Historic Wine Farm Reconsidered
To do things to a satisfying level of excellence takes considerable time, so with a name like Vergenoegd (meaning "satisfaction has been reached") the last 7 years of restoration by the new owner, German businessman, industrialist and heritage devotee, Prof. Dr. Peter Löw, has been a labour of extraordinary dedication. It is more than just identifying a perfect restoration project (with a red wine he loved), it is also all about the connections needed to honour the soul of a place and fostering what makes it special. After all, developing a wine estate takes more than just the wine farm: it takes vision and a team. The journey started from the ground up, literally. One of the first tasks in creating an award winning destination was a thirst to learn more about the estate. From historical archive research in the Hague right through to detailed soil analysis, identifying which cultivars to grow where, and which sections to leave fallow for fynbos to return. Even the Runner Ducks changed from being a marketing gimmick to part of the sustainability vision. From the planting of the grapes to growing the team on the ground delivering the vision, Prof Dr Löw fostered key partnerships with some of the best in the business to bring back to glory the estate that is Vergenoegd.Casual Dining: Geuwels
A year ago, chef and co-owner duo Chef Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink opened "Geuwels" restaurant, a la carte and open for relaxed farm style breakfasts and lunches, served small plate style (3 to 4 plates for two people). This restaurant is in the middle of the homestead overlooking the central Courtyard.Elegant Dining: Clara's Barn
Recently opened for elegant dining, "Clara's Barn", named after Prof dr Löw's wife, is open for set menu lunches and dinners. This renovated barn even still contains some of the nods to its origin with troughs where cattle fed, cobbled floors... and then it elevates on a floating wooden floor - another subtle nod to taking what is old heritage and making it modern yet accessible. The dining experience is an interactive showcase of local ingredients that are presented with great delight, with a dish of the day and often a special select Chef's Menu that is not to be missed!The Run of Awards Return
The hundreds of Runner Ducks emerge early in the morning to start their day, shepherded through various parts of the Vineyards by their guides (including a couple of Geese). These little athletes, while flightless, can run several kilometres a day. After a full day of pest control eating snails on the vines, they return to their home by the dam where they can relax and reflect on a hard days work! They contribute to why Vergenoegd Löw proudly carries a WWF biodiversity certification seal as well as being awarded Conservation Champion status. With the introduction of new stock, they have even started winning Best In Show!A Winelands Getaway
“A world heritage treasure meets modern splendour” is the motto of this brand new boutique Winelands getaway. Opened under the stewardship of industry experts: Angelo and Tina Casu, of Grande Dédale acclaim. They have applied their international and local opening expertise in the creation of this exciting new getaway to the Winelands. In the main Farm Lodge with 4 Deluxe Rooms, each with its own private patio complete with a jacuzzi and outdoor shower. One of the main high points of the hotel are the 4 Bungalow Suites, each with a large wooden deck and private splash pool!EXPLORE: See the latest Winelands Getaways
Top 10 Vergenoegd Löw Estate Highlights
1. Stay over
Be amongst the first to experience this ultimate Winelands break, and with so much to enjoy on the estate, you may not even want to explore nearby wine farms! Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel and Spa has just launched and there are a limited number of vouchers available for Secret Getaway members to experience it first:
GETAWAY>> Experience it first | Launch Offer Now Live
2. Breakfast at Geuwels
Rise and shine with traditional Roosterkoek cooked on the open fire... it may seem old-school farmstyle, and yet it is far from it. Insider secret... if it is on the menu on the day you are there: try the whipped butter, Bovril and fine Biltong combo for a pitch-perfect taste combination.
3. Explore the vines
Discover where the Runner Ducks roam or if you arrive late afternoon take a walk to the dam where they live to see the size of this impressive flock!
4. Enjoy a Winelands Picnic
In front of Geuwels, or anywhere you choose on the ground: from the nearby lake to below the tall trees with lots of space- ideal for families! Order in advance, with their easy online system.
5. Elegant Evening Dining at Clara's Barn
An experience full of quirky, original tastes and presentations. Take the time to admire the art. There is even the original artwork painted by Dutch artist Jan Brandes (1743 – 1808), who stayed on Vergenoegd farm for a year as guest of owner Johan Lochner. There is a panel on display that shows that the external homestead is in fact still an exact match as it is today!
6. A place that puts the Ahhhh into Spa.
For those patient enough to wait for December, a brand new spa experience will be revealed for outside guests, but for now only in-room treatments will be available for those enjoying a relaxing night away in the hotel! Once more an expert in exceptional experience will be leading this in-house wellness offering, which promises to be a special treat for spa aficionados.
7. Wine Tasting Pairing
Move away from cheddar paired with a Cab Sav, and experience estate wine paired with local taste sensations such as Bokkom (a dried west coast fish); or Dune Spinach with homemade indigenous spices... again this is a thoughtful nod to heritage. Sit back and relax whilst you listen to the knowledgeable tasting room staff introducing the range of estate-grown wines from red blends, Méthode Cap Classique, to white and red single cultivar wines.
8. Take in the Views
Try to spot the 7th wonder of the Natural World: Table Mountain! On a clear day one can spot the ocean, just 4km away or the iconic Cape landmark of the Mother City's mountain.
9. Hear the Sounds of History
This estate is now 326 years old, and a heritage project of this scale is impressive to behold, yet nothing captures the spirit of the history quite like music can. On the occasional Saturday the tasting room hosts live music played on the restored 1872 grand Collard and Collard piano: a fine example of English pianos of that period. Take a moment to reflect on what it would have taken to bring such a piece from English shores to a remote farm, back in that time.
10. Ideal Selfie Spot
The large Runner Duck Statue in the Courtyard makes for a great spot to capture your newfound memories of Vergenoegd Löw estate.
If You Go
Address: 1 Vergenoegd Road, Somerset West, Off R310, Stellenbosch Wine Route
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
- Website: https://vergenoegd.co.za/contact-us/
- Instagram: @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: +27(0) 21 843 324
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