The Cape Winelands beckon with the perfect escapes for couples. Known for their stunning landscapes, decadent food and wine offerings and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder this is a favourite destination for weddings and honeymooners. But if you’re looking for a more remote getaway, removed from the more well-known towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Wellington is where you’ll want to be.
By: Janine Avery
This quaint town provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with various owner and family run wine farms providing stays that combine luxury with a personal experience, a healthy dose of romance, and of course, plenty of relaxation. One of our favourites in the region? Val du Charron, a treasured member of Cape Country Route’s selection of charming properties.
Val du Charron is the epitome of elegance and charm, boasting luxurious accommodations, from opulent rooms to private cottages, each designed to offer the utmost comfort and privacy. Our top selection are the estate’s luxury suites. Just four of these rooms are tucked into their own private ‘wing’ known as the Coach House. They each offer a spacious bedroom, a bathroom that is almost as big as said-bedroom with a glorious jacuzzi-style tub, an indoor-outdoor style dining space with fireplace, and a private plunge pool with loungers overlooking the mountains.
There is no better place to start your day than with a sumptuous breakfast or fruit platter on your private terrace, overlooking the vineyards and farmland. Then, without any further delay, it’s on to the tasting room to experience some of the estate’s renowned cultivars. Here you can savour the award-winning wines while learning about the winemaking process in an intimate setting, perhaps even taking a glimpse inside the cellar where the magic happens.
At this point, you’ll be needing something to soak up that wine, so head on over to the on-site Pizza Vista restaurant which serves delicious wood-fired pizzas with a view that’s hard to beat. Dine al fresco as you enjoy one of their authentic Italian pizzas or equally delicious pastas. And if you’ve had enough wine for one day, although let’s be honest, I doubt it with wines as good as these, then you can choose to tuck into one of their equally sumptuous milkshakes.
For couples who love the outdoors, the afternoon could be spent exploring the estate’s hiking and biking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Beyond Val du Charron, Wellington itself is also worth exploring. Visit other local wineries or taste some of the region’s best brandy, explore the historic Bainskloof Pass, a scenic drive that offers spectacular views, or discover the town’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Wellington Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church.
Then end your day back at Val du Charron’s Grillroom, known for its gourmet cuisine and sophisticated ambiance, making it ideal for a romantic dinner. The speciality here is without a doubt their steaks and you can enjoy exquisite cuts from the region’s very best farms, paired with more of the estate’s finest wines.
So, what are you waiting for? If it’s a romantic getaway you’re after, Val du Charron offer an idyllic escape for couples seeking romance, relaxation, and adventure.
