Although there are a number of wine growing areas in South Africa, the bulk of our wine comes from the area we classically call 'the Winelands'  that includes Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. The production of wine has shaped the development of this area for over 300 years, and it has been proposed for consideration as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

The bright green corduroy-patterned vineyards stretching out to the bases of purple mountains, thatched, whitewashed, gabled houses dreaming in the shade of ancient oaks and even the red and white roses planted at the ends of the vines define this beautiful area.

Pretty as it is, though, the proof of the Winelands in the tasting - and the wine is pretty darn good. And, on the subject of tasting - there are loads of great restaurants, coffee shops and attractive guest houses with wonderful menus and extensive wine lists. Once just a collection of independent wineries, each doing their own thing, the Winelands has become a tad more user-friendly, with the formation of wine routes.

It makes good marketing sense for the wine producers and it's also easier for you because the various cellars are well sign-posted and they feature on specially drawn maps so you can chart your course between them with naval precision. Many of the wineries also make cheese, or grow olives and press oil, so there's a lot more than wine to be had.

There's more than just food and wine, though. The scenery - both built and natural - is spectacular and there is so much to do. You could go for a gentle day walk in a nature reserve or even do an extended hike not far off. Quad biking trips, horse rides, wagon rides and many other attractions await your pleasure, and there is a host of cultural attractions, ranging from township tours and home stays to cultural festivals and theatres.

Keen to go Quad Biking in the Winelands and know your pinoir noir from chenin blanc? These fun and informative tours start in the field and end in the cellar!
Check out www.quadrides.com
For bookings phone Hannalene or Merwe on 084 874 8730.

Durbanville was originally known as Pampoenkraal (from the native Afrikaans language, pampoen meaning pumpkin, and kraal meaning an enclosure for cattle/livestock). It was founded in 1806 around a fountain and was primarily a watering station for travellers between Cape Town and the interior. Its name was later changed to d'Urban in honour of the then governor of the Cape Colony, Benjamin d'Urban in 1834. This name was later changed to Durbanville in order to avoid confusion with Durban - a major port city in KwaZulu-Natal in the east of South Africa.

Durbanville Hills is one of the cellars that produce the wines of the region. It forms part of the Durbanville wine route. Other wine cellars are Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, D’Aria (Poplars), De Grendel, Diemersdal, Hillcrest, Nitida and Meerendal. The soil has a high clay content and is particularly suited to Sauvignon Blanc. 

The past 10 years has seen rapid expansion of Durbanville, mainly to the North, with areas like Uitzicht showing lots of building activity.

Afrikaans is the main language spoken in Durbanville. The main language has moved from Afrikaans to English in recent years as more English speaking people visit and decide to make Durbanville their home, as the traditional English southern suburbs have become too expensive.

The town has various sporting activities including a superb 18 hole golf course, soccer, rugby and cricket fields. The community has taken a keen interest in developing these sports. Durbanville Rugby Club - DBRugby

As the area has a very low crime rate it has become very popular and the price of residential property has increased over 400% in the last five years and is still growing. The town has various schools namely Durbanville Preparatory, Durbanville Primary and Durbanville High. Stellenberg High and Fairmont High are the Senior schools within the Durbanville vicinity. A few other Primary schools are Eversdal Primary, Gene Louw Primary and Kenridge Primary. The area also has a private school called Curro, which opened a few years ago.