There is no better time to explore the old vine treasures of Wellington than in winter. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this serene valley offers not only a warm retreat with breathtaking scenery, but also a deeply rooted winemaking legacy that stretches back generations. From misty mornings and inviting cellar doors to heritage vineyards producing world-class wines, Wellington is the perfect place to embrace the season.
“Old vine wines are less about fresh fruit and more about terroir, making them more grounded and comforting, which is perhaps what most people subconsciously seek from their winter sustenance. Enjoying them in the very place where they’ve been tended for generations makes the experience even more special.”
says Dirk Vaeye, Chairman of Go Wellington, the official wine route and tourism association for the region
Wellington is rich in both natural beauty and winemaking history. More than 322 hectares of its vineyards are 35 years or older—making up about 12% of its total vineyard area. While many farms elsewhere replace older vines due to declining yields, in Wellington these vines are lovingly preserved. Their resilience and character are proof of the strong emotional bond between farmer and land.
Tucked against the dramatic Drakenstein and Hawequa mountain ranges, Wellington’s diverse terroir—ranging from granite slopes to fertile alluvial soils—supports vine longevity. The valley’s signature temperature shifts, from cool nights to sunny days, foster fruit with remarkable depth and balance.
Wellington’s importance in South African viticulture is unmatched. As the country’s heart of vine propagation, many South African vineyards trace their lineage back to Wellington nurseries. And while the region is renowned for old vine Chenin Blanc, its true strength lies in variety—Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache, Shiraz, and more—each telling a unique story through wine.
Celebrated Vineyards & Wines of Wellington
Bosman Family Vineyards is home to the revered Optenhorst Chenin Blanc, planted in 1952. Once destined for anonymous blends, the vineyard was preserved thanks to winemaker Corlea Fourie, who recognised its potential. The result? A wine of breathtaking complexity and structure.
The same farm nurtures Spogblok, planted in 1980, and nearby Welgegund Heritage Wines boasts vineyards dating back to 1974. Its Cinsault, planted in 1974 and recognised among Decanter’s Top 125 Global Wines in 2022, speaks to the value of preserving red old vines, a rarity in South Africa.
At Wolvenhoek, boutique producer Eric Sas preserves old vine Chenin blocks from 1977, 1985 and 1986. Wines like Baba Yetu and Impisi showcase a soulful blend of history and artistry.
Jacaranda Wine Estate, owned by René and Birgit Reiser, also treasures its old Chenin block planted in 1979.
“It’s the vineyard we see from our kitchen window—our ‘kitchen block’,”.
says René
This sentimental connection reflects a broader ethos in Wellington: heritage isn’t only preserved, it’s personal.
Wellington Wines, one of the larger producers in the area, also embraces old vines. Their La Cave Chenin Blanc (from 1979–1984 vines) and Duke Chenin Blanc (from 1986 vines) prove that age and elegance can coexist, even at scale.
At Diemersfontein, the story is just as compelling. The Clockmaker Chenin Blanc, from 1986 vines, honours Cesare Zanardi, an Italian WWII prisoner of war who once worked on the farm. The wine is a tribute to legacy, craftsmanship, and timeless quality.
Plan Your Winter Wine Escape
Wellington offers more than wine—it offers connection. Connection to the land, to the people who tend it, and to the stories in every bottle. With cellar tastings, farm stays, online wine sales, and scenic routes leading to hidden gems, the valley is as accessible as it is authentic.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveller, Wellington this winter is your invitation to slow down, sip deeply, and experience heritage you can taste.
Explore more and plan your visit at www.gowellington.co.za
Follow @GoWellingtonZA on Facebook and Instagram for updates and inspiration.
