De Doorns

De Doorns, a picturesque 207-year-old town nestled in the Hex River Valley just an hour and a half from Cape Town, is a historic agricultural powerhouse that ranks among the most productive table grape export hubs in the world. Established in 1819 and named after the local Acacia thorn trees, the town rapidly expanded around a new railway station in 1875 and today exports a staggering 17 million cartons of grapes annually, accounting for a quarter of South Africa’s total output. Surrounded by historic Cape Dutch homesteads and rugged mountains that are snow-capped in winter and home to soaring black eagles, the valley transforms into a stunning patchwork of orange and brown during autumn.

This unique geography grants the local De Doorns Wine Cellar the longest harvest season in the world—stretching five months from December to mid-April—allowing them to creatively turn early-season surplus table grapes into sparkling juices and pot-stilled brandies before the season concludes with the annual Autumn Splendour Festival. Beyond its agricultural fame and warm small-town hospitality, the valley is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure and ancient history, offering visitors mountain biking, scenic rides on the Hexpas Express, and the chance to explore 7,000-year-old /Xam San rock art left behind by early hunter-gatherers who once used the valley as a seasonal migration route.

Last edit:  August 14, 2026

ACCOMMODATION:
Camping is available at Arbeid Adelt Guest House, Tel: 023 356 2204, Email: arbeidadeltguest@telkomsa.net.

BANKING:
Banks available are ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank (each have 2 ATMs in town, an additional ABSA ATM is situated on the Engen Grape Valley Petrol Station).

FOOD:
The butcher is 'Uys Slagtery', reputable for their Boerewors recipe!

Bakery's in town are to be found at SPAR food store, and 'Die Familie Kombuis'.

Liquor stores in town are at 'Matroosberg Drankwinkel' and 'TOPS'.

Restaurants available are at 'Veldskoen Country Stall', 'Hexvallei Ledeklub' and 'Wimpy fast food/restaurant'.

GAS REFILL:
Gas refill is available at Agrimark and Spar.

HEALTHCARE:
There is no hospital here, the closest hospital is in Worcester, approx 36km away.

The doctors number supplied is for Dr. Jonker. (January 2015).

The pharmacy is 'Hex-Kem Pharmacy', they also offer clinic services.

INTERNET ACCESS:
There are no internet access or internet café's in town.

MECHANICAL. TOW-IN & TYRES:
Mechanical and Tyre repair is available at: Non Pareil Garage, Tel: +27(0)23 356 2560, Email: nonpareil@telkomsa.net; Sentrale Bande, Tel: +27(0)23 356 2115, Email: sentralebande@telkomsa.net; Orchard Engineering Works, Email: bdark65@gmail.com.

Tyre sales are available at: Sentrale Bande, Tel: +27(0)23 356 2115, sentralebande@telkomsa.net; Orchard Engineering Works, Tel: +27(0)23 354 8839, Email: bdark65@gmail.com. (January 2015).

Tow in service is offered by Orchard Engineering Works, Tel: 023 354 8839, Email: bdark65@gmail.com.

SERVICES:
There is no laundromat, craft or food markets or car rental services in town. (January 2015).

The rest of the shops in town or general grocery and hardware type shops. (January 2015).

TOUR OPERATORS:
Nearest tour operators are situated in Worcester. (January 2015).

“De Doorns. was so named after the numerous Acacia Karoo thorn trees found by early settlers in the valley. During the latter half of the 19th century, the farmers started distilling grapes into Brandy, for easier transport to Capetown. The distillation process needed large volumes of combustible material which soon depleted the Karoo acacias in the vicinity.” - Chris Smit, 2024/05/15

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