NATIONAL WINNER: WINE TOURISM SERVICES - 2008

The following article on Wellington Wine walk winning this prestigious award,

was published in the Bolander on 13th February, 2008.

Bolander Outdoors Wednesday 13 February 2008

Making great strides: Wellington Wine Walk

Maggie Follett

Envision a leisurely three-day, three night walking trail with a backdrop of spectacular natural scenery (com­plete with cascading waterfalls and soaring mountain peaks), strolling through pristine fynbos, crossing verdant farmland steeped in venerable Huguenot heritage, and stop­ping off timeously to sample the area’s finest wines, brandies, olives, cheeses and other local produce; while entertaining, well-informed guides give fascinating insight into the diverse treasures of the region. 

Punctuate this sybaritic outdoor experience with cellar-tours and tastings hosted by famous winemakers, excellent country-style lunches and delicious dinners, followed by the chance to take your well-earned and indulgent ease at well appointed, historic guest­houses, (without having had to carry a single item of luggage), and you will understand why the little known Wellington Wine Walk was recently awarded top honours as the regional winner for the Wine Tourism Service, in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network “Best of Wine Tourism Awards”. 

Successfully competing against the world’s most established wine regions (including France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Australia, Argentina and the USA) in this prestigious competition represents a bench­mark achievement for the local hospitality industry, and a triumph for the small Wellington-based company who initiated the wine walk concept.

The Wellington Wine Walk was established four years ago by Obiqualand Tours, a company consisting of five tour guides, in an attempt to promote the Wellington valley.

They had long felt that the area had bounteous untapped potential in terms of heritage, natural beauty and produce, but was underrated and underexposed as a tourist destination.

Today, the unique 45km trail stretches from Bain’s Kloof to the foot of Du Toit’s Kloof Pass, encompasses 14 wine farms, four guest-houses with restaurants, five olive growers, two buchu farms and six BEE initiatives, as well as numerous smaller enterprises, all of whom participate with enthusiasm and the hospitality typical of the region.

Negotiations are currently under way with various additional establishments so as to offer an additional fourth-day hiking option.

Half- and one-day rambles are also available, and walks can be especially tailored to suit small groups, clubs and societies.

Jeanette Ingwersen, Grietjie Joubert, Ron Lloyd, Judy Elliott and Katrin Steytler are seasoned guides and first rate raconteurs, who share a wealth of knowledge regarding the his­tory, geography and ecology of the valley, and impart this to their tour groups with passion and pride.

They are constantly striving to enhance the quality and range of their services, in order to maximise the company’s contribution to wine tourism not just for the Wellington area, but for South Africa as a whole.

The Wellington Wine Walk operates from March to November to avoid the intense heat of high summer, when the harvest is in full swing and winemakers are at their busiest.

For more information on the wine walks or Wellington horse-riding trails, call Judy Elliott on 083 313 8383 or Katrin Steytler on 082 335 8132, or visit www.fynbostrails.com

It is our policy to ensure complete confidentiality of all information provided to Wellington Wine walk. 

No contact or other details are divulged to any third parties.

All walks are organised and scheduled on request. Please book all walks at least a month in advance. 

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