Raising a glass to legacy, Pinotage and summer

Thursday, 25 September, 2025
Durbanville Hills
This month at Durbanville Hills, we reflect on legacy, celebrate milestones, and look ahead to a season of sunshine and creativity.

We honour the life and lasting impact of our red winemaker, Wilhelm Coetzee, raise a glass to 100 years of South Africa’s iconic Pinotage, and share news of recent awards for our Sauvignon Blancs. With summer fast approaching, our Sundaze Sessions return and Sip and Create workshops continue, inviting you to enjoy wine, music, and creative expression at Durbanville Hills, against Cape Town’s most breathtaking views.

Remembering Wilhelm Coetzee

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved red winemaker, Wilhelm Coetzee. A cornerstone of the Durbanville Hills family since 2008, Wilhelm’s quiet brilliance, passion, and precision shaped not only our award-winning wines but the very heart of our cellar. His journey from analytical chemist to winemaker reflected his unwavering pursuit of excellence, while his warmth, mentorship, and love for life touched all who knew him.

Beyond his craft, Wilhelm was a devoted husband, father, and friend who found joy in family, food, and the outdoors. His legacy lives on in the wines he so carefully created and in the memories we hold dear.

Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Elize, and the Coetzee family. Wilhelm will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Click HERE to read our full tribute.

100 Years of Pinotage

This October, we raise a glass to the remarkable history of Pinotage. First created in 1925 through Professor Abraham Izak Perold’s innovative crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (also known as Hermitage) at Stellenbosch University, Pinotage has since become a hallmark of South Africa’s wine culture, embodying both creativity and excellence.

Durbanville Hills proudly celebrates this legacy. Our The Promenade Pinotage 2023 was recently awarded a prestigious gold medal (96 points) at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards. In addition, both the Durbanville Hills Pinotage 2023 and Collectors Reserve The Promenade Pinotage 2023 earned gold at the 2025 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. These wines are available to taste at our cellar or purchase online.

Also not to be missed: a 1.5-litre magnum of the newly released The Durbanville Wine Valley Pinotage 2024. Crafted collaboratively by all the winemakers of Durbanville Valley, it commemorates three milestones: the 200th anniversary of Durbanville, 100 years of Pinotage, and 100 years of Afrikaans as an official language. Presented in an elegant blue-and-gold gift box, each bottle is priced at R1 200.

As part of our celebrations, enjoy 10% off all Pinotage wines in our online shop until 31 October 2025.

Click HERE to shop Pinotage at 10% off.

Summer is winking and we’re gearing up for Sundaze…

Long lazy afternoons, cool beats, and Cape Town’s best views. Summer at our family-friendly Olive Grove Bistro is back!

From 9 November 2025 to 29 March 2026, our Sundaze Summer Sessions invite you to unwind from 13h00 to 17h00 with award-winning wines, cocktails, craft beer, and delicious eats. On select Sundays, top local DJs will set the mood with Deep House, RnB, and Hip Hop, while you relax on our lush lawns overlooking Table Bay and Table Mountain.

Free entry, no booking required. Just bring your summer spirit.

Your next creative escape

Partake in our relaxing Sip and Create social workshops where our beautiful location and easy-drinking wines meet hands-on creativity. The events include all materials, a welcome drink, and gourmet canapés, giving you the chance to slow down, connect, and take home something beautiful.

  • 25 October: Tote bag painting | R395 per person
  • 31 October: Cocktail crafting (dress up for Halloween!) | R425 per head
  • November: Wine blending group events (no set dates, please enquire with the team on info@durbanvillehills.co.za for available dates)

Our recent Sauvignon Blanc awards haul

Our Sauvignons continue to shine on the international stage. September brought a wave of recognition for our 2023 Tangram Sauvignon Blanc blend, earning 94 points in Tim Atkin MW’s 2025 South Africa Special Report, gold at the 2025 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and 92 points in the 2025 Global Fine Wine Challenge.

Meanwhile, our 2024 Collectors Reserve The Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc brought home prestigious gold at The Drinks Business Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters, alongside a local gold medal at the 2025 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards – one of 14 awarded this honour across our range.

Stock up now for summer!

Click HERE to shop.