Should you be planning a family holiday down to the Cape in the Summer school holidays, there’s this spot – an ideal family destination in Wellington that ticks all the boxes – it offers a fabulous opportunity for you and your family to experience the winelands in a whole new way.
Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate, just 10 minutes from Wellington, in the picture-book perfect Bovlei Valley has everything you’d expect from a winelands stay.
The Estate’s recent revamp to better blend historical charm with modern luxury has resulted in new designs, upgraded facilities, an expanded 40-room, 4-star Guesthouse, a refreshed look for the two restaurants – Pizza Vista and The Grillroom (boasting a new deck), a sparkling new giant pool – great for the whole family and a baja deck with cocktail seat and cuddle corner, a Boma Bar with a firepit and outdoor seating under the trees – perfect for poolside cocktails on a hot summer’s day, breathtaking panoramas and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
At the now expanded 40-room Guesthouse families can treat themselves to any one of 23 spacious, family-friendly rooms. The rooms – all with modern conveniences, stylish furniture, luxurious fabrics and original South African artworks on the walls, are where the family can relax in luxury and comfort. There is also the exclusive 5-star, two-bedroomed historic Manor House with a sauna (not for under 18’s), butler service, its own pool, inside and outside entertainment areas, a pool table and an Xbox for the kids to enjoy.
Both the Estate’s onsite dining spots are fully licensed. A ‘carnivore’s paradise’, the Grillroom, newly revamped and reimagined with fresh interior features, plush sofas in rich browns and vibrant greens, cosy fireplaces, immense glass doors, a large sundeck and a cantilevered lookout point that appears to float over vineyards and mountains, (perfect for those insta-worthy pics) takes centre stage. Featuring an expansive buffet space ideal for breakfast (for in-house guests), the Grillroom is open daily for lunch and dinner. The varied a la carte menu celebrates bold South African flavours and traditional dishes from A grade beef to bobotie and game, there’s also fresh seafood, succulent chicken and tasty vegetarian options and the best burgers for young and old.
Not to be left out – Pizza Vista, the Estate’s Italian pizzeria housed in the historic cellar with a beautiful outdoor seating area, always has an up-to-the-minute menu that both the young’uns (there’s a special ‘Mix and Match’ menu for them) and the ‘oldies’ will enjoy. The menu has all the favourites – pizzas, calzones, pasta and even ‘Not Pizza Not Pasta’ options and a plus is the kids’ menu.
Aside from the pool and restaurants, the estate is geared for active, outdoor family days – wide open spaces invite kite-flying, ball games and gentle walks through the vineyards. The new play centre and splash pad are instant hits with younger children, while teenagers and adults can explore the estate’s wine tastings and cellar tours – a gentle introduction to winelands culture that never feels stuffy. Parents often slip away for a quick tasting while the kids are happily occupied, returning refreshed and ready for more family time.
Beyond the Estate there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied, mom and dad as well. Wellington offers a perfect mix of low-key attractions that suit school-holiday energy levels. The Wellington Museum and the Old Tannery Car Museum are fascinating, without being overwhelming. You can visit the Breytenbach Centre for art lovers, the maze at Doolhof, minigolf at La Vita or pop into the Glodina towels factory shop. There’s an indoor bounce centre for rainy moments, Padel courts for energetic teens, horse riding in the scenic Bainskloof Pass, mountain-biking trails and family-friendly hiking routes on the estate and surrounds. Hunger pangs? You can enjoy a great cortado on the lovely verandah at Fifty Five Curbside Café or fill up with artisanal chocolate from the Chocolatier Farmer at The Old Tannery. You can spend an afternoon exploring one of the nearby wine farms or stop off at classic padstals for biltong, homemade marmalade and jams, dried fruit and ice cream – the kind of quintessential South African experience that Gautengers love.
A family holiday at Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate with its world-class accommodation, stunning natural beauty, great food, artworks, views, award-winning wines and convenient location (ten minutes from Wellington, less than an hour from Cape Town) will have you experiencing the winelands in a whole new way – the Val du Charron way.
The estate is a member of Cape Country Routes, a collection of hand-picked, owner-managed properties that guarantee authentic South African hospitality and memorable experiences.
Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate
Reservations: stay@vdcwines.com | www.vdcwines.co.za
Cape Country Routes:bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com
