021 558 1300, info@durbanvillehills.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town

Bloemendal

@whatsonindurbanville

Setting This picturesque wine farm stretches across the slopes of the Kanonberg and Tierberg mountains, with over 300 years of rich history dating back to its origins as a supply station for Dutch East Indian Company ships. With a host of activities on offer, it’s ideal for a family day trip to the Winelands.
Restaurant Bon Amis has a diverse menu that includes breakfast, wood-fired pizza and sushi. Guests can sit in the elegant indoor area, or outside by the duck pond.
Wine-tasting The tasting room has an outdoor terrace where guests can relax as they enjoy the estate’s boutique wines. Flavourful pairings include ice cream and wine, along with snacks and sushi.
Kids’ facilities There’s a jungle gym and expansive lawns outside the tasting room for kids to enjoy, as well as a well-attended pump track and mountain-biking trails.
Things to do The Bloemendal Trail Park is a welcoming area, and has trails and a pump track suitable for all ages. There’s also a bike shop, where you can rent bikes and helmets, and shop for paraphernalia, and a coffee kiosk.
Contact 021 976 2682, info@bonamis.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road, Oude Westhof, Durbanville

Contermanskloof Farm

Though strictly not a wine farm, this one is simply too good not to include. Contermanskloof Farm is a family-owned property, whose proprietor Robert Starke is an avid mountain-biker (hence the regular riding contingent gathered outside its restaurant on any given weekend).
Restaurant The Dairy Shed is a quirky café that doubles as a coffee pitstop for mountain-bikers, with a simple menu of omelettes, French toast, ciabatta sandwiches, croissants and other baked goodies. The star of the show is, undoubtedly, the carrot cake.
Beer tasting The taproom, Starke Brews, serves beer, naturally, and opens onto a beer garden that does utterly moreish pizzas. Live music on Saturdays makes this a heavenly outing for the whole family.
Kids’ facilities Your little ones will have a ball on the jungle gym and playground.
Events venue Though rustic and relaxed, The Dairy Shed is a favourite for weddings.
Things to do Besides eating, drinking and being merry, the farm’s privately owned mountain-biking trails are popular among intermediate and diehard mountain bikers (it’s home to some of the Cape’s steepest rock trails).
Contact 021 972 1884, hello@twobirdscelebration.com
Where to find it Contermanskloof Road, Durbanville

Nitida Wine Farm

Expressions Photo

AFK Travel

Setting Perched on the side of a serene dam, surrounded by trees and meadows, Nitida Wine Farm is the picture of countryside tranquility.
Restaurant The farm has two restaurants: Cassia and Tables at Nitida. The former offers hearty dishes, such as mushroom risotto and black mussels to start, and slow-roasted pork belly and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding for mains. The latter is a café-like venue offering breakfast, sandwiches and wraps, with outdoor seating that boasts views of the dam and surrounding lawns.
Wine-tasting The rustic tasting room is where tastings take place: four of the estate’s vintages, accompanied by snacks.
Things to do In addition to picnics in summer, the estate offers cannon firing! It’s the site of a historic cannon-firing station, allowing guests to relive Napolean-era warfare.
Contact 021 976 1467, info@nitida.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road, M13, Durbanville

Capaia Wines

@agaaainkids

Setting This relative newcomer was established on the site of a former wheat farm near the village of Philadelphia, which was built around the parish of a Dutch Reformed Church. The winery is perched on a slope, at an altitude of 200 meters, with vineyards stretching out towards the misty valley below.
Restaurant The estate’s restaurant, Mariella’s, is presided over by chef Brendan du Preez, whose dishes combine South African, French and Asian flavours. Guests can enjoy the likes of Chalmar beef fillet, confit duck leg, and slow-roasted pork belly on the outdoor deck (heated with roll-down blinds in winter) or beside the fireplace inside the Victorian-era building.
Wine-tasting Wine-tastings take place at Mariella’s Restaurant, where some of the estate’s vintages are paired with a selection of calamari, tempura broccoli, fillet steak, sticky duck and pork belly.
Oenophiles and budding vintners should opt for a guided tour through the estate’s cellar, learning about the history of Capaia and gaining insight into the process of wine-making.
Kids’ facilities Mariella’s restaurant has an outdoor jungle gym and play area. There’s also a Toffee Train tasting, where four toffees are paired with four fizzy drinks.
Deli Olivia Deli offers cheese and meat platters, and a cake of the day. It also has showers for those fresh off the mountain-biking or running trails, making it the ideal spot to recuperate after some vigorous exercise.
Things to do Book a picnic (available during summer) to be enjoyed on the expansive lawns. Explore the vineyards on one of the estate’s mountain-biking or running trails, which cater to all levels of fitness and experience.
Contact 072 770 9695, mariellas@capaia.co.za 
Where to find it Botterberg Road, Philadelphia

Meerendal Wine Estate

Setting Three hundred years of rich history are encompassed in Meerendal’s Cape Dutch architecture, which blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings – sprawling lawns, vineyards and a nearby dam – creating a tranquil countryside setting.
Restaurant The estate is home to two restaurants and a bakery: Carlucci’s for casual meals (burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads); Il Tesoro for a fine-dining experience and the Farmstall Eatery and Bakery for breakfasts and platters.
Wine-tasting In addition to a couch area and a bar, the elegant tasting room has an outdoor area for wine-tasting with views.
Things to do The Wine Academy offers courses in wine-making, after which graduates will earn a Cape Wine Academy Certificate as well as a Meerendal one.
Contact 021 975 1655, tasting@meerendal.co.za
Where to find it R48 Vissershok Road, Durbanville

Signal Gun Wines

@livingitupct

Setting Enclosed by thick vegetation and peering out over rolling meadows, Signal Gun Wines is a forested escape in the Winelands. It is named for the cannons used to call the militia to action, one of which is situated on the farm and remains in working order.
Restaurant The Restaurant at Signal Gun offers a wide selection of pizzas and craft burgers, as well as breakfast, meat and seafood dishes.
Wine-tasting Once a cattle barn, now converted into Die Stal,  the tasting room invites guests to sample the estate’s wines and craft beers. Interesting pairings including biltong and beer, and wine and nougat.
Things to do The wine safari, which includes a sampling of Signal Gun’s Sea Smoke sauvignon blanc, takes guests through the vineyards and a game camp where ostrich, springbuck and zebra roam.
Contact 021 976 0770, reception@signalgun.com
Where to find it Hooggelegen Road, Durbanville

Canto Wines

Setting Vast lawns stretch out in every direction at this boutique wine farm, granting an exhilarating sense of freedom and openness. Mountains looming on the horizon create a dramatic backdrop to this picturesque estate.
Wine-tasting The tasting room offers a range of wine-and-macaron pairings, including Chardonnay CC Brut with hazelnut, and Pinot Noir CC Brut with Turkish delight.
Kids’ facilities The wide lawns are a great space for kids to play while the adults go about the very important business of wine-tasting.
Deli The wine-tasting area has a deli on the side, offering cold meats, cheeses and more. Fill a hamper and enjoy a weekend picnic.
Things to do Canto offers picnics on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can fill a basket with deli items (including gourmet marshmallows and macarons), to be enjoyed on your own private patch of lawn.
Contact 021 492 2821, info@cantowines.co.za
Where to find it Vissershok Road, Durbanville

Hillcrest Estate

@durbanvillewine

Setting A boutique winery produces wine and olives, and is home to The Quarry, a natural amphitheatre with rock walls enclosing a lawn and lake, ideal for hosting special events.
As for the wines, million-year-old sedimentary rocks strewn across the vineyards create a unique terroir that, combined with the ocean winds, form big-flavoured wines.
Restaurant Hillcrest Restaurant offers fresh farm-to-table fare, along with pizza from a wood-fired oven and meat from a braai pit. Other options include seafood, burgers and salads. The Beer Garden, an outdoor pub-like venue with a selection of craft beers, serves traditional pub fare, such as chicken wings, burgers and gourmet hot dogs.
Wine-tasting The boutique wine-tasting room is immersed in old-world atmosphere, surrounded by vineyard views.
Deli Olive oils and olives cultivated on the estate are available for purchase along with wines.
Things to do The Quarry hosts musical events.
Contact 021 970 5800 / 021 007 2818, info@hillcrestfarm.co.za
Where to find it M13, Durbanville

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