Durbanville wine route celebrates the 200th anniversary of Durbanville town. The Durbanville Wine Valley Association is rolling the red carpet out in celebration, with a specially curated tasting experience, on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 April.
This exclusive, once-off event will showcase the finest wines from the valley and offer 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 menus.
Visitors can indulge in exceptional wine pairings and guided tastings.
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. Visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za for the full programme.
Art exhibition
Significantly, the 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 in which 15 schools will participate in an art exhibition.
Works created by schoolchildren will be displayed in the tasting rooms of participating farms.
Durbanville Wine Safari is offering an evening tour on both its northern and southern lines on 10 April. The tour will run between 17:45 and 21:15.
“For 200 years Durbanville has been shaped by its agricultural roots,” Natasha de Villiers, manager of Durbanville Wine Valley, pointed out, “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 those two days in April.”
Legacy rooted in agriculture
Durbanville’s very rich history is irrevocably intertwined with its agricultural heritage.
A defining moment in its development came on 1 April 1825, when the cornerstone of its oldest church was laid. The settlement was later renamed Durbanville in honour of Sir Benjamin D’Urban. Agriculture, particularly viticulture, has been a cornerstone of the local economy since the early 1700s. Wine grapes have long been farmed in the region.
The coming of the Durbanville Wine Valley Association was an exciting new milestone in defining the character of the region’s excellent quality. It was officially recognised in 1998.
“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,” De Villiers said.
Follow Durbanville Wine Valley on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @durbanvillewine or visit the website at durbanvillewine.co.za/events.
Contact bookings@durbanvillewinesafari.com for more information about the Durbanville Wine Safari service and to reserve a seat.
