Cape Town has always been one of South Africa’s holiday destinations, with beaches and malls buzzing with visitors from every corner of the country, and indeed the globe. However, with so much to do and see in the city, we locals can sometimes forget about the exquisite landmarks on our doorstep.
This is according to Martin Moore, Cellar Master for Durbanville Hills, who says that the winery has a strong connection to the Mother City.
These are a few prominent landmarks that are definitely worth the trip for tourists and locals alike:
The Cape Mist
The Cape Mist is a natural phenomenon in Cape Town, stealthily moving in as a cool Atlantic breeze moves over Table Bay. The mist falls like a soft blanket over the surrounding slopes and creates the perfect cool climate conditions that enables the Durbanville wine valley and to produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wines. Should you wish to experience the cooling mist for yourself, head over to any of Cape Town’s famous beaches in the early morning.
The Noon Gun
In the early 1950's Cape Town authorities decided to fire a cannon at (more or less) noon every day as a time signal for the sailors who docked in Table Bay for shelter against the Atlantic storms. Decades later and this long-time Cape Town tradition based on Signal Hill is still visited daily by locals and tourists to watch the cannon shot be fired.
The Cableway
A ride up our famous cable car is possibly one of the very best ways to experience Cape Town, and yet it’s still on the bucket list of many Capetonians, who have yet to experience the thrill. The Cableway is the gateway to an awe-inspiring experience of Cape Town from a unique perspective atop the majestic Table Mountain.
Green Point Lighthouse
The cheery red and white candy-striped lighthouse in Green Point with its foghorn, affectionately known as “Moaning Minnie”, is well-known for guiding ships along the misty Cape coast. This was the first solid lighthouse structure on the South African coast, and is the oldest operational lighthouse in South Africa.
The Promenade
The promenade starts at Mouille Point near the Waterfront and ends at the end of walkway in Sea Point. At the start of the “prom” various family interactive activities are available to keep the young ones busy, including the playground, Putt-Putt Golf and the child-sized locomotive that steams through the Blue Train amusement park.
The Company’s Gardens
Located right in the centre of the city is a favourite for both locals and tourists. The Company’s Gardens is home to the first Chenin Blanc vine, the South African Museum and the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, where you can view exhibits about the atrocities suffered by Jews during World War II.
The Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope holds a 350-year-old history, and visitors can take part in an educational journey into this landmark’s hidden past. Built by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679, the Castle is the oldest existing historic building in South Africa. For an authentic taste and grasp of the Mother City’s beginnings, this should be every traveller’s first stop.
Moore says that if you are not able to visit these attractions, head over to the Durbanville Hills winery where the team has set up a visual and educational experience depicting each landmark, and its connection to the new range. Guests enjoying the Collectors Reserve wine tasting experience will get a tour for no additional cost.