Why Diemersdal Needs to Be on Your Durbanville Wine Tasting Bucket List!
If you’re planning a visit to Cape Winelands and want to sip on some of the absolute best wines in South Africa that is not too far from the city, I have a great option for you! Diemersdal Wines in Durbanville.
Just a 20-minute drive from Cape Town city is the Durbanville wine region, which is known for its coastal influence and cool-climate wines. They produce some exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and some really hearty cool-climate reds. Right in the centre of the region is Diemersdal Wine Estate—and let me tell you, they are having an absolutely massive year. They just won numerous awards in the 2026 wine awards season, proving once again why this historic farm is a must-visit for any local or international guests.
Diemersdal is Rich in History
Diemersdal is steeped in Cape history, dating all the way back to 1698! It’s home to South Africa’s oldest continuously producing wine family. Today, the legacy is kept alive by sixth-generation winemaker Thys Louw.
What makes their wine so special? It’s all about the terroir and their farming philosophy.
The vineyards are predominantly dryland farmed.
This means they rely entirely on winter rainfall rather than artificial irrigation.
This eco-friendly approach forces the vines to dig their roots deep into the soil.
The result is low yields of intensely concentrated, character-filled grapes that taste exactly like the Durbanville terroir intended.
Their 2026 Awards
If you needed any more convincing to book a tasting, Diemersdal was just named the Top Performing Winery of the Year in the prestigious 2026 Platter’s Wine Guide! WOW!
To top it off, their talented winemaker, Juandré Bruwer, was officially crowned South Africa’s Champion Winemaker of the Year at the 2026 Investec Trophy Wine Show.
Try these Durbanville Award-Winning Wines
When you head through to the Diemersdal tasting room, you’ll want to look out for their star players. While they are world-famous for their Sauvignon Blanc, their Pinotage is stealing the spotlight this year.
Here are the bottles you have to add to your tasting flight:
The Pinotage Showstoppers
The Journal Pinotage 2023: A total powerhouse that scored a 5-star Platter's rating, an Investec Gold, Double Gold at Veritas, and 92 points at the International Wine Challenge. It’s matured for 24 months in new French oak, giving it gorgeous bold berry fruit, savoury spice, and velvety tannins.
Diemersdal Pinotage 2025: If you prefer something lighter and brighter, this won the overall Pinotage category in the Winemag.co.za Report with a whopping 95 points. It’s a fresher style bursting with red cherry, sour cherry, dried florals, and a hint of vanilla.
Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2024: Another spectacular 5-star Platter's winner to add to your list.
The Stellar Whites
The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2024 & The Globe Sauvignon Blanc 2024: Both walked away with coveted 5-star ratings from Platter's.
Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2025: A unique, crisp crowd-favourited white that also snagged 5 stars.
Grüner Veltliner 2024: Looking for something unique? This took home the trophy for Best Niche White Variety at the Investec Trophy Wine Show.
The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2021: Proof that good white wine can age beautifully, winning the Best Museum Class trophy.
Plan Your Visit to Diemersdal
Whether you're a die-hard red wine fan or a lover of crisp, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, Diemersdal’s diverse portfolio offers something spectacular for every palate. Combine that with centuries of heritage, and you have the perfect Cape Winelands day trip.
📍 Where to find them: Durbanville Wine Valley, Cape Town.
🍷 Perfect for: Casual weekend tastings, wine connoisseurs, and sunny afternoon lunches.
Have you visited the Durbanville wine route yet? Let me know in the comments below which of these award-winning bottles you’re dying to try first!
