You cannot beat the timing for a visit to the Cape Winelands right now. Changing temperatures are causing Mother Nature to don her autumnal finery as the seasons change. Wellington is the most ideal destination for a quick breakaway from the city. The vast area offers a wide range of attractions, and it is an artisanal heaven.

Visitors can easily create a self-drive itinerary for a day visit or stretch it to a mid-week or weekend stay. Taste award-winning wines and indulge in seasonal dishes, while discovering the hidden gems for nature lovers.

Rooshoek farm is tucked away under the majestic mountains surrounding Wellington and visitors can see buffalo, a range of antelope, feral pigs and other animals in their natural habitat during a leisurely game drive. As part of the renonsterveld conservancy, it is also a haven for nature lovers with a wide variety of birds and fynbos.

Jacaranda Wine Estate is another hidden gem and with only 3,5 hectares under vines, it is registered as the smallest wine estate in South Africa. Wine lovers can enjoy an intimate wine tasting on the veranda of the beautifully restored Cape Dutch homestead with the guidance of the husband-and-wife team of winemaker Rene Reiser and his wife Birgit. They only produce between 25 000 and 30 000 bottles of wine per year, so it is essential to book for a wine tasting. There are also beautifully renovated farm cottages available should you wish to extend your stay.

Three generations of Sonnenbergs have grown Diemersfontein wine and country estate from a modest family haven to an internationally recognized wine brand. The latest addition to the estate is Hope Restaurant, which opened in October 2022. Dylan Smith leads a team of chefs to carefully craft contemporary bistro food that draws inspiration from all over the word as well as from South Africa’s unique heritage. The estate also offers a tranquil 22-bedroom guest house, wedding, and conference venues.

A final pit-stop before heading back to Cape Town should include Villamar restaurant and coffee roastery. Described as a place of culinary and coffee perfection, Villamar embraces visitors with the enticing smell of freshly roasted coffee and baked breads and patisserie fresh out of the oven. Indulge in a coffee tasting perfectly paired with four sweet treats. Remember to stock up for your pantry with delicious coffees, breads, olive and olive oils and nobody can resist their perfectly made Gelato.

For more fabulous ideas to explore Wellington, visit www.visitwellington.co.za or follow their socials @Visit Wellington/visitwellingtonza.