South Africa is famous for its sun-splashed vineyards, stretched out across ancient hillsides and cooled by ever-present coastal winds. In the world of wine, terroir counts, and understanding that magical interplay of climate, topography, and geology – along with the deft touch of the winemaker – is central to the new cellar experience at Durbanville Hills.
While the new self-guided visitor experience is set within the maturation cellar at Durbanville Hills wine estate, the exhibits extend to a discovery of the unique terroir across the entire Durbanville Wine Valley, home to 13 award-winning estates and cellars.
An interactive map highlights the unique topography and landscape of the area, from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean – just eight kilometres from the vineyards – to the variety of slopes and soils that have made the area a hotspot for award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, in particular.
From the vineyards, the exhibits lead guests on a journey through the winemaking process, from pressing to maturation, and through to how to store and enjoy wine at home.
Of course, there’s a closer look at the wines of Durbanville Hills too, with a virtual reality headset taking visitors on a discovery of the flagship Tangram portfolio, as well as the Collectors Reserve range, which visually celebrates Cape Town's iconic landmarks.
When you’re done you can enjoy a tasting of the wines in the adjoining tasting room, while The Tangram Restaurant serves up a menu of inspired Cape cuisine with stellar views across the vineyards towards Cape Town and Table Mountain.
The visitor centre is open daily, and is free of charge.
Have you heard? There's a new Grub & Vine open in the Constantia winelands.