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BAIN’S KLOOF PASS MEANDER

Travel along the frontier to the north and stop along your way for wine-tasting, scenery and fabulous food on the Bain’s Kloof Meander.

In 1854 Bain’s Kloof Pass, an engineering masterpiece designed and constructed by Scotsman Andrew Geddes Bain, provided access to the hinterland beyond the mountains and became the official ‘Gateway to the North’ over which countless wagons creaked their way to the diamond and gold fields.

A temporary resident of Wellington, Andrew Geddes Bain was the first man to attempt to build a road across the Limiet Mountains, the main barrier between the Cape Settlement and the country interior. Bain achieved this remarkable feat without any formal engineering training.

Today Bain’s Kloof Pass is a National monument and the magnificent pass remains a well-travelled attractions and offers unsurpassed vistas, indigenous flora and fauna, crystal clear rock pools, campsites and biking trails.

The renovated cellar at Bovlei Wines on Bainskloof Road acts as the tasting room for Wellington Wines, a collaboration between Bovlei, Wamakersvallei and the Wellington Co-Operative. With its homely atmosphere and relaxed, comfortable aesthetic, it’s the perfect place to indulge in an interesting pairing option while drinking in the vineyard views. Bain’s Park is an enclosed space at Wellington Wines where you can sit back and relax, enjoy a bottle of their wine while children can enjoy the jungle gyms and jumping castle. You can order food from Bain’s Caffè and use the area for private– and work functions and celebrations.

A visit to Wellington would not complete without experience the exceptional dining offering at the Oude Wellington Restaurant. This quirky restaurant is located inside a Cape Dutch style barn dating back to 1795 at the base of the Bainskloof Pass. It offers the perfect setting for a cosy lunch featuring Dutch and Indonesian inspired dishes prepared by John Tecklenburg. Enjoy daily changing specials, soups and deserts prepared by Susanna Tecklenburg. The hands-on couple will ensure an unforgettable experience.  Seating is available in the shade of the enormous oak trees or inside the distilling cellar with big barrels and cosy fireplaces. The working brandy distillery produces pot still brandy and grappa every year.

For the finest high quality leather products at a reasonable price, you have to add Redemption Fine Hand Crafted Leather on the Altebly family estate to your list. The owners and their knowledgeable staff are happy to offer advice and assist visitors.  The wide selection of leather products includes shoes, sandals, belts, bags, wallets, keyrings, hats and whips. Every piece is crafted with love, care and for durability.

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