Hi there, me again, The Village Guy, the self-appointed tourism ambassador for Paarl and Wellington.
Today I found a gem! A real gem!
I went to Wellington, drove down church street, and proceded to Slanghoek Road to a farm called Arauna! The drive has short gravel road to get the entrance, but I think its like this to allow you to take it slow and enjoy the scenery of Wellington.
Arauna Farm – what an unassuming rustic gem – a real experience for the whole family nestled in the Groenberg Mountains.
Space in abundance for kids to run around, a dam to do some fishing with the kids, and a mini play area. An environment filled with lush green grass, surrounded by Wellington Mountains, and a 1700 shed that gives you a true historical farm feeling with a huge dam in the background.
The farm is Pet friendly, and they host a Farm Market ocassionally.
If you looking for Sunday lunch that is wholesome, tasty and delicious, the menu ticks all those boxes. Mains and desserts, are like dishes coming straight out of your kitchen.
The shed is amazing – it has kept the remains of yesteryear grape making and storage structures, as well as a rustic atmosphere giving you a nostalgic experience.
On the farm is a leather shop, UHU Leather, that sells every kind of leather product you heart desires. You enter the shop and it smells like a brand new vehicle with leather seats. Elmarie, who runs the store, knows so much about leather and has so many stories of the designs and history of each product, it is quite remarkable. There are some unique pieces in the store, you will want to buy it all. Wallets, jackets, bags, knife sleeves etc, all made from genuine leather and prices are not what you expect.
Adjacent to the leather shop is deli that sells fruit and vegetables grown on the farm. They also sell antiques and crockery that will not be find in your average store, as well as fresh bread and loaves! Visiting the store is a must!
The most interesting feature about this farm, is that it has been supplying the Bahrain Grand Prix with their champagne used on the podium since 2004, and recently started supplying the Saudi Grand Prix too!
Bernus vd Westhuizen, told me how he got this deal. The Prince of Bahrain was looking for non-alcoholic champaigne for their gran prix, and Bernus got a call to assist. Within 8 weeks, Bernus had 3x 3 litres, a dozen litres bottles, and a few smaller bottles all packaged and boxed and on a plane to Bahrain.
Bernus will tell you about the interview Michael Schumacher mentioned that victory celebrations with champagne are often sticky, but his champagne was sticky, but smelt refreshing.
The special touch about the farm, is that the owners come to your table and strike up conversation and tell you more about Arauna Farm. They are part of the staff, and are constantly making sure your experience is an enjoyable one.
They recently hosted schools for a camp and a outdoor wedding, and Anna, also part of the farm family, could not be more excited to host kids who were having the time of their lives.
It is really something special.
Visit Arauna Farm, and experience traditional farm food and a traditional farm experience.
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