There’s an old Dutch tale that dates back to the 1700s about a grizzly former sea captain, Jan van Hunks, who took his smoke breaks near the foothills of Devil’s Peak. One day he dueled with a stranger over who could blow the most smoke from their pipes.
To cut a long story short, Van Hunks was never seen again after beating the stranger, who turned out to be the Devil. Legend has it that every time you see the table cloth (clouds over the mountain), it is Van Hunks and the Devil dueling it out again.
It’s the kind of far-fetched tale that one finds around Table Mountain – Cape Town’s proudest asset, and a natural wonder that inspires the imagination.
One such imagination is that of Henri Bruce, an entrepreneur with a difference. Through sheer perseverance and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, Bruce and Durbanville Hills have established what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience.
Imagine being whisked off “far from the madding crowd”, as poet Thomas Gray would say, to be perched at a spot that offers breathless views of Table Bay, False Bay and beyond. Picture yourself sipping on some of the finest Chenin Blanc, while staring at Durbanville Hills in the distance – the very vines that bore the fruit you gently sip on.
The Durbanville Hills Table Mountain Wine Safari is an exhilarating way to taste the estates flagship wines. It’s a stone’s throw from the city centre, but tucked away from prying eyes like a guilty secret. Here, in the shadow of the mountain’s sandstone cliffs, among the ancient oaks, Bruce regales his guests with his knowledge of Table Mountain and its diverse landscape, from alien species killing off the fynbos, to the site of old world cannons and sacred prayer sites.
“This exclusive wine tasting spot is in the company of historic cannons which, hundreds of years ago, were used as an early warning to signal ships approaching the Cape of Good Hope. It is here that guests relax and enjoy never-ending views accompanied by a selection of superlative Durbanville Hills wine and tasty nibbles,” Bruce says.
“At the highest point of the Safari, Table Bay, False Bay, the Durbanville wine ward and the dramatic Hottentots Holland mountain range are all clearly visible.”
The Chenin Blanc is undoubtedly the star of the show, but the Rhinofields Pinotage comes highly recommended by Bruce too.
Lunch included a feast of freshly baked artisan bread, a premier choice of cheeses, a rich cold meat selection and succulent chicken wings accompanied by crisp fruit. Everything perfectly paired with delicious wines – and a priceless view.
Bruce takes guests to parts of the mountain no public vehicles are allowed. Runners, hikers and bikers are the regulars. Thanks to this wine safari, 10% of all proceeds are donated to SANParks, so consider it your duty as a resident or a visitor to give back to Table Mountain while enjoying the privilege of being in the great mountain’s company.
Operating days: Monday to Saturday
Time: Monday to Thursday and Saturday at 11h00 (Tour lasts approx. 3 hours)
Friday: 10h00 and 15h00
Venue: Table Mountain cableway (with collection points at selected guest houses and hotels in and around Cape Town)
Cost: R500pp, includes Wine Safari, tasting, snacks and a bottle of Durbanville Hills wine to take home
Space is limited and booking is essential. For more information, please contact Henri Bruce on 076 788 4992.
To book, please click here https://www.durbanvillehills.co.za/buying-tasting/table-mountain-wine-safari/