South African Wine

Devon Valley, tucked away just to the west of Stellenbosch, is one of the Cape Winelands’ best-kept secrets. Vines have flourished here since the 18th Century and the grapes from the 700 ha of vineyards have long been amongst the Cape’s most sought after. Today, thanks to scores of prestigious awards, it is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the world’s premium red wine sites.

In 1997 its vintners had Devon Valley demarcated as a Ward, allowing them to proudly use the name on their labels. This coincided with the formation of the Devon Valley Vintners’ Association. Its charter commits the members to practices that benefit the community, the environment and the quality of the valley’s produce. Most of the wineries are small and focus on red wines through the area also boasts enviable success with its premium white and sparkling wines.

But it is not wine alone that makes the valley special. Few who stray into it fail to be wooed by its tranquil beauty. Its floor is like a beaded string of blue pools and lakes, fed by the tiny Veldwachtersriviers, or Sheperd’s Creek. Bird life abounds – attracted by both the water and several Protea plantations – and visitors can enjoy superb country hospitality at the rustic hotel and other establishments.