Durbanville Wine Valley - The Hidden Gems
You will be collected by your Private guide/security driver in a spacious, comfortable vehicle.
Just 25 minutes from the heart of Cape Town, the Durbanville Wine Valley lies nestled among gently rolling hills once blanketed in wheat during the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Today, those same hills are home to a collection of intimate, family-run wineries, each offering its own story and charm.
This hidden gem of a region is world-renowned for its exceptional white wines, with Sauvignon Blanc taking center stage as one of the stars of the show. Unlike the busier wine routes, here you’ll sip slowly, often alongside locals unwinding over a glass or two — the experience is personal, unrushed, and deeply inviting.
Many of the wines produced here are crafted in small batches and rarely found on supermarket shelves, making each tasting feel like a discovery. Some estates also offer unique pairings like gin tastings and hand-crafted chocolate, adding a playful twist to the day. And the cheese and charcuterie boards? Utterly indulgent — you might find lunch becomes optional. Then again, the restaurants at these estates are well worth a lingering stop.
Each winery is distinct, not only in its architecture but in the ambiance it offers — from modern elegance to rustic charm, there's a new mood to fall into at every turn. With 15 wineries dotting the valley, all equally enchanting, we’ll have time to visit three without ever feeling rushed — or four, if your heart (and palate) desires.
9:00 AM – Pick-up from Your Hotel
Your accredited guide and experienced security chauffeur will collect you directly from your hotel in Cape Town or the Stellenbosch Winelands. (A small additional fee applies for locations further afield.)
10:00 AM – De Grendel Wine Estate
Start your day with a tasting at the iconic De Grendel, known not only for its exceptional wines but also for its breathtaking panoramic views. Sip award-winning vintages while soaking in a picture-perfect view of Table Mountain in the distance — it’s the kind of moment you’ll want to linger in.
11:30 AM – Maastricht Wines
Next, we head to Maastricht, a boutique winery tucked into the hills with a tasting room housed in a beautifully restored barn. The ambiance is a mix of rustic charm and modern elegance. While here, indulge in one of their famed cheese and charcuterie platters — think artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, warm farm-fresh bread, nuts, and more. It’s a feast for the senses.
1:00 PM – D'Aria Estate for Lunch
D'Aria offers a relaxed and scenic lunch setting. Choose from The Terrace or Patina, where you can enjoy everything from a hearty South African steak to lighter seasonal fare. If you're in the mood for something different, head over to the Botany Lounge, D’Aria’s stylish cocktail bar — perfect for a refreshing gin cocktail, a crisp glass of wine, or some light tapas. (Pro tip: their mini-steaks are a must-try!)
Optional Final Stop (Choose Your Own Adventure!).
If you’re still feeling adventurous, we have a few wonderful options to end your day on a high note:
• Klein Roosboom – A truly unique boutique winery offering tastings inside beautifully themed former concrete wine vats. A hidden gem!
• Jean Restaurant at Klein Roosboom – Perfect for a late coffee or dessert break in a cozy setting.
• Meerendal & Cocoafair – Enjoy a tasting at this historic winery and sample handcrafted chocolates at Cocoafair.
• Canto Estate – Unwind with a final tasting of fine wine or indulge in a gin experience to wrap up the day in style.
Return Transfer
After a full day of unforgettable experiences, your guide will safely return you to your accommodation — relaxed, satisfied, and perhaps carrying a bottle or two of your new favourite wine.
Not much walking required.
Wineries are in close proximity to each other
Safe 'country feel' environment.
If summer, pack sunscreen, hat, light jacket.
