Wellington is a town in the Boland region of the Western Cape that is situated on the banks of the Kromme River at the foot of the Groenberg Mountain. This picturesque valley is located just 45 minutes drive from Cape Town and is popular with locals on day trips or tourists interested in exploring the Cape Winelands. It truly is spectacular when it comes to scenery, with lush vineyards extending as far as the eye can see and majestic mountains in the distance.
The Hawequa Mountains are found east of Wellington and together with other ranges in the area, they watch over a valley that produces almost 90% of South Africa’s vines, which are cultivated in nurseries before being transported elsewhere. This part of the Western Cape once served as the last outpost of civilization before entering unfamiliar territory in the interior. It was known then as ‘frontier valley’ or ‘valley of the wagon maker’, as it was here that wagons could receive attention before continuing on a long journey.
The history of viticulture in South Africa can be traced back to the French Huguenots of the late 1600s, although the Wellington Wine Route is relatively young having been launched in the mid 1990s. The route is relatively short and the cellars are all within easy driving distance of one another, which makes it extremely popular. The Limietberg Nature Reserve has nine hiking trails that run through terrain rich in fynbos and there are also a number of scenic drives in the area. If you are looking for a gratifying and enriching lifestyle in the country then property in Wellington is a must buy. |