Sunsets at Val Du Charron are magical
The most recently renovated addition to the Bovlei region in Wellington is Val du Charron Wine & Olive Estate and Guesthouse. With absolutely breath-taking views (I don’t say that lightly) and an ambience encouraging relaxation, you might just find yourself sitting at the pool at the end of the day not wanting to leave. Good news, you don’t have to – you can stay over at the guesthouse and enjoy a gourmet dinner too.
Unmatched views from the tasting toom at Val du Charron
It’s a quick drive up to Val du Charron from Bovlei Road, where you arrive further up the hill than expected to a modern retreat that boasts one of the best views in the valley. Big glass doors and windows serve the dual purpose of inviting visitors in as well as offering spectacular views at all angles from the inside.
The tasting room is a modern structure with high ceilings, glass doors and plenty of windows so there’s fantastic natural light. Adding to the modernity are the stainless steel contemporary light fittings and abstract art dotting the walls. Dark and heavy furniture contrast the ‘lightness’ of the space but entice one into a relaxed tasting.
Contemporary tasting room lends itself to relaxing the afternoon away
History
Val du Charron, meaning Valley of the Wagon-maker, was not only one of the first farms in Wellington, it’s also the original name of the town. Willem Adrian van der Stel granted the farm (and surrounding farms) to Pieter Erusmus in 1699. The current owners are only the sixth family since then to hold title and are the one’s who christened it with the name Val Du Charron, as a tribute to its rich history. They revived the farm planting vineyards, olive groves, and built the tasting room and guesthouse, and a few years down the line are finally reaping in the rewards.
In 2012, Val du Charron itself became an Estate label i.e. all wines under the Val du Charron labels are bottled, produced and come from vines grown on the farm itself; thus giving a pure expression of the terroir to be found on Val du Charron’s southerly facing slopes. They’ve been winning awards for their wines left, right and centre since then from the likes of Veritas, Decanter, Michelangelo, Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and the Top 100 SA Wines.
Wines
Estate Reserve Range
Chardonnay 2012 | R85
Surprisingly fruity and light, this lightly wooded Chardonnay is easy-drinking and doesn’t need to be had with food. It also has a moderate alcohol of 13%, perfect for a quick glass with lunch. It has tons of fruit with citrus and peaches being most prominent.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 | R95
Another easy-drinking wine, this Cab Sauv goes down a dream. Ripe mulberries and cherries give way to a touch of mint and a brush of oak. Smooth tannins and a dry finish ensure that this is another wine that you can drink on its own or paired with food.
* Be sure to taste the Shiraz 2012 (R95) and the Pinot Gris 2012 (R85). I never got to tasting these, but I’ve been told they are absolutely delicious. Leave us a comment below to let us know what you think when you taste them.
Theater of Wine Range
Each of the three blends is associated with a local folktale legend, making them that much more interesting as you get to learn about local history while sipping your way through them.
The Black Countess 2011 | R85
Blend: 44% Shiraz, 24% Pinotage, 16% Mataro, 8% Carignan, 8% Grenache Noir
The Black Countess is named after the first member of colour of the English realm and Wellingtonian – Martha Solomons, the daughter of a freed slave, who married the son of the Earl of Stamford.
An unusual red blend that’s made up of Shiraz with mostly Rhône varietals, rounded off by our Proudly South African Pinotage. Platter’s Wine Guide describes this wine as a juicy, smooth, dark-toned charmer. Look forward to mulberry, plum and an apricot cherry richness complimented by sweet butterscotch and vanilla nuances.
Four White Legs 2012 | R69
Blend: Chenin Blanc 50%, Sauvignon Blanc 38%, Viognier 7%, Semillon 5%
Four White Legs refers to the quaint exception to the rule which allowed a horse with four white legs to pass through the Bainskloof toll free of charge during the mid 1800’s.
The nose on this wine is filled with vanilla and butterscotch intermittently intertwined with floral notes. There is a definite crisp acidity on the palate complimented with an array of fruit flavours (expect guava, mango, passionfruit and even citrus). Regardless of the fruit and floral notes, this wine finishes very dry. It’s a complex and layered wine that would be paired well with a dish of similar complexity. Excellent value.
Erasmus 2011 | R85
Blend: 31% Merlot, 31% Pinotage, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 2% Shiraz
Erasmus is named after the first owner of the farm back in 1699. It was he who made the first wine on the farm in 1720.
This wine is a basket of ripe plums, blackcurrants and a minty richness complimented by earthy nuances of cloves and pepper.
Did you know?
Val du Charron are also the makers of the funky, export-only wine Girlfriends Wine. Depending on the mood, you can choose between Good Girl, Wild Girl, Classy Girl, Party Girl or Romantic Girl. These are great value wines (all at just R39 per bottle) and are only available for sale in South Africa at the farm, so stock up while you have the chance.
Visit Val Du Charron
Tasting wine is only the tip of the iceberg when visiting Val Du Charron – which you can really do in style in their spacious, contemporary tasting room that leads out onto a very welcoming pool. As you know, Wellington gets swelteringly hot in summer, so the pool makes this the valley’s watering hole of choice during the hotter months.
You can also stay over, at the Guesthouse adjacent to the tasting room. Guests can choose from 9 luxurious, individually furnished suites (almost all look out over the vineyards). Make sure you book for dinner , served in the tasting room, which is made fresh by the resident chef on the evening. And of course, you have all the wine you could ever need at arm’s length. Rates change depending on season but are affordable and offer good value.
A view of the guesthouse that’s an extension of the tasting room
Val du Charron is becoming an increasingly popular wedding venue, and it’s easy to see why. Stunning views form the basis for your special day, and the in-house co-ordinator will take care of the rest for you. The great thing is they offer accommodation, wine, meals and the wedding/reception venue all on one site, which means less work for you so you can gain the most out of your special day!
Don’t forget to stock up on olives either! As the name of the farm suggests, olives are also part of the estates offering. Get a bottle of them for just R35.
What to expect when visiting Val du Charron in Wellington: great wine, sunshine and pool side relaxing amongst vineyards and palm trees (as shown here by my boyfriend, who does this extremely well)
Contact Val Du Charron
Wine tasting centre open from Monday – Sunday 10:00 to 16:00
Tel: (021) 873-1256
E-mail stay@vdcwines.com
Planning a trip to Wellington? Check out our Top 10 reasons why we love Wellington for some inspiration.
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