De Doorns, Cape Winelands

De Doorns is a small Town, located in the Cape Winelands Region, of the Western Cape. Situated in the Hex River Valley, 32 km North-East of Worcester and 40 km south-west of Touwsrivier, on the Main Route to and from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth The De Doorns Farm was bought by the Government of Cape Prime Minister John Molteno in 1875, to build a Railway Station for the expanding Cape Government Railways. The Line was built through De Doorns, connecting it to Cape Town and reaching Montagu Road (later Touws River). The Town would later develop around the Station! This is a Valley of Vineyards and snow-capped Mountains, during Winter that combine to make it one of the most picturesque Valleys, especially during Autumn when the different vines give rise to a wonderful display of various colours!
De Doorns is a town with a particularly impressive cultural heritage. In 1819 De Doorns was proclaimed a Sub-Drostdy of Tulbagh. Two Farms were bought for the purpose of laying out a Town. In 1822 De Doorns was proclaimed a full Drostdy. (In Historical Contexts this means: During the 17th, 18th, and early 19th Centuries, a Magisterial and Administrative District; Over which a Landdrost, had Jurisdiction).
De Doorns lies at the Centre of the Hex River Valley, in the midst of South Africa’s Table Grape Industry. This is a Valley of Vineyard upon Vineyard, Historical Cape Dutch Homesteads, and snow-capped Mountains during Winter that combine to make it one of the most picturesque Valleys, particularly during Autumn when the different vines give rise to a display of variegated colour, so rich, that all who see it are inspired and none left untouched by its beauty!
De Doorns Literally translated means ‘the thorns’ in Dutch, and refers to the Acacia Thorn Trees that dominate the Hex River banks. De Doorns’ Wine Cellar boasts the longest Harvest Season in the World, from December through until April. The Area exports nearly 17 Million Cartons, of grapes Annually!