If you’ve ever wondered if luxury and kids can coexist, our recent stay at Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate – 10 minutes from Wellington in the Bovlei Valley – is proof that it is possible.

Escaping routine and the nitty-gritties of day-to-day life is something I strive toward doing at least once a year. Whilst togetherness as a family is the ultimate luxury for me, this usually only really happens when everyone is genuinely relaxed and enjoying themselves. So, when planning a family escape, one of the first questions I tend to ask is: Can everyone genuinely enjoy the stay? And, at this Cape Country Routes accommodation and wine estate the answer is a definite yes!

Family-Friendly Luxury Travel in the Cape Winelands

It was winter in the winelands. The vines were leafless and every now and then, the sun would light up the velvety tips of the grass growing underneath. It had been a long drive from the Karoo and after dropping our bags in our Garden Family Room, we instantly ushered the kids outside for some fresh Wellington farm air. The dirt roads were lined with winter vines on either side, and muddy patches served as remnants of the recent rains. Soon, I knew, the shoes would come off and that was exactly what was needed: freedom to roam and togetherness as a family.

We walked up to a farm dam – laced with lavender and wild rosemary. From the slightly elevated slope, we could see Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate as a whole, perched on a piece of land that dates back to the time of Wellington’s renowned wagonmakers. The estate’s name, which means ‘Valley of the Wagonmakers,’ was chosen by the owners as an ode to that heritage and today, that heritage is tangible in the glass, in the views and in the overall stay.

White walls bordered the one side of the modern-looking 4-star guesthouse, the 5-star Coach House and the stately Manor House and one could clearly see the entrance to the estate, lined with tall palm trees. With additional rooms that have recently been added to the guesthouse, Val du Charron has been transformed, now offering even more accommodation options in the Cape Winelands. It caters to not only business travellers, but also families looking for wine estate accommodation near Cape Town. In fact, Val du Charron is less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, so when it comes to South African wine tourism it certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

Val du Charron: Wine Estate Accommodation for a Luxury Family Getaway

Whilst it does not come with mountain views, the Garden Family Room offered ample space for our young family of four, with bunkbeds for the kids and a small patio where, when the weather allows, one can have a glass of wine and play Spot It South Africa or 5 Second Rule ’til late into the evenings. The stay was on a bed and breakfast basis, with the room including the standard tea and coffee station.

The family rooms are, of course, much different to the three Coach House suites – a more intimate and romantic option for couples who would like to indulge in mountain views from their plunge pools.

In addition, the Manor House comes with its own allure. Families looking for a luxurious, secluded winelands getaway will find this heritage home with its incredible vistas across the Hawekwa mountains to be the perfect escape. Whilst the house dates back to 1699, its interiors have been designed to offer guests a modern country escape while staying true to the stories that its walls can tell. As one of the ultimate villas in the winelands, the Manor House comes with its own 12m swimming pool, a gym and a sauna.

A Holiday for Foodie Families at Val du Charron

Returning from our walk through the vineyards, the children’s play area lured us toward Val du Charron’s on-site pizzeria, Pizza Vista’s outstretched lawns. The setting sun’s lens changed the hues of the mountains in the distance minute by minute, but somehow, time stood still. It was captured in the sound of our children’s laughter and the familiar smell of farm air. In the colours of twilight and the mere feeling of being alive. Wanting to cling onto that feeling for as long as we could, we picked a table on the patio, ordered some wine and from there we indulged in those little moments that mean so much. If that doesn’t make a family-friendly wine farm in South Africa, I don’t know what does. With the children’s play area being in perfect proximity to the restaurant and with lots of space for running rascals and incredible mountain views, Pizza Vista is undoubtedly one of the best spots for families to spend slow afternoons.

Even though our winter winelands stay was wonderful, the impressive swimming pool with its quirky poolside bar had us wishing for summer throughout our stay. And, for those keen on an adventure amidst the vines, the Wellington Trails run through the property, with 13km to 43km mountain biking trails that ensure you break a sweat. Runners can also take part in their recently introduced Parkrun.

Food, Wine and Family Time in the Cape Winelands

Few people travel to the Cape Winelands just for the wine these days. In fact, wine tourism has evolved into something that encompasses much more than what gets served in your glass. One of the things, however, that has always gone well with wine, is food and at Val du Charron, there is no shortage of it.

A lovely wine tasting at The Grillroom introduced us to the region’s terroir. From their 2025 vintage of The Four White Legs and a red wine blend dubbed Erasmus “Den Deen” to the Val du Charron Black Countess 2022, it was a welcome way of stepping into the world of Wellington’s wines.

Naturally, these were the wines we indulged in during our time at Val du Charron, whether we were dining at the elegantly designed The Grillroom, or at the family-friendly Pizza Vista. These two restaurants can easily be added to your list of top wine farm restaurants in Wellington – whether you prefer a brilliantly prepared piece of steak or a delicious wood-fired pizza. They cater to different crowds, with The Grillroom offering the perfect, cozy setting for intimate dinners or business meetings, whilst Pizza Vista invites young and old to linger over a glass of wine, vineyard and mountain vistas and a lovely playground that will keep the kids busy for hours.

Both The Grillroom and Pizza Vista make for some wonderful food and wine experiences, adding to Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate’s multi-faceted offering as a wine farm stay in the Cape Winelands.

Sustainable Family Style – Dress for the Winelands

Have you been wondering: ‘What should I wear to a Cape Winelands wine farm?’ Well, when it comes to Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate, you’d want to be ready for any occasion – from a vineyard stroll and a laidback lunch to a more elevated experience and wine tasting at The Grillroom, and even some poolside tastes and tipples. Ideally, you’d want to pack some versatile items – a Val du Charron capsule wardrobe, per se – that can be mixed and matched depending on the occasion.

Whilst I dream of colour coding my family for the ultimate winelands photo shoots, it’s not always practical. Still, I will always throw in at least one outfit that screams Cape Winelands. You never know when the perfect moment for a picture arrives. But, to keep things simple and manageable, I’d keep to a sustainable travel wardrobe for family holiday outfits at this special wine estate.

READ: WHAT TO WEAR ON A SOUTH AFRICAN ROAD TRIP

For the kids, pack shorts and trousers that are comfortable, with one that can be dressed up for dinner at The Grillhouse (they have great kiddies options on the menu). Also bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as they will want to explore beyond the well-manicured vineyards. A raincoat might also come in handy, especially in winter. Pack a couple of T-shirts (long and short sleeved) as basics that fit with the capsule’s chosen trousers, as well as swimsuits for both the brightly coloured water play area at Pizza Vista and the hotel’s swimming pool.

Men can pack a pair of chinos and some jeans, with linen shirts that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as well as a pair of trendy sneakers, and don’t forget a raincoat and perhaps a light jersey for cooler evenings.

If you’re a woman packing for a winelands escape at Val du Charron, be sure to bring comfortable walking attire, perhaps a neckerchief, trendy sunglasses, a cardigan for cooler weather, basic tees, trendy sneakers or some ballet flats, and perhaps a dress or skirt for flowy winelands feels. Remember that accessories often make the outfit, so don’t stress about bringing too many outfits. Clever packing is key.

Oh, and don’t forget hats for the whole family!

Whether you’re looking for a food and wine experience or the ultimate family escape, Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate truly is one of those winelands destinations where families can experience slow travel in South Africa.

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