Wellington

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Geography and History

Wellington is a town in the Western Cape Winelands. a 45 minute drive from Cape Town, in South Africa with a population of approximately 58,300. Wellington's economy is centred around agriculture such as wine, table grapes, deciduous fruit and a brandy industry. The town is located 75 km North-East of Cape Town, reached by the N1 motorway and R44 highway.

Wellington is situated at the foot of the Groenberg on the banks of the KrommeRivier (Dutch for Bend River) and forms the centre of the Cape Winelands with its picturesque environment and numerous wineries.The town is at the base of one of the oldest mountain passes in the country, Bain's Kloof Pass, built by master road-builder Andrew Geddes Bain.

The perfect climate in Wellington, supports the production of some exceptional "big red" varieties such as Shiraz, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are the main white varieties and great examples of these are also in abundance. However as the region expands we are seeing an increase of Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir red varieties and of the new whites Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon appear to be doing particularly well.Wine tours of the region can be organised either in a vehicle, on foot, on mountain bikes or even on horseback.

Activities

Wine making dates back to the time of the French Huguenots of the late 1600s. The Wellington Wine Route is one of the youngest - launched in the mid 1990s.

The Wellington wine route is small and cellars are within easy driving distance from one another, making it extremely popular. Visit the Wellington Tourism Office - housed in the Old Market Building dating back to 1847 and just one example of a range of historic building in the town - in Main Street for information about the route.

There is a three to four day hiking trail through the beautiful Wellington valley that takes you through indigenous Fynbos, vineyards, orchards and olive groves. If you love the outdoors, wine tasting and you love to walk, we have superb holiday options for you.

The Wellington 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.

Beyond Wellington is the Bain's Kloof Pass which is a historical monument. Built by Andrew Bain in 1853. The pass links Wellington to Ceres and Worcester and the narrow winding road provides magnificent views of the valley below.