Steeped in history and tradition, Wellington has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you once you discover the town, its people and myriad attractions.
It has serenity, which is perfect for city-dwellers needing some solace. This is because it hasn’t lost its small-town charm even though it’s an important centre. Moreover, it has retained its authenticity, refraining from going up-market in the way its fellow wine-growing compatriots such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch have.
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| |  Bainskloof pass is spectacular | |
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Conqueror of Napoleon
Originally known as Limiet Vallei (border or frontier valley), the area became known as Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagon Maker) towards the end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled here.
But Cape governor Sir George Napier was having none of this when asked to select a name for the town when it was established in 1840.
‘Call it Wellington,’ he is reputed to have said. ‘It is a disgrace that no town in this colony bears that name.’
A Culture-rich History
One of the most authentic things about Wellington is its people, who still hold the art of oral tradition close to their hearts. And the culture-rich history of Wellington survives in the townsfolk. Like museum curator Francois Malan whose roots go back eight generations to his Huguenot forebear, Jacques Malan.
The Wellington Museum dedicates much of its displays to the interaction of early European settlers with the African landscape and its people. It also exhibits Stone-Age artefacts and Egyptian antiquities, and features famous local pioneers.
Passing Through
Most of Wellington’s development is based on agriculture, particularly viticulture. But it has also played an important role in the development of South Africa’s transport infrastructure.
It was the first rail terminus on the line from Cape Town into the interior. And it was a major link on the road route from Cape Town through Wellington and Ceres to the interior.
One woman, describing her journey in the mid-19th century, wrote of the highway: ‘From Wellington the road can be traced as a thin red line, cutting its way far up the purple and opal heights, until lost in the grey crags and ruins of an old convict-barrack on the top of the Pass.’
The ‘pass’ she refers to is the spectacular Bain’s Kloof Pass, which many consider to be the most beautiful in South Africa. This is because its builder incorporated the most striking scenery in the design, including the granite overhang dubbed Dacres Pulpit and the Pilkington Bridge that runs alongside a waterfall.
The Piano Tuner
Wellington is known for its educational institutions. Among these is Huguenot College, an institution of the Dutch Reformed Church, which offers training to students in social, youth and missionary work.
Until recently, Wellington had the only piano factory in the Southern Hemisphere. Not surprisingly, its founder was a piano tuner.
Fruit Capital
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| |  The picturesque Hex River valley | |
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Wellington is the fruit growing capital of South Africa. It is celebrated for the apricots that grow here, as well as its strawberries, raspberries, youngberries and Cape gooseberries. Why not go on a berry tour?
The Wellington Wine Route
Or you can take a wine tour.
The majority of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries are found in the area, and the Wellington Wine Route starts here. Most who follow it return again and again, preferring the more informal, friendly approach of the local estates.
A must see is the Hildenbrand Wine and Olive Estate, which was established by Reni Hildenbrand in 1999. Following the Wellington culture of remaining true to your roots, these organic wines have preserved the original way of winemaking.
Hildenbrand has received a number of industry awards for employing environmentally friendly practices in both vineyard management and winemaking techniques. ‘I want my wines to be individual, to taste of where they come from,’ she says. ‘I will not interfere with nature, but let the environment develop my unique style.’
Activities
There are guided horse trails in the foothills of the Hex River Mountains. There are also mountain bike and hiking trails in Paradise Valley, accessed via Bain’s Kloof Pass. For this you need a permit, which can be obtained from Cape Nature Conversation at the Tweede Tol Picnic and Campsite half way down the pass.
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