Durbanville is a picturesque maritime wine region, nestled against Tygerberg 7km fom Table Bay. It is bathed in the warm Cape sunshine, yet close to the beach activities of the Atlantic ocean. The village is situated at a high altitude and is prone to misty nights, which offer relief from the high summer temperatures and make this an ideal wine region.    Warm sunny days ensure good sugar levels in the grapes, which ripen to perfection.    It is bathed in the warm Cape sunshine yet close to the cold Atlantic waters of the West Coast. Durbanville can be found 7km from Table Bay nestled against the Tygerberg. It is high in altitude and prone to misty nights, which bring down the temperature and make it a cool wine region. Warm sunny days ensure good sugar levels in the grapes, which ripen to perfection. The hills contain good quality soil with the ability to retain moisture. All these factors contribute to making Durbanville a prime location for wine production.   In the past, many top ranking cellars have sourced their grapes from this area as these grapes are of the highest standard of quality. Currently there are 6 active cellars in the Durbanville region and they are very “hands on” operations. The people that own the farms often are the winemakers and they enjoy sitting in on wine-tastings. This is a wonderful experience for everyone present as it provides a friendly and informative lesson in wine appreciation. The most awarded wine from the area is Sauvignon Blanc with Merlot and Shiraz being highly regarded. A “must” to try at your next tasting.   It was in the early 1700’s that the first vineyards were established in this area. Durbanville’s original name was Pampoenkraal, which means “pumpkin paddock”. Indigenous people traded with the pioneers and also supplied the Dutch East India Company with fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. Dutch influence can be felt throughout the area, most notably in the Cape Dutch architecture. Some of the original farms are still producing wine: Hooge Bergs Vallei (est. 1698) Bloemendal (est. 1699) Maastricht (est. 1702) Hooggelegen (est. 1703) Ongegund (est. 1704) Klein Rooseboom (est. 1714)   Many years ago a law was passed prohibiting industrial development in the region which has ensured its unspoilt beauty. Spending time in Durbanville gives you the feeling of being in the countryside, it is rural but still very central. Today Durbanville is a thriving hub of activity. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the golf courses, horse racing and, of course, the Tygervalley Shopping Complex. One of the most modern cellars is Durbanville Hills which is already making a name for itself after only a few years. It is in the enviable position of looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and Table Mountain. This cellar utilizes the most advanced technology that is available internationally and has a control platform from which grape pressings can be viewed.