Cape Town - Autumn is the perfect time to wander around Wellington and its wineries. From 18th century farms to contemporary cellars, from easy-drinking reds to exceptional blends, the valley is a source of pleasurable surprises as old routes are explored.
Lee and Abbi Wallis are among several Britons who came to the Western Cape and, deciding that Wellington was irresistible, bought a Bovlei farm they called Dunstone after their home in the UK.
Vineyards, orchards, gardens and a venerable farmstead all required renovation and hard work, which occupied the owners during the first years of the new century. They opened a small guest house, built a cellar and started making wine – with Lee Wallis and Robert Frith, Abbi’s father, assisted by Neil Marais.
Recently Dunstone Country House has had another refurbishment to reach four-star grading, and amenities such as a rim-flow pool have been installed.
Abbi and her team present gourmet fare served in the cellar, paired with their range of award-winning wines. Dunstone shiraz 2008 was the first Wellington syrah to attract a five-star rating, and the 2012 vintage, on sale now, is a four-star Veritas winner, while their full-bodied 2012 merlot is deservedly popular, fruity and well structured.
Shiraz stars in their 2013 rosé, where berry and citrus aromas are followed by a crisp and elegant match for alfresco luncheons.
There’s also a sauvignon blanc, for which Tradouw grapes were sourced, which will enhance sundowners as the surrounding mountains darken.
Weekend Argus