Val du Charron: What the Newly Upgraded Wine Farm Near Cape Town Gets Right…and Wrong
If you have lived in or near Cape Town for a few years, and you like exploring …or wine tasting …or both, chances are you’ve been to more than a few wine farms in the Cape Winelands.
There are A LOT of wine estates in this part of the world. They usually have scenic beauty, restaurants with amazing food, and great wines sampled in various wine tastings (where you find yourself nodding in agreement at 'notes of blackberry and wet stone,' despite having no earthly idea what a wet stone actually tastes like). And very often (but not always), these wine farms also have accommodation offerings if you want to spend more time there.
So what makes Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate different? Well, quite a few things…
This Wellington wine farm stay in the Cape Winelands was recently upgraded with 20 new suites, a swimming pool, and a pizzeria, while the estate’s main restaurant, the Grillroom, also got a facelift.
I spent 24 hours there as one of the first guests to experience the upgrades. This is why it’s worth a visit:
What the New Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate Gets Right:
It Honours Its Three-Century History but Also Moves with the Times
The origins of the estate date back to 1699. Meaning “Valley of the Wagon Maker”, Val du Charron used to be a place where wagons were made and repaired before heading over the nearby Bain’s Kloof Pass - kind of like getting your car serviced before a big road trip.
Several historic buildings remain on the estate today. The Coach House now offers three 5-star suites complete with spa baths, pools, and private patios, while the Manor House is now a luxurious two-bedroom residence with a sauna, butler service, and its own swimming pool.
Basically, the estate has managed to honour its history while quietly adding all the things modern travellers need… like Wi-Fi and rain showerheads!
The Views
Whether you're in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson, Constantia, Durbanville or anywhere else, the average wine farm is going to be scenically beautiful, but the landscape at Val du Charron overlooking the beautiful Bovlei Valley is next level.
It feels as though almost everything on the property has been positioned to make the most of the view. It’s the ‘vista’ in 'Pizza Vista' (the pizzeria), the backdrop to the swimming pool, the outlook from the guesthouse rooms, and even the reason for the viewing deck at the Grillroom restaurant. Basically, wherever you stand, sit, or accidentally spill wine, the scenery is spectacular.
Val du Charron’s New Swimming Pool:
Not all wine farms have pools at all, let alone ones this beautiful. It should be in a music video! The new suites look out over it with the valley as a backdrop.
In the centre is a circular lounging section that makes for a backrest so you can appreciate the views while cooling off. Here, you can just sit, watch the sunset, and drink a cocktail from the poolside Boma Bar. If you like sweet gin-based cocktails, try the Pink Flamingo! And no, I'm not just saying that because it aligns with my branding!
The Restaurants at Val du Charron
Pizza Vista
Pizza Vista is the estate’s relaxed pizzeria, based in a historical building that was once a wine cellar. I was so captivated by the view that I forgot to look inside, but I’m sure the interior is lovely too and probably quite fascinating given its age.
I’m not sure if it’s scientifically proven that pizza tastes better with views like this, but the flavours were on par with the scenery.
Pizza Vista offers two different kinds of pizza: the traditional /default variety and Neapolitan pizza if you like your bases thin and crispy. If you are indecisive about the toppings (a highly relatable problem), they will let you go half and half. And they’re available in gluten-free! Also on the menu are pasta and burgers.
Considering how reasonably priced it is, how delicious the pizza is, and, again, the views, this place won’t be “a best kept secret” for long.
The Grillroom
This is the newly revamped main restaurant of the estate. Known as a “carnivore’s paradise”, it offers some of the best steaks around. Fresh seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options are available, but beef is definitely the star of the show.
When I dined there, I started with baked camembert — the bougie melted cheese starter of my dreams — before moving on to the fillet steak. It was beautifully cooked, juicy, and tender. We paired it with one of the estate’s wines, Black Countess, which perfectly complemented the meal.
We finished things off with the death by chocolate brownie which sent our taste buds straight to heaven.
You can dine inside or outside. If the weather is nice, the views are incredible from the alfresco dining area. And if it's a bit chilly, it's worth at least going out there to take in the views and possibly a pic.
And, no, you don't have to stay over on the estate to dine here. It’s open to the public, seven days a week. Reservations can be made here: stay@vdcwines.com
Accommodation in Wellington: Val du Charron’s New Suites
If you're looking for wine farms near Cape Town with accommodation, Val du Charron is a great choice.
The new guest house building includes 20 modern suites. They each come with a king-size bed that can be separated into twins. There's also a roomy bathroom with a large rain shower. The decor is toned down and simple, but the view was always going to steal the show.
Each room also comes with a balcony where you can sit, appreciate the vista and commend yourself on whatever life choices led you to that very moment.
Val du Charron is part of Cape Country Routes, a collection of owner-run accommodations across South Africa known for their hospitality and character-filled stays. When the owners are this involved, you can feel it in the service you receive. Yes, they assigned me to the cow-themed suite but I am sure this was done randomly and is not a comment on my personality. I am actually very nice, and so are all the staff.
Hiking and Mountain Bike Trails Around the Estate
There are hiking and mountain bike trails around the farm. In a surprisingly ambitious moment for this night owl, I woke up early and joined the group for a hike. (FOMO trumps the need for sleep, always.) I’m so not a morning person, but the views were worth it!
If you prefer wheels to walking, bicycles can also be rented for the mountain biking routes.
So, What Does Val Du Charron Get Wrong?
Well, they spelt my name wrong.
Yup, that’s it! Other than that, the attention to detail at what should be ‘Val du Sharon’ is on point!
Explore Wellington in the Cape Winelands
When it comes to wine farms in the Western Cape, people often gravitate to Constantia, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Wellington makes for a refreshing alternative. This small town is less commercial and has a number of attractions worth experiencing, one of which is the Wellington Museum, which is far more interesting than you might think.
The Wellington Museum
The thought of going into a historical museum in a small town, honestly sounds a bit dull to me, and so I must confess that I wasn't expecting much. But wow!
During my visit, I saw:
- A shweshwe exhibit where I learnt that the pattern actually originated in Europe but was adopted by the people of South Africa.
- I also learnt about the town and its history, including forced removals.
- The musical instruments were quite something, with a harpsichord and a strangely shaped antique piano.
But the absolute highlight was the exhibition of ancient Egyptian artefacts. What?
Yes, in Wellington!
Back in the 1940s, someone by the name of Miss E. Armstead (I’d love to hear her story!) bequeathed her collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts to the Huguenot University College at Wellington. It is now displayed at this museum. For just a R20 entrance fee, you can gain access to a museum that has, among other ancient Egyptian items, a vase that is 5000 years old.
I’m not going to lie, if I found this at my mom’s house, I would probably donate it to charity.
Planning Your Visit to Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate
Val du Charron is one of the most memorable wine farm stays in Wellington in the Cape Winelands. The food is excellent, and the accommodation lovely, the wine is fantastic, the pool is beautiful, and absolutely everything comes with incredible views. Delete your banking app if you have to, but make sure you have room on your camera roll for 400 pics of the same mountain view, before you go.
Click here to find out more or to book your stay at Val du Charron.
And find out about other Cape Country Routes accommodation and activity offerings here.
Things to do nearby
Paarl is just 15 minutes away from Wellington
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