Drive 20 minutes from the city centre, towards the Tygerberg Hills, and you’ll find views tourists pay royally for: Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben Island. But it’s not only for the spectacular views that you should make this trip; there’s another treasure to be found here: Durbanville Hills Wine.
The vineyards in the area date back to 1685, and there’s a good reason these vines have stood the test of time: ancient soils, chilly south-easterly and south-westerly winds, diversity of different facing slopes, proximity to the cool Atlantic Ocean and the vineyards’ elevation above sea level have given rise to a unique terroir that shapes the wines’ exceptional character.
With this superior terroir, the Durbanville Hills winery was designed and built with a single objective in mind: to make top-quality wine from top-quality grapes.
Originally established a s a joint venture between Distell and seven grape farms in the early 1990s, Durbanville Hills now extends to nine member farms located near the cellar since the first vintage in 1999.
The winery is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc and boasts and array of successful vintages that have accumulated multiple accolades over the years. Most recently, the Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc was named one of the “Top Sparkling Wines” at international wine challenge the Battle of the Bubbles, an event hosted by renowned Michelin star chef and wine explore Roger Jones. Of the 37 wines entered, Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc was awarded third place, narrowly edged out by a French Champagne and a South African MCC.
Durbanville Hills also believes in giving back, and by working together with the community, aims to improve the quality of life of employees and their families. Through the workers’ trust, employees own a shareholding in the farms, and the cellar financially supports community projects, education and skills development programmes for both farm workers and their families. In recognition of the cellar’s efforts, Durbanville Hills was named winner of the “Ethical Award” category in the 2011 The Drinks Business Awards.
Another way which the winery gives back is to sponsor start-up events that support the arts, like Village Vibes 2019. Village Vibes 2019 ticket holders will get to taste these fine wines at The Before Party at Joon, presented by Durbanville Hills Wine.
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