Transfer Types
Durbanville Wine Route is a local’s favourite, situated right on Cape Town’s doorstep. The tour combines the stunning aesthetics of the Durbanville Wine Valley, with many opportunities to soak in breath-taking views of Table Mountain and Cape Town, while delighting in the many tastes this hidden gem has to offer. The region offers an entirely unique canvas upon which to create exceptional wines. The combination or perfect terroir, a varied topography and diverse soil composition allows for the Durbanville region to produce completely inimitable wines. The climate is affected by the very cool Atlantic breeze, which slows down the ripening of the fruit and results in a concentrated flavor in the grapes, and of course, subsequently the wines.
You’ll also get your fare share of history in today as you visit four historic wine farms that have a combined age of almost a millennium! Visit Meerendal, Diemersdal, Nitida and Durbanville Hills during your private day tour, with your guide beside you to offer local knowledge of the area, the wines and more. All of these estates offer sublime views, beautiful surroundings and glorious wines, and because your day is yours to do as you please, your guide will gladly give you a little more time here or a little less there, depending on where the view might lead you. So sit back, relax and uncork as you prepare to overwhelm your senses.
Enter the 300-year old world of Meerendal Wine Estate.
Be mesmerised by the sights and tastes of Diemersdal Wine Estate.
Taste the fresh flavours produced at Nitida's boutique wine cellars.
Let Durbanville Hills innovate your palate.
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Get picked up from your hotel in or near the city center of Cape Town. Climb into a private vehicle with your personal driver and guide and head out of the city. Drive through the endless rolling hills, and within 30 minutes from central Cape Town arrive in this local favorite wine destination.
Your fist stop of the day finds you at Meerendal Wine Estate, where you'll jump right in to the world of wine, and indulge in a prestige tasting of their wines as you look out over the Durbanville valley below. Expect hints of dark chocolate in the merlot, a spicy pinotage and a refreshing and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
The next stop is Diemersdal Wine Estate, 10 minutes away, where you'll have some time to stroll through the picturesque property before settling in to sample the wine. Sit outside (weather permitting) or in the tasting cellar to taste some of their finest wines. You’ll quickly notice the diverse and rich flavours in the wines, which are attributed to the excellent variety of growing conditions. The complex topography and diverse soil content as well as the perfect climate mean that Diemersdal is able to produce a rich crop, which is then carefully curated in their cellars, mixing old and new styles of winemaking.
Wind your way through the Durbanville valley to reach Nitida. This small wine farm is one of the youngest in the area, having only been started 25 years ago. That being said, they have truly made a name for themselves; producing award winning wines and offering a warm welcome to all those who visit. Opt to either enjoy lunch at Cassia restaurant, or at Tables Deli (own expense) before doing a full tasting.
Soak up the innumerable views of the surrounds, including the magnificent Table Bay with its Table Mountain backdrop. End-off the day with a relaxed tasting of Durbanville Hills’ internationally renowned wines. And as a souvenir, you’ll be given your very own Durbanville Hills crystal glass as a keepsake of this memorable day. Travel back to reach Cape Town area by late afternoon.
End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.
This trip's transport will run exclusively for you. Included activities and transfers may join other groups.
Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.
Private transfers to included tour highlights.
There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.
Local and international flights are excluded.
You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance.
You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.
If some wine, farms or wine pairing options are unavailable during certain times of the week or season, we reserve the right to offer a similar type or value alternative.
Click terms for more details.
A non-refundable deposit is needed to reserve a booking and full amount payment required at least 31 days before a tour to confirm a booking.
Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms
Cancelaltion fees are calculated on the total amount of the booking.
Children are welcome on private tours. Some activities will have age limits and alcohol may only be served to adults over 18 years of age.
South Africa
11 official Languages Spoken
Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa
How to say hello?
Molo – Xhosa
Sawubona - Zulu
Hallo - Afrikaans
Dumela - SeSotho
Electricity – Volt & plug
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.
Measurements
Metric System
WiFi/Internet Access on tour
WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.
When to go
South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.
Shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.
Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather.
Best time to go
Jun-Jul = Safari
Jan-Feb = Beach
Public Holidays
With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.
1 Jan | New Year's Day | |
21 Mar | Human Rights Day | |
30 Mar | Good Friday | |
2 Apr | Family Day | |
27 Apr | Freedom Day | |
1 May | Workers' Day | |
16 Jun | Youth Day | |
9 Aug | National Women's Day | |
24 Sep | Heritage Day | |
16 Dec | Day of Reconciliation | |
17 Dec | Day of Reconciliation Holiday | |
25 Dec | Christmas Day | |
26 Dec | Day of Goodwill |
Visa & Travel docs
Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).
Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
What to pack
We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:
Health & Safety
There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.
The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your accommodation what is recommended.
South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.
Getting Around
South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.
There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.
From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.
Money
Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping.
Tipping