Durbanville Wine Valley’s Latest Event: ‘Tasting Under the Stars’ 2026
On Thursday, 12 March, the Durbanville Wine Valley is hosting its annual Tasting Under the Stars event, where each winery will keep its doors open until 9 pm. Each winery will be running special offers, so keep an eye on the lineup!
The 2026 Lineup:
Participating wineries in the Tasting Under the Stars Event are…
Canto (extended hours from 11:00) - Kick off the day with Pizza & Wine at Canto for R180 per person. The experience includes four wine tastings paired with four canapé-style pizzas. Canto also offers large lawns and spectacular views - a firm favourite with families and little ones. Book via https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/canto-wines; info@cantowines.co.za or (021) 492 2821.
D’Aria (full-day offering from 10:00) - With free entry, D’Aria offers a welcome that’s complemented by special cheese and meat platters alongside fantastic wine tastings. The tasting room is a perennial favourite with families, thanks to its gardens, play area and wide open lawns - perfect for little ones to roam and play freely. No booking required.
De Grendel (17:00 for 17:30) - An elegant evening of tapas and wine awaits at De Grendel for R530 per person. The experience includes two savoury dishes and one dessert, each paired with the estate’s wines. Book via https://account.dineplan.com/widgetframe/fPqzD3xM.
Diemersdal (from 18:00) - Expect an open-air, Mediterranean-inspired evening featuring paella served with a glass of wine and live music for R300 per person. It’s the place to be to enjoy a laid-back evening with great vibes at one of South Africa’s most awarded producers. Book via: https://diemersdal.co.za/shop/
Durbanville Hills (from 18:00) - This popular cellar hosts an evening of tapas and wine for R300 per person. Guests can look forward to five dishes paired with wine, as well as a barrel tasting that offers insight into wines still in maturation. Go behind the scenes and taste the future of this cellar before anyone else. This is a rare chance to geek out with winemakers in a relaxed, social setting. Book via https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/durbanville-hills-tasting-room-and-olive-grove-bistro
Groot Phesantekraal (18:00 for 18:30) - For R200 per person, guests can enjoy tastings of wine in barrel and tank, along with older vintages – a rare opportunity to explore wines at different stages of their journey from grape to glass. Titled “A Harvest Journey”, the experience allows you to witness the secrets of the cellar in comparing the raw energy of young wines against the refined elegance of the farm’s library collection. This is a must-visit for those who want a deeper connection to the craft. Book via restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za
Hillcrest Wines (from 18:00) - With free entry, Hillcrest invites guests to enjoy special harvest tastings and platters. Excellent wines and olives, paired with veranda views over the surrounding vineyards, make it the ideal place to spend a few relaxed hours with friends. Bookings and information via cellardoor@hillcrestfarm.co.za.
Klein Roosboom (from 18:00) – Join in on the ‘Cellarbration’ at Klein Roosboom, complete with grape stomping - a classic harvest experience. For R200 per person, guests can enjoy a glass of Marne Brut Cap Classique along with three ‘borrelhapjes’ small plates, served in The Shed. Each plate is a culinary discovery designed to highlight the unique character of the farm’s boutique wines. Book via https://kleinroosboom.co.za/shop/
Maastricht Wines (from 17:00) – Maastricht is known widely for its wine, particularly its Sauvignon blanc and Pinotage. It’s also a beloved destination for locals. For Tasting Under The Stars, visitors can enjoy a bottle of wine and bitterballen for R200, accompanied by live music from 10:00. No booking required; first come, first served.
Meerendal (extended hours from 10:00) - Choose between a tasting of red and white wines at R160 per person or opt for the collection wines at R230 per person - with both tastings including three artisanal treats. Enjoy a sense of the classic harvest season thanks to Meerendal’s historic setting. Book via www.meerendal.co.za/explore-meerendal/meerendal-tasting-room/
Nitida (full-day offering from 09:30) – Celebrate harvest at Nitida with a full-day experience from 09:30. Taste Nitida’s Classical wines for R200 per person, including a take-home bottle of Nitida Sauvignon Blanc. While there, don’t miss a wine tradition dating back almost 500 years - Nitida’s new Buchetta del Vino wine window. Inspired by the small wine windows of Florence, first introduced in the 1600s as a safe way to sell wine during times of plague, this charming feature adds a unique touch to the tasting experience. Book via shelley@nitida.co.za
Three "Don't-Miss" Highlights
If you’re struggling to choose, here are a few standout ones I would recommend:
Get Your Feet Dirty at Klein Roosboom: Nothing says "harvest" like grape stomping and makes for the best photos!
Barrel tastings at Durbanville Hills & Groot Phesantekraal: It’s a chance to taste wines still in maturation.
De Grendel Sunset Pairings: Watch the sunset over Table Mountain whilst you enjoy some great pairings.
Planning Your Evening
Because these events are hosted individually by the farms, bookings must be made directly with each winery. Some venues are "first-come, first-served," while others (like De Grendel and Diemersdal) will book out weeks in advance.
Pro Tip: Durbanville is famous for its cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc and bold Pinotage. Make sure to include at least one of each in your experiences.
For the full programme and easy booking links, head over to www.durbanvillewine.co.za.
Will I see you there? Tag me in your harvest photos using @TheWineGirlCapeTown and #drinkDurbanville.
