We were fortunate to spend some time with family in Cape Town, South Africa during the month of December 2024.
I want to share an awesome outing we had on December 27, 2024. We wanted to have lunch on a wine farm.
TANGRAM, Durbanville Hills.
At first, my brother-in-law wanted to treat us for lunch at TANGRAM, Durbanville Hills.
The TANGRAM Restaurant boasts various awards.
According to therosecottage.co.za, the TANGRAM Restaurant has been awarded:
- Best South African Cuisine on a Global Level
- Best Restaurant Manager in South Africa
- Best Gourmet Cuisine in Africa.
One thing we didn't keep in mind though, was the fact that it was peak season, and places such as this would be busy.
Big was the disappointment to find on our arrival, that they were full and we would have a long wait if we wanted to enjoy lunch there.
We decided to continue our journey to another farm close by.
Leaving the TANGRAM, we had a beautiful view from their driveway, looking out over vineyards covering the hills.
Nitida Wine Farm
From TANGRAM, we followed Tygerberg Valley Road for another few kilometres until we arrived at Nitida Wine Farm (If you click the link, you can get more information about the farm on their own website).
According to wineinthecape.co.za Nitida Wine Farm is a modest, family-run cellar that is regarded as one of the most prosperous small cellars in the country since it consistently produces wines that earn awards, including the “Top Producer” at the 2009 Michelangelo International Wine Awards.""
Our first stop on this farm was the CASSIA Restaurant.
Forgive me for not having photos of the restaurant. It was the typical scenery of a fancy restaurant. It was beautiful and we enjoyed a wonderful time with the family.
Photos? There was a few typical family photos, but photos was not really a priority in my mind at that point in time...
I wanted to get outdoors...lol.
My niece did capture this image of me and my wife while we were sitting down in the entrance hall though.
But then it was time to go outdoors!
Entering through this gate, you find your way to the vineyards, another restaurant on the farm, their wine-tasting venue, and...something else I found very interesting. But I'll get to that later...lol.
First, let's enjoy some images of the vineyards.
And this is what it's all about...
Yet, grapes are not all you'll see...
I found this bee also hard at work in some flowers next to the vineyard.
But let me show you what else caught my eye!
The Cannon Station.
Yes, a Cannon Station!
Let's have a closer look...
The Cannon Station is run and managed by a team of three gentlemen with the help of the Friends of Nitida Cannon Station (FONCS).
One of these three gentlemen, Jurg Zimmermann made us feel welcome and gave us a full tour of the Cannon Hut, explaining the history, the tools and everything in detail. Unfortunately, we were running out of time, but Jurg invited me to come back, and offered to organize a cannon firing session if I would make the necessary arrangements with him beforehand.
According to Jurg, they formed a non-profit organization to preserve this part of history, not only for the current generation, but also for generations to come.
You can read more about the Cannon Station here.
If ever you are in the area, and you're interested in a firing session of a cannon, or if you need any other information, why don't you give Jurg a call (you'll find his mobile number and email address if you click the link above)? He is such a friendly and kind man, I am sure he will assist you and give you all the information you need.
It's definitely on my to-do list to pay them another visit.
Let's have a look at two of the cannons you can see at the Cannon Station:
- The 36 Pounder Muzzle Loading Corronade - Durr 259.
Here are some interesting facts about this cannon on display next to it.
- 4 Pounder Muzzle Loading Cannon - Dur 789
Some interesting facts about this cannon on display in front of it.
These are only two of several cannons they have on display.
There is also an interesting information board explaining "The Dutch Cannon Signal Call-Up System.
According to this board, the signal system was activated during the 1700's whenever Cape Town was threatened. The last time the signal was used was during January 1806.
The next information board shows the equipment for muzzle loading cannon.
Then, there is another information board, showing ammunition for muzzle loading cannon.
All the equipment, tools, and ammunition shown on the two boards in the last two images... Well, the real thing were shown to us and explained to us in detail while we were in the Cannon Hut. The "how", the "why", the "when", the whole toot...everything in detail!
The last information board shows "The History of Ordnance" up until 1918.
Summary
This was our second day in Cape Town and the first day to go out.
It was a wonderful experience and definitely a great start to our time in Cape Town.
Thank you for reading my post! I do appreciate it!
Watch this space for more adventures during our time in Cape Town until we got to the ultimate high of our visit to Cape Town!
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