Background

Devon Hill stands out as a statement of style on the upper slopes of Devon Valley, Stellenbosch. Now that the ultra-modern winery with an unparalleled view is open to the public, wine-lovers can enjoy the breathtaking panaroma of the winelands and a taste of the cellar’s award-winning wines of origin. Stretching down to the sea, the mountains of the Simonsberg and Hottentots Holland provide the magnificent backdrop to a valley of vineyards made by nature for winemaking.

Devon Hill has a far-sighted vision to match its incredible outlook. Swiss owners Jean Vogel and Jean-Michel Conne have appointed a new team at the winery that crowns Devon Valley. When they won a series of awards and medals in 2001, they realised the time had come for Devon Hill to go it alone. After undertaking a thorough study of the superior soils, micro-climate and terroir, the new team is setting about untapping the potential of Devon Valley from their unique vantage point.

From the views to the vineyards, Devon Hill enjoys a commanding position. The premium grapes that go into the gravity-fed cellar are grown in some of the highest vineyards in the valley, vineyards that reach 270m above sea level. Selected clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc flourish in the deep shale soils on the upper slopes. Fed by bountiful winter rains, slowly ripened in summer by cooling breezes from False Bay, the grapes are gently handpicked to retain fruit and flavour.

Winemaker and General Manager Erhard Roux, was previously assistant winemaker at Louisvale and assisted Theo Brink. Last but not least, Liesl du Toit is responsible for administration and public relations and sales.

The Devon Hill wines are the cellar’s flagship. The range includes Veritas winners which won double gold medals since
2000. The red wines are carefully selected and aged in 300l barrels in the vaulted small-wood maturation cellar. The casks are chosen with equal care from a variety of coopers and origins, so that the wood and wine find perfect harmony.

Devon Valley was proclaimed a wine ward in 1995, entitling wineries in the valley to certify their wines as Wine of Origin: Devon Valley. Today, all Devon Hill wines are made from grapes grown in the winery’s own 54 hectares of vineyards.

The art of symmetry comes naturally to the cellar with an advantageous outlook at the top of the valley. Devon Hill wines are made in a full-bodied, well-rounded style.

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