THE CAPE WINELANDS’ BEST KEPT SECRET: WELLINGTON WINE FARMS

In the heart of the Cape wine country lies the often-overlooked village of Wellington surrounded by picturesque wine farms producing excellent wines. Established in the mid-nineteenth century and named after Britain’s then prime minister, the Duke of Wellington, this quaint little village boasts shady, oak-lined streets lined with historic homes, a bustling cultural life and the community spirit of a bygone era.

Nestled against the foothills of the Limiet Mountains, so named because in the 18th century this mountain range marked the limit of the Cape Colony, the wine farms in the Wellington area produce some of this country’s top wines.

Cape Winelands - Bosman Wine Overview with Tim Atkin and Drinks Business Green Awards Logo

WHERE IS WELLINGTON?

The question often asked by tourists is: How far is Wellington from Cape Town? Well, that’s easy. It will take just under an hour to travel from the city centre to Wellington along the N1 and then a quick left onto the R44 will take you all the way to the iconic Dutch Reformed church where the statue of writer, teach and pastor Andrew Murray sits proudly out front.

Cape Winelands - Map

It’s hard to say which are the best wine farms in Wellington, because that very much depends on what you are looking for. Welbedacht, Diemersfontein and Bosman Family Vineyards are the largest premium wine producers, but there are a number of boutique wine farms that offer small batches of limited release wines each with a signature style, as well as the extensive range of wines from the co-operative cellar Wellington Wines to which many local wine producers deliver their grapes.

WHAT WINE IS WELLINGTON KNOWN FOR?

The Bosman wine farm in Wellington has a wonderful story to tell, and this producer’s success has definitely put Wellington on the map. Founded in 1699 when the French Huguenots were granted land along the Krom River, this wine farm has been in the Bosman family since 1810 and is currently run by the eighth generation of that family. However, the story does not stop there. In 2007, the working community of the farm obtained a 26% share in the entire agribusiness, named Bosman Adama, which gives them a say in the running of the farm, and a share in the profits. In 2009 the farm was accredited by Fairtrade and since then community development has seen the establishment of a world class crèche, an aftercare programme for primary school learners, career counselling and mentorship for high school learners as well as a clinic, a choir, karate and dance classes.

Students and a teach standing outside a creché

But their focus on community has not diverted their attention from producing award-winning, premium class wines. Their Generation 8 range of wines consists of single varietal wines that thrive in the area, while their Adama Red and White wines are blends that illustrate the maxim that ‘we’re better together’. Bosman Family Vineyards is arguably best known for their single vineyards wines. Winemaker Corlea Fourie’s thoughtful, innovative and sensitive style of winemaking has resulted in the iconic Optenhorst Chenin Blanc. Made only from a vineyard planted in 1952, this is the third oldest Chenin vineyard in the country and wins countless accolades every year for its distinctive honeyed character and old-world charm.

Cape Winelands - Corlea in the vineyards

Similarly, the Twyfeling Cinsaut is also a well-known single vineyard wine. Traditionally the work horse grape of the Cape Winelands, Fourie’s rendition is a medium-bodied premium wine packed with berries and cherries that will definitely impress.

The flagship Bosman Erfenis is a blend of three red varietals: Cinsaut represents the past, Cabernet Sauvignon speaks of the current and Nero d’Avola hints at the future. The last-named varietal was brought into the country from Sicily in 2004 by Petrus Bosman who was in search of a solution to climate change and found this heat tolerant, disease resistant varietal which is planted extensively on this volcanic island off the coast of Italy where the soil and climate and are very similar to that of Wellington.

Bosman Wine Erfenis

Over half of Bosman’s entire production is of Chenin Blanc, and also the most-planted varietal in the Wellington region. Not only does this versatile grape feature in their OVP Optenhorst Chenin Blanc, but the Generation 8 Chenin Blanc is a very popular wine, as is their Adama White which is a Chenin-based blend.

Optenhorst Chenin Blanc Feature Image

Wellington Wines also produces several iterations of Chenin Blanc, but they are also known for their Pinotage, which often gets them onto the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage list, while Diemersfontein gained notoriety for the Coffee Pinotage.

The climate of the Wellington area is warm and dry which is why Chenin, Pinotage and Shiraz fare well here. Boutique wine farm Andreas produces a beautiful Syrah from vineyards neighbouring Bosman who also produce Shiraz.

While Upland is the only organic wine farm in Wellington, Bosman has a regenerative farming policy where vineyards are fed a naturally brewed compost tea, eco corridors allow birds and insects to thrive and beneficial plants grow in between the vineyard rows that decompose and enrich the soil with natural organic matter and sequester carbon.

Cape Winelands - Compost Tea being poured

Wellington is the ideal getaway destination for wine lovers. Wine farms are all within close proximity surrounding the village, a mere 10 minutes’ drive from each other, and easily accessible over a leisurely two- or three-day holiday. 

However, there is another option for the more adventurous: Wellington Wine Walks. This is a fabulous way of getting to know the area, enjoying wine and hospitality second to none. There are several options depending on time and fitness levels, but each involves walking through vineyards unencumbered by luggage, delicious food each evening, comfortable accommodation each night and an array of wines to taste. www.winewalk.co.za

Wellington Wine Walk Logo

On the other end of the spectrum, the Doolhof Hotel on the Doolhof boutique wine estate offers infinite luxury with a spa, superb cuisine, mountain hikes and a swimming pool.

For those looking for a little bit more than wine tasting, there are a few other attractions worth visiting. The Redemption Fine Handcrafted Leather produces a wide range of leather goods for men, women and children. Beautiful shoes line their store made on the premises by locals, as well as belts and bags all in a range of jewel-like colours and sell for reasonable prices. View their wares at www.redemptionleather.com.

Man making leather shoes

The Old Tannery, established way back in 1871, now houses an eclectic mix of designers, artisans and creatives including a gin bar, a beer brewery, a coffee shop and several other small industries. Visit www.oldtannery.co.za for more information.

Once in Wellington, consider driving up the Bainskloof Pass. It was constructed in 1849 by well known roads engineer, Andrew Geddes Bain, also a resident of Wellington and was the first pass built through the mountains connecting the Cape Colony with the arid Karoo. Once diamonds were discovered in Kimberley in the 1860s and gold was found further north on the Witwatersrand in the 1870s, this pass became a busy thoroughfare for those seeking to make their fortunes on the mines and positively impacted the economy of this once-quiet little town.

So whether you’re a wine lover, a history buff or an adventurer, Wellington is great for a day trip for Capetonians but this quaint little valley is best explored at leisure. So find a guest house or self-catering chalet and make a weekend of it, you won’t be disappointed!