Hexcape’ to the mysterious Hex River Valley

Known as the gateway between the vast plains of the Klein Karoo which rewards travellers with the first panoramic views of the Cape Winelands, spectacular mountains and its green cultivated vineyard landscapes, Hex

River Valley promises to offer you the best experience of the unseen.

For outdoor and history enthusiasts, this region is definitely for you! Whether you wish to explore on two or four wheels, you will be captivated by the mystical adventures which unveil the history of this valley’s ancestors.

Within under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, this is an ideal escape for day travellers, just to breakout from the city’s hustle and bustle. With so much on offer, you can contact the local tour guides for tailor-made excursions.

An even better option is to check in for one night at one of the friendly places, like the Karoo 1 Hotel Village which is situated next to the N1 towards Touws River just after the Hex River Pass. The pass rises to approximately 1 000 metres above sea level in the space of a mere five kilometres! Here you can experience the impressive Karoo night skies and observe the stars at close range. Here you will experience real friendliness from dedicated and accommodating staff.

Winter is the best time for viewing as the stars tend to be clearer, but just remember to pack warm clothes, because the Karoo can get very chilly at that time of the year.

visit. Combine a packhouse tour and grape tasting session at Villion Farms. There are so many different cultivars to choose from, you will definitely find something to please your tongue.

Whether you are travelling through De Doorns on the N1 or visit the area for a day tour, you have to make a stop at the famous kid-friendly Veldskoen Farm Stall, which is not only popular amongst the locals but also for domestic and international travellers. Here you will experience amazing culinary art from head chef Jacques Le Roux that tickles every taste bud. Whether you are looking for a healthy breakfast, light lunch, scrumptious sandwiches with homemade bread, or something sweet, they have you covered.

For the wine lovers, make sure to stop at De Doorns Cellar to purchase some of their selected wines. You can also experience the dumping process of the grapes for further processing. The cellar mainly supplies in bulk to well-known wine and spirit companies, but a small percentage of selected bottled wines are available to the public.

Did you know? De Doorns Wine Cellar has the longest harvest season in the world.

Also, don’t forget to visit Six Dogs Gin Distillery which you will find in the little valley of De Wet, nestled between Worcester and Hex River Valley ‘where the wild things grow’. Here you will find a small distillery with six dogs roaming the premises and a small variety of hand-crafted gins which are mostly infused with home-grown botanicals. The unusual tastes are phenomenal and a definite for your gin collection.

For the seniors, you can embark on a bespoke adventure exploring the heart of the Breede Valley and enjoy the rich history and culture through local story-telling and tours of the town, nature and local markets.

To book a guided tour where everything is arranged to make your experience comfortable and memorable, contact the local tourism office for more details.

Further into the Karoo, about 25 kilometres from Touws River, lies the majestic Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve, nestled in the Nougaspoort Valley which is an ecoadventure destination. With the dusty gravel roads (easy to travel on for any vehicle type, unless you have a vehicle with low profile tyres), it is here where you will experience the real Karoo outdoor experience. This is the perfect retreat for the entire family to socialise and re-unite because cell phones and other digital devices are packed away. You can either stay in one of the beautiful cabins which are equipped with an outdoor jacuzzi and offer unspoiled views and no close by neighbours. The space is entirely yours for the duration of your stay. For some adrenalin rush, there are 4x4 trials, rock climbing, mountain biking, a shooting range and much more. Or simply just relax.

Did you know? The Hex River Valley is the biggest table grape producing area in South Africa. An average of 16 million boxes of export table grapes are harvested annually.

The Secret Adventurer, Henk Brand 073 399 0254 | henk@secretadventurer. co.za | www.thesecretadventurer.com

G1BT Tours, Graham & Sally Abrahams 061 583 4269 | gnabrahams1@gmail.com

For more information about Hex River Valley and its surroundings, contact Melanie on +27 (0)73 238 2026 or email info@hexrivervalley.co.za

Situated in the heart of the Hex River Valley, De Doorns Cellar was established by table grape farmers of the Hex River Valley in 1968. During the table grape harvest, farmers deliver their excess table grapes to the cellar for pressing and the manufacture of spirits.

As the Hex River Valley is the biggest producer of table grapes in South Africa and the harvest season of table grapes stretches over a longer period than that of wine grapes, it’s claimed that De Doorns Cellar has the longest harvest season (28 weeks) in the world!

The Cellar supplies mainly in bulk to well-known wine and spirit companies. The cellar also produces a small percentage of selected bottled wines that are available to the public. The Cellar’s range consists of sparkling Grape Juice, dry wines, refreshing sparkling wines (a tasty Demi-Sec and alcohol-free Vallei Vonkel), and a rich but soothing Muskadel.

These wines can be bought or ordered from the attractive Cape Dutch Wine & Tourism Centre on the N1 at the entrance to the town of De Doorns. Wine tasting and free cellar tours are available by appointment.

GPS: S33°28’57.33” E19°39’47.27”

Contact: Danie Koen (Cellar Master)

Tel: +27 (0)23 356 2100 (office) l Tel: +27 (0)23 356 2835 (retail)

Email: ddwk@hexvallei.co.za l sales@dedoornscellar.co.za