10 Reasons to Visit Signal Gun Winery
Robert Peters for Cape Town Tourism
I’m a sucker for anything unique to do in Cape Town. So, when we recently visited Signal Gun Wine Estate, I was very impressed with all they have to offer for these 10 reasons.
1. LOCATION
When you think wine farms, the first area that comes to mind isn’t exactly Durbanville. All the more reason why I love that Signal Gun is located here. It’s not as busy as the usual wine routes and it offers great views for all to enjoy.
2. THEMED EVENINGS
Whether you visit Signal Gun on a Tuesday or on a Saturday, you will find fun themed evenings to suit all tastes at Ke-Monate restaurant on the farm. Tuesdays are Indian themed, so think curries and spicy treats. Wednesdays you get tasty Italian food, while Thursday brings some Mexican-themed treats your way. Each of these come paired with recommended wines to compliment the food on offer. The free-beer-Fridays sounds great with a free 350 ml beer with any pizza, and Saturdays offers up a fantastic deal of two standard pizzas for R120.
3. MONTHLY EVENTS
Depending on what’s going on, there are some really cool monthly events happening at Signal Gun. For example, the farm is participating in the upcoming Soup, Sip and Bread weekend organised by the Durbanville Wine Route, as well as hosting special events for Father’s Day and Youth Day.
4. OWN CRAFT BEER AND TOFFEE
Signal Gun recently started its own microbrewery and developing its own brand of craft beer called Hoogeberg. There are two different types on offer. Namely, the Bonte Bok Cream Ale and the Yster Vark Hybrid Lager. Signal Gun also makes its own toffee with wine directly from the farm.
5. UNIQUE PAIRINGS
There are some really unique pairings on offer from Signal Gun. Give the pizza and wine paring a go. You get four smaller sized pizzas with four glasses of wine perfectly paired to it. If you’re more of a biltong and beer person, then head to the tasting room to get that pairing.
6. GAME DRIVES ON HOOGEBERG HILL
It’s not exactly the Big Five, but we think it’s pretty cool that you get to see some Eland, black wildebeest, springbok, zebra, grey ‘ribbok’, bontebok and smaller creatures such as dassies, tortoises and some cool birds. When the skies are clear, there are amazing views of Stellenbosch, the Strand, Simon's Town, Table Mountain, the harbour and Robben.
7. GREAT WINE TASTINGS
Of course, it wouldn’t be wine farm without a wide variety of wine tasting options. Prices vary depending on what you want and for a small extra charge, you can keep your tasting glass. If you buy wine from the tasting room, you get a free tasting.
8. FAMILY OWNED AND RUN
This is one of the only family owned and run wineries in the valley. The de Wit family who run the farm are extremely hands-on in the business and ensure that the quality of everything is up to scratch.
9. CANON FIRING
On the first Saturday of every month, the original canon that used to sit on the hill is fired. If you get there in time, you can watch (and hear) it happen!
10. FAMILY FRIENDLY
There are wide open grassy spaces for children to run around and, depending on the weather, a jumping castle is set up over weekends. Perfect for those with kids!
