Find yourself waist-deep in the picturesque vineyards of Devon Valley, outside Stellenbosch, when runners with a fondness for fun and a taste for the grape set off for the all-new De Vine Run, presented by The House of J.C. Le Roux and the Devon Valley Vintners on Saturday, 27 March 2004.A swarming mass of 1500 mentally fit runners will take part in a convivial running/walking event of 16km (10 miles) through the vineyards and cellars of Devon Hill, Clos Malverne, Middelvlei, SylvanVale, Louisvale and Meinert wines as well as South Africa’s leading house of sparkling wines, The House of J.C. Le Roux.‘Devon Valley is the unsung jewel of the Cape Winelands and very few are aware of this refined tourist destination boasting untouched beauty, spectacular views and flourishing vines. The De Vine Run is a unique voyage through the vineyards and an innovative way to introduce the valley and its world-class products to a wider audience,’ says Martin Meinert, Chairman of Devon Valley Vintners and owner of Meinert Wines. Whether it is a wig, tutu or convict stripes, a butterfly disguise or a nun on the run…participants are encouraged to bring the spirit of fancy dress along with their athletic prowess and to colour the winding tracks of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secret with a kaleidoscope of boisterous and amusing outfits. The De Vine Run is a race with total absence of grim-faced competition and no sign of the traditional loneliness of the long-distance runner. It’s a race where winning is very much beside the point, with runners showing a marked preference for wine over water. One of the distinct highlights of the event is making your way through four of the cellars nestled in the valley, with participants catching a glimpse of fine wine in the making. ‘The subject of wine can be very stuffy and self-important and I am delighted that we are presenting ourselves in a light-hearted way. The quality of our products leaves one in no doubt that we are serious,’ says Meinert.The participating farms will refresh runners during their excursion with award-winning wines at various refreshment stations dotted along the course.‘Speed is far less important than satisfaction on the day of the event and J.C Le Roux is proud to add sparkle to this refined scene of celebration and comradeship, soothing thirsty thoughts with the best of bubblies, ‘ says Ross Hobbs, Brand Manager of J.C. Le Roux. The De Vine Run is not only an event for runners and spectators but also a feast of entertainment for the whole family with lots of fun-filled activities taking place at each of the participating farms on the day of the event. Follow the sounds of Pepe’s Portuguese trumpet to Clos Malverne for a tranquil picnic affair or sit down for an al fresco brunch in the vineyards of Meinert Wines, prepared by the popular 96 Winery Road restaurant. Jump on the bandwagon and enjoy harvest time at its best at Middelvlei, where young and old can get down and dirty, picking and crushing their own grapes. Middelvlei also opens its doors for the novice and connoisseur to swirl and sip on their success. The younger crowd can get up, close and personal with all their animal friends on Middelvlei and at nearby Devon Valley Primary School where there will be plenty of action-packed activities such as pony rides and jumping castles for the kids.Devon Valley Primary School provides education to 245 Grade 1 to Grade 7 scholars, from the surrounding farms and has been chosen as the beneficiary of the De Vine Run, to assist with the upgrading of the school’s somewhat rundown facilities. Known for its spectacular views, overlooking the entire valley, Devon Hill allures visitors to a laid-back morning of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and fresh oysters on the terrace. For a more upbeat day in the country, The House of J.C. Le Roux will get the rhythms flowing with African drumming sessions on its premises.Those in favour of a royal experience in the countryside can spread their blankets for a decadent feast with King Louis on the lush lawns of Louisvale. The Devon Valley Hotel, featuring one of Stellenbosch’s top restaurants, The VineLeaf, will be open as usual and invites visitors to book for lunch, complemented by fine SylvanVale wines. Fun-lovers interested in taking part in the various activities and entertainment offered on the day of the event, should contact the wine farm of their choice. Tickets and seats are limited – Bookings are essential! Medical support, covering anything from an erratic pulse to a throbbing blister will also be taken care of on the day. Enjoy the nirvana of first-aid tents as muscles melt under massage!The De Vine Run 2004 starts at 7.30 at Oude Libertas. There are ample opportunities to win your weight in wine and lots of lucky draw prizes up for grabs. Entry forms for the race are available at sports stores, running/walking clubs and wine outlets or online at www.jcleroux.co.za at R120 per person. Entries are limited! The entry fee includes a T-shirt, J.C. Le Roux sparkling wine and a gift bag filled with exciting goodies. Whether it is a sprint, jog or trot by Bacchus or Eve…The De Vine Run 2004 is a celebration of the wine-growing nobility of the Devon Valley by everyone with a taste for enjoyment.For more information on the De Vine Run 2004 contact: Top EventsTel: +27 (0) 21 511-7130For bookings of the various fun-filled activities presented by the participating farms, contact:Clos Malverne: +27 (0) 21 865-2022Devon Hill: +27 (0) 21 865-2453Devon Valley Hotel (VineLeaf Restaurant): +27 (0) 21 865-2012 Louisvale: +27 (0) 21 865-2422 Meinert Wines: +27 (0) 21 865-2363Middelvlei: +27 (0) 21 883-2565SylvanVale Wines: +27 (0) 21 865-2012The House of J.C. Le Roux: +27 (0) 21 865-2590Issued by: Gudrun Clark CommunicationsContact: Leanne Loots or Gudrun ClarkTel: +27 (0) 21 462-0520Email: leanne@gc-com.co.za