THE DEVON VALLEY

Devon Valley, tucked away just to the west of historical Stellenbosch, is one of the Cape Winelands' best-kept secrets, both scenically and viticulturally and covers a total area of 2000ha, 750ha of which is utilised for vineyards.

Vines have flourished here since the 18th century and the valley is rapidly becoming recognised as one of the world's premium red wine sites, with Louisvale, Clos Malverne, Devon Hill, Hidden Valley, Middelvlei, SylvanVale and Meinert Wines, amongst those in the valley boasting scores of prestigious awards. Devon Valley is also home to South Africa's leading house of sparkling wines, The House of J.C. Le Roux.

In 1997, the seven wine producers in the valley had the area demarcated as a Ward, allowing them to proudly label their bottles as "Wine of Origin Devon Valley". 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 premium red wines, while the area also boasts enviable success with its premium white and sparkling wines.

But it is not wine alone that makes the valley such a rare find. 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 Veldwachtersrivier, or Sheperd's Creek, which joins up with the Eerste Rivier (First River). Bird life abounds - attracted by both the water and several Protea plantations.