This neighborhood in Cape Town, located in the area of Bree and Shortmarket blocks, was destined to be demolished and converted into a parking garage in the 1970s, but was saved from that fate and became the largest restoration project the City of Cape Town has attempted. Instead of the proposed parking garage, today you will find retail outlets, offices, an operating blacksmith and a 15 bedroom hotel.
When the demolition for the parking garage was being considered, in 1987, the city initiated a six-week pre-contract investigation of the neighborhood, before granting approval for the demolition of the neighborhood. It was during this time that many hidden gems and historically valuable discoveries were made, which ultimately called off the parking garage project. One dilapidated old 18th century town house, at 90 Bree Street, had been long neglected but held cherished memories to Capetonians. Funds to save the building had never materialzed in the past, until the old building had been reduced to a moldy, sad shell. In the 1980s a temporary roof had been installed, and was probably the only thing that had saved the building from utter ruin. Behind this sad old building was a small yard, and this is where the grape vine was found. It is believed to be the oldest surviving grape vine in South Africa, estimated to have been planted in the 1770s. It was determined that both the townhouse and the grapevine would be saved.
Today the townhouse is the location of a Wine Bar operated by Signal Hill Winery, whose winemaker, Kyle Zulch has lovingly and painstakingly nursed the old vine back to health after nearly loosing it to powerdry mildew and decades of neglect. The old vine proudly produces enough grapes for about 20 liters of wine each year. The vine is a "Crouchen Blanc" variety.
The oldest surviving documentation that gives evidence of the age of the vine is a journal dating back to 1785 when the first landlord of the townhouse wrote "Drinking wine under the grape tree", causing the estimation of the age of the vine to be a few years prior to the journal entry, or approximately 1771.
Often, Signal Hill Winery will auction off a portion of each year's "1771 wine" and give the proceeds to charity.
VISITING:
Signal Hill Winery
100 shortmarket street,
Cape Town 8001
The winery's tasting room is open year round, call or visit their website for current hours. The vine is located in the tasting area, which is intimate, offering only a few tables. The vine is near the tables. When we wandered thru Cape Town as tourists, we entered the building with the sign "Cape Heritage Hotel" and were attracted by the gorgeous rock and ancient-looking wood walls inside this old townhouse, and one of the employees of the winery came out to greet us as we were appreciating the building. She invited us in, and gave us a tour of the building and took us to see the vine, which they are very proud of.
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