Wonderful Wellington in the Western Cape Winelands

The picturesque town of Wellington is a mere 45-minute drive from Cape Town, offering city dwellers a convenient day-trip destination in the Western Cape Winelands. Proclaimed SA Terroir Top Wine Area 2010, Wellington is home to a number of South Africa’s top winemakers, as well as featuring on the Western Cape Brandy Route. Hikers will find plenty of hiking opportunities around Wellington, and those who prefer to view the scenery from the back of a horse, the fynbos trails through the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains offer a range of options for horse riding. Wine, olive and fruit farms in the area offer refreshments and tours, making for a pleasant day’s outing no matter which way you choose to enjoy Wellington.

With more than 14,000 rose plants and an astonishing variety of species, Langkloof Rose Farm offers the freshest roses picked daily. Also on offer are picnic spots, an antique tea room, function facilities, vineyards and, of course, rows upon rows of colourful roses. Located in Fontein Street, Wellington, Ouma Granny’s House is a museum with a priceless collection of items from an era when this beautiful Victorian cottage was first built. Listed as a national monument, the house was built in 1876 by PH Marchand, who named it Mochudi Villa after a mission station in Botswana, at that time Bechuanaland. In 1990 it became home to the interesting collection now on display.

Wellington has two leather manufacturers, where visitors can buy unique quality leather products, including handbags, shoes, purses, sandals and decorative items. Gift shops, art galleries, antique furniture shops, ceramics, fruit and fruit products are among the retail therapy options for visitors to Wellington. There are also a number of restaurants and cafés offering indoor and outdoor dining. Wine and brandy makers in Wellington include Oude Wellington, Jorgensen’s Distillery, Alkmaar Boutique Winery and 5 Mountains, all of which offer various tours, tastings and products for sale.

Bain’s Kloof pass takes travelers up through huge pine plantations between Wellington and Ceres. On a clear day visitors will get a spectacular view from the summit, including the Swartland wheat fields, Cape Town, and the sun glinting off the sea in the distance. Certainly, Wellington has a lot to offer and is well worth visiting when exploring the Western Cape.