The popular song “country roads take me home” is definitely resonating with many South Africans at the moment and the picturesque village of Wellington is the perfect destination for a quick break. Within an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Wellington is renowned for its gracious hospitality, unparalleled scenic beauty, wide open spaces and an array of tourism attractions.
COVID-WISE
These factors definitely contribute to making Wellington a safe travel choice during COVID. The various wine estates, restaurants and tourist attractions have enough space to comfortably allow social distancing, while product owners are highly aware of COVID protocols and promote strict adherence to the guidelines. This commitment to the safety of their visitors earned Wellington one of the first World Travel & Tourism’s first Safe Travels in 2020.
Autumn is around the corner and the temperate climate makes this a perfect time to visit Wellington. Easter weekend and the school holidays are the ideal time to pay the town a visit. Wellington is ideal for multi-generational visitors as it has diverse offerings to entertain young and old. Couples, families and groups of friends will find loads to see and do.
TAKE A SIP
The exceptional quality of wines from Wellington is recognized around the globe and a visit to any of the wine farms should definitely be included on any itinerary. Visit the Bovlei cellar tasting venue of Wellington Wines and indulge in an interesting pairing such as their Duke & Doughnut tasting, which features four different varietals from their Duke of Wellington range with a selection of delectable doughnuts. There is a special kids’ tasting and play area to keep younger visitors occupied.
Diemersfontein Wine Estate is great for families and pets. They offer an excellent range of wines, superb cuisine in their PROE restaurant and informal picnics on the shaded lawns surrounded by impressive wooden sculptures. Their tasting sessions include three red wines and their pot still brandy.
Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate will entice the senses with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges – especially at sunset, as well as wine, luxury accommodation and a choice between two restaurants. Dunstone present a complete wineland experience with informal tasting sessions of the award-winning wines in the original wine cellar, country cuisine in their popular bistro and various accommodation options.
Bosman Family Vineyards boasts a proud heritage spanning eight generations with a strong environmental and conservation background. Visit their 260-year-old cellar with its farm museum and barrel cellar and discover the legend behind the Afrikaans saying “stokkiesdraai,” which means playing hooky.
Experience true Boland hospitality at Imbuko and enjoy their famous tasting of gourmet pies paired with four wines from the Van Zijl range. The extensive wine list, delicious snacks, stunning views and child-friendly ambience ensures a fabulous visit. The home-made Cabernet and Pinotage grape jams are also worth a taste.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Several destinations also offer exciting outdoor activities. Doolhof has a choice between a relaxed 5km vineyard walk, a 10km walking trail along the Kromme River as well as a mountain-bike route for kids and adults. Visitors that would only like to relax can visit the wine tasting centre, explore the labyrinth and order a tasty snack platter or picnic basket.
Mountain-bike enthusiasts should add the MTB Wild Boar Trails centre at Val du Charron to their list if keen to explore an entire network of trails for riders and runners.
Welvanpas is tucked into the slopes of the Bainskloof pass, the Hawekwa and Groenberg mountains. The farm date back to 1704 and is a mecca for mountain-bikers and hikers. They currently offer two MTB tracks and a 7,5km walking trail, which takes hikers along the Kromme river to a beautiful waterfall and a lookout point at the top with amazing views over Wellington.
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Rooshoek farm to where you can view buffalo, antelope, gemsbok, bontebok, feral pigs and other animals in their natural habitat during a two-hour game drive. The farm forms part of the renosterveld conservancy and teems with wildlife and diverse fynbos species. Take along your own snacks or pre-order a picnic, relax with sundowners on the mountain or enjoy an olive oil tasting.
ROSES AND HISTORY
Just outside of town nestled against the Groenberg mountains is the magnificent Langkloof rose farm. Meander through the impressive rose garden with more than 14 000 rose bushes or enjoy a special tea tasting with a selection of imported teas.
Visitors are encouraged to download the Voicemap mobile app for a self-guided heritage tour featuring wagon makers, wine pioneers and female educators, who played an integral role in the town’s history. An experienced virtual tour guide provides entertaining commentary on the historic attractions and cultural diversity that makes the town and its people come to life. The voice guide is available free of charge in Afrikaans, English and German.
