Experience Autumn Bliss in the Winelands

Paarl is the ideal destination for a quick escape from the city. With a wide range of experiences to enjoy, visitors are spoiled for choice.

Babylonstoren is a favourite stop with plenty of activities to entertain the entire family. It has a spectacular fruit and vegetable garden, unique accommodation with great food and wine offerings and a meander through the wine museum is a MUST!

Painted Wolf Wines; Fanglasstic, boutique glass painting studio; Stillman Distillery (home to craft rum and gin) and Soul Barrel Brewing Company (a highlight for beer lovers) are all part of the many offerings at The Simondium Guild.

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate has earned its reputation as a family-friendly destination. Book an idyllic picnic overlooking the dam or indulge at the pizzeria on the farm.

Autumn is perfect timing for a visit to the Cape Winelands.

Just further along is the historical town of Wellington. The vast area offers a wide range of attractions, and it is an artisanal heaven.

Visitors can easily create a self-drive itinerary for a day visit or stretch it to a mid-week or weekend stay. Taste award-winning wines and indulge in seasonal dishes, while discovering the hidden gems. For nature lovers, Rooshoek Farm game drives treat visitors to buffalo, antelope, feral pigs and other animal sightings in their natural habitat. As part of the Renosterveld Conservancy, it is also a haven for a wide variety of birds and fynbos.

Jacaranda Wine Estate with only 3,5 hectares under vines, is registered as the smallest wine estate in South Africa. Wine lovers can enjoy an intimate wine tasting on the veranda of the beautifully restored Cape Dutch

Winding Down in Wellington

homestead. There are also beautifully renovated farm cottages for overnight stays.

Three generations of Sonnenbergs have grown Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate from a modest family haven to an internationally recognized wine brand. The latest addition to the estate is Hope Restaurant serving up delicious, hearty fare.

A final pit-stop should include Villamar Restaurant and coffee roastery. Described as a place of culinary and coffee perfection, Villamar embraces visitors with the enticing smell of freshly roasted coffee, baked breads, patisserie fresh out of the oven and nobody can resist their perfectly made gelato!

For more fabulous ideas to explore Paarl & Wellington, visit www.visitwellington.co.za and www.discoverpaarl.co.za

Cape Country Routes – a leading group of owner operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments in the Western and Eastern Cape has just welcomed its newest member to the fold: Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate. Set on a working vineyard with its own cellar situated in the heart of the charming town of Wellington.

The estate boasts two restaurants – The Grillroom – a bespoke steakhouse with seafood, poultry and vegetarian options and Pizza Vista, based in the farm’s historic cellar – the best place to enjoy rigorous Italian food with fine wine! Val du Charron is an ideal location to savour the culture of South African wine making and its products. The cellar produces hand crafted premium red and white wines for export wine tastings and The Theatre of Wine, vineyard and cellar tours are a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.

Famed for the spectacular MTB and running trails, the routes, starting from VDC offer excellent opportunities for both novice and skilled riders.

Luxury accommodation on the estate comprises of the guesthouse with each suite claiming a balcony and views of the vineyards/garden and the beautifully, imposing Hawekwa Mountains. Three spacious suites with plunge pool and private patio and built in fire place, make up The Coach House, an exclusive winelands getaway for discerning escape, offering one of the most distinctive accommodation experiences in the Wellington Winelands.

Val du Charron, winner of the prestigious Drinks International Most Innovative Approach Wine Tourism award, combines the rich traditions and natural beauty of the area with modern day comforts and technology to produce not only