If you seek to take the road less travelled, then there is no wrong turn when visiting Wellington the authentic gem of the Cape Winelands. Wellington is located northeast of Cape Town and can be reached within a 50 minutes’ drive.
Things to do in Wellington South Africa
This picturesque town is surrounded by fruit orchards, wine estates, buchu plantations, olive groves and Africa’s only commercial whisky distillery, The James Sedgwick Distillery. Wellington offers visitors the opportunity to meander off the beaten track and discover artisanal produce, scenic routes and game reserves set amongst “fynbos” and indigenous “Renosterveld”.
For the best things to do in Wellington, here below are the top-rated things to do in Wellington.
Wellington Wine Walk
Guided wine walks, such as the Wellington Wine Walk, and horse trails through rich farmland and flowering fynbos offer visitors the opportunity to see and experience Mother Nature at her finest.
Bain’s Kloof Pass
The historic Bain’s Kloof Pass, built by master-road builder Andrew Geddes Bain, with its unsurpassed vistas, indigenous flora and fauna and crystal-clear rock pools is the perfect spot for hikers, while closer to town guided wine walks and horse trails through farmland and fynbos can be enjoyed. Take a spectacular drive through the pass – it is one of the most scenic passes in South Africa.
The Old Mutual Insure Wellington Wine Route
Wellington is a wine lover’s delight. The town’s vine-cutting nurseries are responsible for approximately 80% of the country’s vine stock production. The Old Mutual Insure Wellington Wine Route boasts an array of fine producers. The wine route is small and compact and the cellars are within easy driving range of each other. Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines, breathtaking views and country-style hospitality.
Bosman Family Vineyards
Bosman Family Vineyards have grown to be a leading producer of Fairtrade wine from South Africa, devoted to responsible handcrafted wine. Discover their story of the vine to wine at the estate itself in their elegant and historic tasting room.
Diemersfontein Wine Estate
Pop in at one of South Africa’s best-known Pinotage wine producers situated on the Wellington Wine Route, Diemersfontein Wine Estate. They were the first in the world to produce Coffee Pinotage and have a cult following in South Africa. They offer a complete Winelands experience. Enjoy a wine tasting experience at their tasting room, stroll through their gardens and view their creative selection of huge wooden animal sculptures. You can stay over in their beautiful accommodation options.
Imbuko Wines
Imbuko Wines are famous for its pie and wine pairing. The meaning of Imbuko translates to “admiration for” from one of South Africa’s official languages, Xhosa. Also, try some of their wine grape jams such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage.
Perfect Place and Goeters
The town centre is home to unique coffee shops such as Perfect Place and Goeters. They are places to meet and eat and where good coffee and friendly hospitality share the same space. Start your day at these coffee shops full of atmosphere and authenticity.
Read more: Things to do in the Cape Winelands
Wellington Museum
Across the road, you will find the history of Wellington displayed at the Wellington Museum, which features diverse cultural exhibits from the many ethnic groups and pioneering individuals who contributed to establishing the Wamakersvallei (Valley of the Wagons) in the 1800′s. The museum features not only the cultures of various African ethnic groups but also prides itself in having ties with countries as far afield as America, England, Scotland, France and the Netherlands.
Breytenbach Centre, Wellington
The Breytenbach Centre is a multi-disciplinary cultural centre for training and dealing with visual arts, music, drama and creative writing. The centre also has a gallery with popular art and a bookshop that will give you a true sense of South African culture. Their poetry garden is something to behold and The Bordinghuis Theatre, set in the poetry garden, showcases various performing artists’ talents on a regular basis.
Oude Wellington Restaurant
Experience the comfy, authentic ambience of one of Wellington’s hidden gems, Oude Wellington Restaurant. One can expect a country-style dining experience coupled with the heart-warming hospitality that Wellington is known for.
MTB Wild Boar Trails
Bird and wildlife viewing, mountain biking and 4 x 4 routes are just some of the outdoor activities to be enjoyed in the scenic surrounds of Wellington and the Limietberg Valley. The MTB Wild Boar Trails is a whole network of trails for riders and trail runners. The trail centre is situated at Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate.
Bontebok Ridge Reserve
Enjoy a game drive through the Bontebok Ridge Reserve on an open Landrover, guided by someone with a good understanding of the area. The unspoiled natural surroundings and majestic mountains create an excellent example of the biodiversity of fauna and flora and a wide variety of bird species are present in the reserve making for amazing photographic opportunities.
Book the best things to do in the Cape Winelands
AfriCamps at Doolhof, Wellington
Wellington has its own glamping location. Located beneath the historic Bainskloof Pass at the foothills of the Groenberg Mountain Range, AfriCamps at Doolhof is set within the award-winning Doolhof Wine Estate. The luxury glamping tents are surrounded by vineyards, the Kromme River that runs through the farm and glorious mountain views – best enjoyed while soaking in your outdoor wood-fired hot tub.
Circle the labyrinth at Doolhof Wines before heading off to their tasting room to collect your picnic basket to be enjoyed on their sprawling lawns.
Val du Charon Wine Estate and Leisure Estate
At Val du Charon Wine and Leisure Estate view the sunset over the beautiful mountains that “shows” the “W” of Wellington in it, from one of their two restaurants. Val du Charon is a working wine farm that offers the full package to visitors. Enjoy their amazing food, views to match, luxurious accommodation, spa and splash pad for the young at heart.
Dunstone Country Estate
Dunstone Country Estate offers a complete Winelands experience. Visitors can taste award-winning wines as well as enjoy their country cuisine in a relaxed setting at their popular bistro.
Read more: Complete guide to wine tasting in Cape Town
Langkloof Roses
Imagine a heritage farm-style atmosphere on the beautiful slopes of the Groenberg Mountain just outside Wellington on a rose farm. Then imagine spoiling your taste buds with a selection of imported teas with their special Tea Tasting experience. Pair your tea with a light bite or something sweet at Langkloof Roses’ beautiful Tea Room.
For more information visit the official site for Wellington or follow @Visit Wellington ZA on social media.
Pictures supplied.
