Discovering Wellington’s wine secrets

Published Apr 7, 2015

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Winemaking is a serious, competitive business, and tasting is often a formal affair.

But not at the Val du Charron Wine and Olive Estate on the slopes of the Bovlei Valley above Wellington in the Western Cape.

I was soon the blushing butt of a theatrical joke. The Black Countess regales visitors with stories from the Valley of the Wagonmakers, whence early explorers set off into the hinterland. I loved it – such a fun way to learn about the wines and the area, accompanied by a mighty fine lunch.

Chances are you haven’t heard of VDC wines. That’s because canny owners Stuart and Catherine Entwhistle found an “in” to the US market and are battling to keep up with demand, so VDC wines are available in South Africa only from the estate or online. They are well worth exploring, as is the area.

After touring the cellars and enjoying the views from the pool, I spent a most interesting evening in the manor house.

Invited guests around the long dinner table were introduced by Giselle Courtney, director of the Get To The Point Institute, to an abbreviated version of one of her inspirational developmental programmes – the Cape Fynbos Tea Ceremony.

Exploring our characters through the teas, herbs and spices we each chose to blend, and looking at universal patterns and connections, led to our exploring other (wine) blends and a memorable night.

A crisp, clear morning helped clear a foggy head and, after breakfast in the tasting room, with open doors framing the vineyards and Hawequa Mountains, we set off along the walkway lined by angel statues, then through the vineyards, the olive groves and off the farm.

We traipsed through neighbouring vineyards, were greeted by some pet Springbok and, in the heat of the day, found Nabygelegen a welcome place to stop.

Owner James McKenzie makes wines in this boutique winery in a very different style and a very different, olde world, environment from Val du Charron. The McKenzies and the Scaramanga and Lady Anna blends were a perfect accompaniment to a delightful lunch. All too soon, it was time to head back to Val du Charron as I had a date on the other side of town.

A visit to the James Sedgwick Distillery was a privilege. Manager Andy Watts was our self-effacing host in the unexpectedly attractive, Gothic-inspired buildings. Let’s just say that, under his watch, Three Ships has gone from awful to a world-beating award winner, along with Bain’s Mountain Whisky.

Late afternoon found me on a Val du Charron spa bed. Diminutive Lazandre showed surprising strength, and it was all I could manage to haul myself to my room for a brief nap before heading out to Twist Some More – restaurant, bar, and multipurpose venue in an ancient barn. It was charming, as was chef and owner Johan van Schalkwyk, who impressed with his manner and food.

Late night found me under the stars in the company of the Black Countess – in the bottle this time – in my private plunge pool at the Coach House. Three private, spacious five-star suites, each with pool, patio, spa baths and double showers in a beautifully designed space complement the four-star accommodation in the main building.

Call the Val du Charron Wine and Olive Estate at 021 873 1256 or visit www.vdcwines.com

Saturday Star

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