Directions
N2 from Woodstock
Take exit 33 and turn left
This will take you onto the R310
Follow the R310 until you see the wine estate on your left (just after Delaire Graff Estate)

As I rode into the estate, I was really excited as I had the opportunity to “kill two birds with one stone” as they would say. It was my first experience in the wine farm and, the plant and garden exhibition.

I followed the narrow road until I saw a “no entry” sign and realized we were allowed to pass that day. I felt truly special, and almost as if we were entering uncharted territory. The access to this private garden is closed to the public, except one day each year – this is when they host the plant and garden exhibition.

There were plenty of people attending and it was nice to see that despite the cold, cloudy and drizzling weather – people were enthusiastic enough to get a move on. The weather was actually perfect for the day – the cooler breeze allowing young and old to trek around the fabulous garden. The person who owns this private space must be really proud of maintaining such stunning lush greenery.

The plant exhibition was truly awe-inspiring. So many different types of plants and species, some even from foreign countries. I had never seen such unique variety. I was planning on buying at least one plant to nurture (well, at least try) back at home. I bought a Nepenthes – a tropical pitcher plant. What struck me was the monkey cups that grow at the end of the leaves – it is just something I have never seen before.

Afterwards I took a stroll through the gardens and I was surprised by how big this garden is. The walk was very pleasant as it was not hot but rather like a typical winter day. When I think of a private garden – I could only imagine a miniature size garden capable of being managed by one person alone. This was more like Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on a smaller scale. It has amazing scenery of the mountains in the distance as well as super green and lush mother nature. There is also a dam or lake, whatever you call it – I am never sure which one it is. I came across a cork tree walkway path whereby there were actual cork trees from which they make wine cork stoppers. It was my first time witnessing such trees, I didn’t even know that they came from the bark of cork trees. Their texture closely resembles the same feel you get when you touch a cork – that rubbery soft feeling.

There are plenty of gardens like this that are open to the public, and I would like to recommend that you experience the beauty of mother nature more often.

Directions

N1 from Woodstock

At the fork take a left towards Century City

Exit 13A (N7)

Turn right at the signboard “Durbanville”. This is M48 but it is not labelled on the signboard.

Turn left once you arrive at the entrance.

Upon approaching the wine estate, I came across a sign that said this was the start of the Durbanville Wine Route. I had no idea where the start of this wine valley was, heck I didn’t even know where the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes began though I’ve been a frequent visitor. The scenery on the way to the wine estate was dry and dull – this could be seasonal or due to the recent water shortages, but I was optimistic about the wine estate.

Attending the “Adventure Lifestyle Show” was a first for me. The event was hosted on the grounds just before you enter the actual wine estate. I made a mental note to make a trip back here to taste the wine on offer and experience what the estate had to offer.

Back to the main event – The Adventure Lifestyle show was all about extreme outdoors like camping and adventuring. Although I do not do camping (yet), it’s definitely part of my near future plans. “Adventuring” is me in a nutshell. I noticed that the bulk of the attendees were from an Afrikaans background as were the exhibitors so it may have been handy to keep a few Afrikaans phrases on hand. And it made sense as extreme outdoor activities are most popular with this demographic. I would love to encourage other demographics to get involved in being more connected with “The Great Outdoors” as Western Cape has so much to offer in this regard. Affordability may be called into question but collectively people can make a difference. The event had a small buzz, no where near the large crowds you would see at popular Cape Town markets.

I test rode one of the Specialized bikes called Epic Evo. I’m currently a road cyclist and I want to further my horizons with mountain biking – literally and figuratively. This was my first time ever riding a mountain bike in the modern era and it was such a beautiful experience. The bike feels like you’re on a quad bike as it effortlessly smoothens rough terrain making you wonder whether you are riding on gravel or tar.

I will definitely be back to continue exploring the Durbanville wine route and hopefully come across some gems.