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Friday, March 21, 2014

YOUR TOP 10 CAPE TOWN TRENDSPOTTING LIST

YOUR TOP 10 CAPE TOWN TRENDSPOTTING LIST

Durbanville Hills Vineyards

We know you love Cape Town but there’s no reason to always do the same touristy things when visiting. On the other hand, if you are lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, be sure to explore your surroundings. Add these ten Cape Town destinations to your list of must-do’s and discover some hidden gems.

The Durbanville Hills cellar which is only 20 minutes from the city centre, is synonymous with Cape Town. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben Island. The wines produced here reflect the unique terroir of endless valleys, slopes and the cool climate thanks to the South Easter that blows over the Atlantic, drenching the vineyards with cold, moist air.

The cellar is modern and taking its cue from the Castle of Good Hope, a triangular look-out named the “Bastion” ploughs forward like the prow of a ship into the vineyards below, a theme repeated on the smaller wooden deck linking the tasting area to the renosterveldgarden. The relaxed indoor and outdoor areas of the cellar are contemporary offering a variety of comfortable settings to enjoy artisan cheeses, breads and meats, biltong or chocolate wine pairing, or breakfast, lunch and dinner in the newly refurbished restaurant.

In Cape Town’s city centre, an Underground tour of Cape Town in the subterranean throughways which dates back to the mid 1600s, offers you a thrilling adventure. Cape Town was known in the early days as “Little Amsterdam”, a time when canals and rivers acted as routes of travel and supplied the Company Gardens and ships with fresh water. The tunnels are located under the busy streets of the city centre and a guided tour starts at the Castle of Good Hope.

The Biscuit Mill in Woodstock has become somewhat of an institution in the Mother City with a collection of arts, craft, fashion and design shops. On Saturdays the bustling, vibey Neighbourhoods market is brimming with organic and fresh foods to enjoy either there, or to take home.  Staying in Woodstock, the edgy gallery What if the World is a must see. The gallery provides a platform for emerging young artists to exhibit their work during regular art events and workshops.

The Book Lounge in Roeland Street is a magical literary world where rare books, poetry readings and story-telling meet. Have a coffee in their lounge area, speak to the knowledgeable staff and find the joy in paging through one of their vast selection of the latest fiction and non-fiction books.

Just up the road, the Labia Theatre on Orange Street is the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa, showing independent movies, foreign films, historical cinema and other alternative art circuit films. It’s also the only cinema where you can relax and enjoy a drink from the bar whilst watching a movie! Once you’ve explored your cultural side, head to Long Street for trendy shopping and restaurants. It’s one of the best places for a night out offering everything from elegant dining to clubbing.

And finally, Cape Town’s natural beauty is there to breath-in, so take a bike ride along the Sea Point promenade, hike up Lion’s Head on a full moon night for an incredible moonlit view of the city or soak up the sun at Camps Bay beach.
THE TOP TEN TRENDSPOTTING LIST

1.      Durbanville Hills Wines for views and Sauvignon Blanc
2.      Biscuit Mill for organic and crafted foods
3.      Camps Bay beach
4.      Underground tour of Cape Town
5.      Long Street for trendy shopping and night out
6.      What if the World for Indie local art
7.      Labia Theatre for documentaries, foreign-language and art house films
8.      Hike up Lion’s Head on a full moon night for incredible moonlit views of the city
9.      Bike ride on the Sea Point promenade
10.  The Book Lounge for rare, interesting finds