Wellington is situated in the western heart of the Cape Winelands, approximately 150 km northeast of Cape Town. The Hawequas Mountains form a magnificent backdrop to the town. The economy is centred around agriculture, the production of wine, table grapes, deciduous fruit and brandy. The town is also a centre of education with a number of colleges and schools.
The town was originally known by the Dutch name ''Wagenmakersvallei" (Valley of the Wagon makers), French synonym “Val du Charron”. When the British colonised the Cape, the Governor Sir George Napier suggested that the town should be named “after England's greatest soldier”, the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. In 1840 the town was proclaimed Wellington.
One of the best known citizens of Wellington was Dr. Andrew Murray, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. He was the son of a Scottish minister, Andrew Murray sr., who was a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Graaff Reinet. Andrew Murray jr. was an acclaimed speaker at international conferences and the author of many books which are still valued by pastors all over the world.
This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the Cape Winelands, taste some of our best estate wines and experience the special kind of West Coast hospitality and cuisine. Visit two factories at Clanwilliam producing two quintessential South African products: velskoene and rooibos tea. Overnight at the quaint Paternoster. Visit Saldanha Bay harbour and the West Coast National Park. In season you might enjoy vast expanses of indigenous flowers.
Highlights:
Cape Winelands
,
Riebeek Valley
,
Paternoster
,
The West Coast
,
Cederberg Mountains & Wilderness Area
,
Bird Island Nature Reserve
.
South African wines are rated with those from the other top wine-producing regions in the world. The majority of wine estates, over 100 in fact, are found in the Cape Winelands, which is within easy reach of Cape Town and makes for a great one-day excursion.
The Town of Paarl is one of the three main centres in the Cape Winelands, rich in history and culture. The name Paarl means “pearl” and is derived from the granite boulders on top of Paarl mountain. A visit to Paarl is normally the first stop on a full day tour or the Cape Winelands.
South African wines are rated on par with other top wine-producing regions in the world. The majority of wine estates, over 100 in fact, are found in the Cape Winelands, which is within easy reach of Cape Town and makes for a great one-day excursion from the city.