Vergelegen
Winery Description
Location and History
Located 30 minutes south of Stellenbosch close to the town of Somerset West, Vergelegen was founded on the 1 February 1700 by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel. It has since been under the ownership of some of the world’s great explorers and visionaries, each of whom in their own way have helped shape Vergelegen to what it is today: a world-class Estate.
The first vines were planted at Vergelegen in 1700 and vineyards also flourished under the Theunissen family’s tenure between 1798 and 1899. In the 20th Century, there were sporadic plantings by various owners, the last of which were removed in 1962. The soils of Vergelegen lay fallow until 1987 when the Estate was purchased by the Anglo American company and the current 117 hectare plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Sémillon.
With Vergelegen’s award-winning wines, history spanning over 300 years, heritage, exquisite gardens and cuisine to suit all tastes, it comes as no surprise that the Estate continues to be the choice of the discerning visitor seeking a total sensory experience.
Wine Tasting
The wide selection of award-winning wines include the flagship Vergelegen range, plus the Vineyard, Reserve Premium, MMV Brut and Straw Wine ranges. Be assured of a warm welcome at the Vergelegen Wine Tasting Centre, where our knowledgeable wine advisors will be happy to guide you through the wines. The Tasting Centre overlooks an extensive octagonal-shaped herb garden and guests have the option of tasting inside or outside on the patio.
Restaurant
Stables at Vergelegen is their popular family-friendly bistro, renowned for its great garden setting and mountain views. Experience relaxed dining at the Stables at Vergelegen, where classic bistro-style cuisine is presented with a modern twist. The restaurant offers a varied, contemporary menu featuring simple yet visually appealing dishes, creating a warm and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy award-winning wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range and admiring the eclectic artwork of local artists that decorates the walls. For those interested in hosting a corporate dinner, birthday, anniversary, or wedding reception at Stables, a functions brochure is available upon request.
The Rose Terrace Tea Room, nestled beside a rose garden with hundreds of fragrant bushes, offers a serene setting for a delightful experience. Guests can indulge in an ever-changing selection of cakes, ranging from traditional favourites to unique creations, as well as savoury options like pies and quiches. Ideal for a relaxed gathering or a peaceful solo retreat, the Rose Terrace provides both indoor and outdoor seating, with no bookings required. The Rose Terrace Tea Room also caters to intimate functions.
Vergelegen’s mystic camphor forest is the setting for a luxury, “white tablecloth” picnic. It offers an opportunity for both intimate as well as family and friend gatherings in a beautifully shaded and tranquil camphor forest, descendants of the original camphor trees, planted by Van der Stel in the 1700’s.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
There are several self-guided walks and organised tours available at Vergelegen. Please refer to Operating Hours for specific details of tour departure times.
No matter what time of the year you visit, there’s always something interesting to see at Vergelegen and visitors will have the opportunity to meander through our 18 unique gardens which have been meticulously restored to reflect the historic nature of the Estate. Please refer to www.vergelegen.co.za/gardens/ to obtain a glimpse of what is on offer.
Vergelegen operate a 1.5 hour behind the scenes Vineyard & Cellar tour. The includes a stop at specific vineyards, a visit to the gravitational flow cellar and underground barrel vault, with extensive 360 degree views of False Bay and the Hottentots-Holland Mountain range from the cellar roof. Pre-booking essential.
The 1.5 hour Environmental Tour showcases the culmination of 20 years of ongoing commitment to sustainability and rehabilitation. Visitors will be driven through the Estate’s botanical arboretum and biodiversity nature reserve, with possible sightings of free-range Nguni cattle and Bontebok. Pre-booking essential
The one hour Heritage & Garden Walking Tour introduces guests to the history of Vergelegen, which was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 2019. Highlights include visiting the 200 year old Library, 300 year old Cape Dutch Homestead, majestic Camphor Tree Forest and magnificent themed gardens. Pre-booking essential.
