Out and about in Wellington
South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
A ward in the Paarl district, Wellington is home to most of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries. The area was known as Val Du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagonmaker) until the town was established in 1840 - and named in honour of the Duke of Wellington. The wine and brandy route is small and compact, its cellars within easy driving distance of each other.
WHERE TO EAT
Top of the list is Seasons Restaurant at Diemersfontein, where winemakers and chefs collaborate to develop dishes that complement the wines. Tel 021 864 5050.
Also worth trying is Chef Lu @ Onverwacht for fresh food with a fun twist courtesy of a well-known celebrity chef. Tel 021 873 2009.
In town, lighter dining options include:
• Diva's Café for good coffee and homemade baked goods. Tel 021 873 7994.
• Deli-licious for imported cheese and meats, jams, oils, nuts etc. Tel 021 873 1807.
WHAT TO DO
The Wellington Museum is worth a visit (Tel 021 873 4710) or head outdoors to the Bontebok Ridge Nature Reserve (Tel 021 864 1169).
Wellington boasts two leather factories, with products available to purchase at Wellington Leather Novelties (Tel 021 873 3219) or Redemption (Tel 021 873 3197).
Another shop worth browsing around is Colours of Africa for hand-painted cloth art, tablecloths and wall hangings. Tel 021 873 2066.
WHERE TO STAY
www.wellington.co.za lists 35 accommodation establishments, of which WINE magazine recommends:
• 5 Mountains Lodge - an exclusive, four-star retreat set amongst beautiful gardens and vineyards. Tel 021 864 3409.
• Bovlei Valley Retreat -a wine, lavender and fruit estate at the foot of Bains Kloof Pass. Tel 021 864 1504.
• Doolhof - a thatched stone cottage, dating back to 1700, lovingly restored for self-catering. Tel 021 873 6911.
WINES TO TRY
Alongside are some of WINE magazine's favourite wines from Wellington. The selection is by no means exhaustive - space constraints mean only a finite number can be featured, while we also want to showcase examples spanning different price points rather than simply those that are most highly acclaimed. Nevertheless, they provide a good introduction to what the ward has to offer.
DOOLHOF CAPE BOAR 2006
Cellar price: R35
Visits: Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00,
Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00 (Sep-May),
Sat only 10:00-14:00 (Jun-Aug)
Tel 021 873 6911
Why we like it:
Doolhof means "labyrinth" in Afrikaans and
refers to the property's complicated topography.
A blend of Merlot, Malbec and Shiraz, this wine
shows a hint of oak on the nose and is fruity
and soft-textured on the palate. Not overly
complex.
Food pairing:
Pepperoni and salami pizza
BOVLEI CENTENARY COLLECTION
SHIRAZ MOURVÈDRE 2005
Cellar price: R60
Visits: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00, Sat 08:30-12:30
Tel 021 873 1567
Why we like it:
From a range launched to celebrate this co-op's
2007 centennial. The nose shows ripe black
fruit, pepper and spice, while the palate is
dense and full-bodied. Sweet and juicy initially,
but the fi nish is pleasingly dry. Only 1 922
bottles made, the back label proudly proclaims.
Food pairing:
Marinated grilled lamb chops
MISCHA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
Cellar price: R95
Visits: by appointment
Tel 021 864 1016
Why we like it:
The 2001 vintage won gold at the 2003 Old
Mutual Trophy Wine Show. The 2006 shows
cassis and violets on the nose, while the palate
is medium bodied with good fruit expression,
fresh acidity and fine tannins. The Barns family
who own Mischa also run a vine nursery.
Food pairing:
Tournedos of beef with morel mushroom sauce
HILDENBRAND SHIRAZ 2007
Cellar price: R79
Visits: by appointment
Tel 021 873 4115
Why we like it:
Former interior designer Reni Hildenbrand
makes characterful wines as well as olive oil
on this property that she bought in 1991. This
wine has a fragrant nose and a juicy, fruitdriven
palate. From bush vine grapes, it spent
12 months in Hungarian oak.
Food pairing:
Salmon with dill mustard sauce
NABYGELEGEN
SEVENTEEN TWELVE 2006
Cellar price: R98
Visits: by appointment
Tel 021 873 7534
Why we like it:
The farm was originally granted to Jan Lorenz
in 1712, hence the name of this wine. Merlotled
but also featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and
Petit Verdot. The nose shows mint while the
palate shows red fruit, bright acidity and good
tannic grip.
Food pairing:
Lamb casserole with mint dumplings
DIEMERSFONTEIN CARPE DIEM
PINOTAGE 2006
Cellar price: R99
Visits: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00
Tel 021 864 5050
Why we like it:
While many will be familiar with this winery's
standard-range, coffee-flavoured Pinotage, this
is the flagship offering and accordingly more
refined. Black cherry and, yes, coffee on the
nose, while the palate is rich and full bodied
with juicy fruit and lots of oak.
Food pairing:
Roast loin of venison with chocolate sauce
