This week's green blog comes from the charming Old Walls Vineyard in Teignbridge, the perfect place to sample the fantastic taste of the West Country. Read on for an account of Blue Chip Vacations' Environmental Coordinator Jon Presslings' visit.

Deciding where to take anyone to showcase the best of the west is difficult. Deciding where to take an Australian friend only visiting South Devon for the weekend is a real challenge. Therefore it may seem a somewhat risky strategy planning a trip into unfamiliar territory but that's what exploring the unknown is all about and often provides the best memories.

Driving alongside the scenic coast of Torbay it is easy to see why the English Riviera has earned such a grandiose title. You could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Mediterranean with the sun basking down and the azure sea reflecting the hive of activity bobbing away around the harbour edge.

Leaving the Bay behind as you head along the coastal road you are treated to fantastic views along the coastline and to the sea lapping away at the cliffs below. This is one journey where it certainly pays to be a passenger. Along the route there are also several opportunities to stop and stretch the legs and really take in that fresh coastal air. As this is part of the South West Coastal Path you certainly won't be short of company as you stride across the boundaries of Torbay and Teignbridge.

As you approach the River Teign you will pass through the unspoiled village of Shaldon. The bridge across the Teign itself acts as a gateway to Teignmouth and provides majestic views to the left along the estuary and a backdrop of Dartmoor. From experience I can highly recommend viewing either the sunrise or sunset from the tranquility of the river bank as it is truly unique and provides some breathtaking photographic opportunities.

Now as anyone with a sense of adventure will tell you it can be quite thirsty work. With this in mind we soon arrived at a little known place called Old Walls Vineyard in the village of Bishopsteignton. I say little known as the folk of Teignbridge have been hiding away this place, yet there has been evidence of a vineyard here for over 2000 years. Better late than never then! Although the immediate thought is to sample the local produce it would be rude not to take a tour of the vineyard itself which also includes a look behind the scenes at how the wine is actually made. All this just gets the taste buds going even more though.

Old Walls Vineyard is proud to be a member of Food and Drink Devon, a membership of like minded businesses where the emphasis is on creating good quality local produce. Here you will find a friendly welcome from the Dawe family who are proud to highlight their business and personally guide you around. If you are looking to take away a little piece of the West Country then you really can't go wrong with a bottle of their finest.

There are few scenes that rival sitting alongside friends, soaking up the summer sun and enjoy a glass of local wine which was made only a stones throw away. It is a picture of tranquility with the silence only being broken by the occasional clanking of glasses.

It may not be such a secret for so long but it will always leave me with memories of a perfect day. In fact you know it's been a successful trip when you have impressed an Australian with the wine quality from a little corner of South Devon and that's all you could really ask for.

If you fancy sampling some fine locally produced wine, check out Blue Chip Vacations fantastic selection of luxury holiday homes in the Teignbridge area, and start planning your holiday in 2010!