D’Aria Winery

D’Aria Winery is a premium wine estate located in the Durbanville Wine Valley between Durbanville and Bloubergstrand, an area known as ‘Sauvignon Blanc Country’. The estate comprises two historic wine farms – Doordekraal, first granted to Tryntje Verwey in 1698, and Springfield (originally ‘Hooge Bergs Vallei’), making it one of the oldest farmlands in the greater Cape Town area. In 1998-1999, Barinor Holdings purchased and amalgamated these farms as D’Aria Vineyards, honouring the heritage of the hardy Dutch women who pioneered farming on this land. D’Aria launched its first wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, in November 2005, and by 2008 had established itself as one of the top Durbanville estates. The vineyards are situated at the back of the Tygerberg Hills on north-facing and east-facing slopes with rich, fertile soils. Located just 10km from the Atlantic Ocean, cool sea breezes moderate the warm summer days, creating ideal conditions for premium winemaking. The clay-textured soils preserve nutrition and water during winter, with above-average rainfall eliminating the need for irrigation. Under the guidance of winemaker and brandy master Elizabeth Meyer (since January 2023), D’Aria produces handcrafted wines where all grapes are handpicked and undergo a second hand-sorting at the cellar. The sophisticated modern winery can handle up to 400 tons, processing 80% red varieties and 20% white grapes. D’Aria’s wines feature whimsical musical names – Songbird, Soprano, Blush, Lullaby, The Piccolo, Pop Song, Rock Song – reflecting the estate’s philosophy of ‘Terra D’Aria’ (a harmony of the senses). The portfolio includes the D’Aria signature range, a premium Reserve range, plus potstill brandy and handcrafted gin. The estate has earned top awards at South Africa’s leading wine shows including Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and Michelangelo, with particular acclaim for Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Shiraz. D’Aria has evolved into a complete destination offering wine tasting in a beautiful tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating under ancient oak trees, three restaurants operated by The Copper Club (Patina steakhouse, Botany cocktail lounge and tapas, The Terrace serving sushi and pizza), 12 luxury self-catering cottages with 24 rooms for accommodation, a refurbished function venue for weddings and events, and CU Kids – a secure outdoor play park. The estate welcomes children and is pet-friendly, making it an ideal family destination.