The Wellington Wineroute
Wellington Wine Route is one of the youngest routes in the Cape but its history goes right back to the French Huguenots who settled in the area in the late 1600s. Because the area is characterised by mountains, valleys, rivers and streams as well as having excellent soils, 90% of the country’s vine nurseries are located here.
Wellington, named after the British lord and soldier of Waterloo fame, lies at the foot of the Groenkloof mountains with the only access to the north being through the renowned Bain’s Kloof Pass. The town is about 45 minutes from Cape Town and the wine estates are all situated close to the town making it easy to tour.
The Wellington Wine Walk is an organised 3 day hike through the Wellington Valley and takes you through the vineyards, olive groves and fynbos. Accommodation in guest houses on the farms is provided and you can stop at the various wine tasting rooms on the way.
We have chosen some of the most interesting estates for your visit:
Bosman Family Vineyards has a legacy going back 8 generations on the farm Lelienfontein since 1798. The estate was originally granted to French Huguenot, Phillip van Royan by Willem Adriaan van der Stel, governor of the Cape in 1699.In 1956 the family ceased producing wine and concentrated on their vine nursery.Read more … | ||||
Doolhof Wine Estate lies in a beautiful valley between the Famous Bain’s Kloof and the Groenberg Mountains near Wellington. The estate takes full advantage of the varied slopes and microclimates to produce a range of wines best suited to the different terroirs. Doolhof is the Afrikaans word for “labyrinth” so named because of the many hills and valleys. Read more … | ||||
Welbedacht Wine Estate is home to the Burgers, the famous South African rugby playing family. Springbok, Schalk Burger, has been twice named rugby player of the year and his father was a Springbok before him. This beautiful farm nestles into the north-west slopes of the Groenberg Mountains and has expansive views over the picturesque valley. Read more … |
See Winelands of the Western Cape