Welvanpas is situated near Wellington, next to the well-known Bainskloof pass. The farm has an exceptional natural beauty due to the surrounding protea veld and the majestic Hawekwa and Groenberg mountain ranges.
Welvanpas is steeped in history due to the fact that it’s been in the Retief family for more than 305 years! Well known Voortrekker leader Piet Retief was born at Welvanpas and stayed there until he was 26 years old.
Currently the farm belongs to Dan and Retha Retief. Dan or actually “Daniel Pieter Johannes Retief” is the 10th generation Retief staying and farming on Welvanpas.
The farm has a unique locality and is situated relatively high above sea level. The terrain consists of many different slopes and sides, which makes it ideal for many grape varieties.
The different soil types were mapped so that the best root stock varieties could be chosen for each vineyard.
Wine is still made by using old traditional methods. Red wines are fermented in open cement vats by a trusted and tried method. After the grapes are crushed and milled, it is left for cold maturation of the skins and juice, to give extra character and body. After fermentation starts, the skins have to be regularly pressed down into the fermenting juice by hand. This is a soft treatment for fermenting wine and very labour intensive. The winemaker is involved with the fermenting process from the beginning to the end. He can monitor the process better and make adjustments if necessary.
The reward winning wine range consists of white and red varieties and can be tasted and purchased at the small and intimate coffee shop, die Ou Meul.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Other attractions: MTB trails, hiking trails, Coffee shop, small function venue, outdoor wedding venue.
Snapscan available for early hiking.