South Africa - Vergelegen Wine Estate - Western Cape

 

Vergelegen Wine Estate, founded in 1700 is more than just wine. The estate offers numerous gardens that are ideal for wandering at various times of the year.

The views of the mountain range in the distance just enhance the exploring of this estate.

Various tours can be booked - Heritage and Garden, Cellar and Vineyard plus an Environmental Tour focusing on sustainability and the environment with possible sightings of Nguni cattle, Eland and Bontebok.

The ancient trees date back many years - the White Mulberry dates back to 1700, the Old English Oak is over 300 years old and the 5 Camphor trees were declared a National Monument in 1942.

An impressive call to nature that has been well preserved and looked after by the many generations of owners at Vergelegen.

The Gardens have been restored and are a delight to explore at various times of the year as different plant species flower. Look for the Octagonal Garden, the Bamboo Garden, Rose Garden (currently dormant) and the amazing Camellia Garden of Excellence. This garden is one of only 39 such gardens world-wide and the only one in Africa. As with the various gardens, this is best viewed during the winter months.

The Yellowood Walk is a circular path found after passing the old Water Mill facade, then crossing the swing bridge over the river. A bench is situated in a tranquil spot to watch the water rushing by.

Once hunger there are restaurants and wine tasting available. 

This estate is a must for nature lovers and offers much at various times of the year.

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South Africa - Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West

Vergelegen Wine Estate

This interesting name, Vergelegen, means "situated far away" but it depends where one is coming from as Somerset West is within easy reach of Cape Town these days. Perhaps in the 1700's it was far from the harbour and hence considered so far away, especially by ox-wagon or on horseback!!

The land was originally granted to Simon van der Stel in 1700 - today it is owned by the Anglo-American Group (since 1987)

If you are looking for history, architectural beauty, great gardens, very good wine plus restaurants, this is a special place to find all of the above.

The gardens are truly worth a wander as they encompass many different areas with the "Camellia Garden of Excellence" being the most prized when the blooms are at their best. The huge Camphor trees grace the front of the Homestead which is open to the public and furnished in shades of yesteryear.





The Library houses an amazing collection of books with the oldest being around 1686 and the "old" buildings blend in with the more modern wine tasting building and the Stables Restaurant.

Picnics are offered during the summer months (November - April)
There is nothing better than relaxing under magnificent, ancient camphor trees on a hot summer's day!

The Stables Restaurant is situated in a modern, glass building with stunning views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range.

Camphors Retsaurant offers lunch or dinner (check times) paired with the Estate Wines.




I love visiting wine estates even though I never drink wine! The history behind so many of the Cape Wineries/Homesteads is fascinating, the buildings are often in immaculate condition despite being very old and most have incredible gardens. Thankfully, many of the Wine Estates restaurants now serve beer so I am saved from having to resort to the likes of Appletiser (which I love!) when enjoying a lunch time meal with all my wine drinking buddies!

Vergelegen Wine Estate ticks all of my "boxes" when it comes to a great outing!

Vergelegen Wine Estate

© Judelle Drake

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                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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