Wellington is where rugged mountains meet rolling vineyards. Although picturesque, when we think of the Cape Winelands, we often think of vineyards situated in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl. However, Wellington offers a unique terroir that has been moulded by centuries of winemaking, and thanks to a Go Wellington campaign, I got to experience all this quaint little town has to offer.
Upon arrival at Cole The Eatery, the first thing I noticed was how quickly we got there from Cape Town. Our commute lasted just over an hour, even with some roadwork that caused a delay. The newly renovated restaurant is situated on the back of vineyards, with spectacular Boland sunsets, and a personal favourite – Neapolitan-style pizza!
Wellington’s award-winning wines
Wellington is known particularly for its Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz. I had the privilege of sitting down with some winemakers and understanding a little bit of the history of the diverse, long-honed winemaking craft from the region.
1. Bosman Family Vineyards – Editor’s Choice Winery of the Year by Platters by Diner’s Club
The cellar holds a history of winemaking that dates back 270 years. The Bosman Family Vineyards has received international acclaim for their work in transformation as they are firmly dedicated to the community and their upliftment, while all the while producing a deliciously crisp Bosman Family Vineyards Loose Cannon Cap Classique 2022 and Bosman Optenhorst Chenin Blanc 2022.
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2. Jacaranda Wine
Jacaranda is the smallest registered Wine Estate in South Africa with an annual production of 20,000 – 25,000 bottles. Nestled at the foot of Groenberg Mountain in Wellington, the name stems from the abundance of Jacaranda trees that frame the manor. The vineyard produces Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Mourvedre. Unique to Jacaranda is the way they produce their wine with their natural approach to vineyard management, wild fermentation, low sulphites and careful barrel selection.
3. Diemersfontein
Situated at the foot of the majestic Hawequa Mountains in Wellington, Diemersfontein’s rich history in winemaking spans three generations of the Sonnenberg family. Diemersfontein introduced the wine world to its very first chocolate-coffee-style Pinotage.
Things to do with the family in Wellington
Besides the incredible wines Wellington has to offer, the town is also filled with family-friendly activities. Many of the wine farms are family-friendly in and of themselves, creating a relaxed environment for all. The Bain’s Kloof Pass with its indigenous fauna and flora, rock pools and incredible vistas is ideal for family-friendly hikes, and horse trails.
Bontebok Ridge Reserve
Take your family along to experience species such as Bontebok, which are exclusively found in the Cape. Bontebok Ridge Reserve also feature Eland, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbuck, Duiker, Grysbuck, Grey Rhebuck and many other indigenous species.
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Welvanpas Hiking Trail
Spending two hours (or less) hiking 7,5km of a trail right next to the Kromme River goes all the way through the mountains, through forests and vineyards filled with incredible flora. The trail also features a waterfall and lookout points with incredible views overlooking Wellington and the Hawequa- and Groenberg Mountains.
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