Vergelegen Wine Estate

Bookings are open for a new, one-day, 12-km guided hike.

The first hike takes place on Saturday 15 March and is thereafter offered twice a month, weather permitting.

Hikers will enjoy access to areas of the 3000-hectare property not usually open to the public, where they can discover the estate’s diverse flora and fauna.

The route, set against a spectacular backdrop of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountain ranges, traverses:

• Manor house and gardens: Vergelegen is a provincial heritage site, and the route starts in the historic precinct for hikers to admire the lush gardens and beautiful homestead.
• Lourens River and orchards: The trail leads to the Lourens River, where a section of land is a Protected Natural Environment, then passes through orchards.
• Nguni cattle grazing areas: The route continues into the grazing area of the docile Nguni cattle herd – numbering about 400 indigenous cattle with spectacular multi-coloured hides – and resident bontebok.
• Fynbos biome: Vergelegen is home to the largest privately funded alien vegetation clearing project in South Africa. Find out more about this visionary conservation initiative, and view fynbos, wetlands and renosterbos.
• Game camp: Hike alongside the fenced game camp, with possible sightings of wildlife such as eland, rare Rau quagga, black wildebeest and small antelope.
• Champagne tree: This marks the end of the hiking trail where, weather permitting, hikers are treated to a glass of Vergelegen Cap Classique and wine tasting while enjoying views of the surrounding mountain ranges and over False Bay.
• Vineyards and wine cellar: Hikers are taken by game vehicle to the nearby hilltop wine cellar for a cellar tour.

Finish off with a three-course, a la carte lunch at the Stables bistro-style restaurant, with wine. The full cost of R2900/person also includes a branded cap and water bottle, plus a bottle of Florence rosé wine to take home.

Tours are led by Frank Dwyer, an experienced hiking guide and tourism expert with a deep-rooted passion for showcasing South Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Dwyer was born and raised in Somerset West, where his father farmed in the 1960s and 1970s, and he developed an early appreciation of the region’s landscape, history, wine and culture.

While the route is not difficult there are some strenuous uphill sections and descents where hikers need to take care on loose gravel. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate footwear or hiking boots.

Browse our curated collection of beautiful gifts and keepsakes to remember your visit.

Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West is renowned for its beauty and diverse attractions, and visitors constantly delight in photographing the historic buildings, manicured gardens, wildlife, wine range and spectacular scenery.

Vergelegen fans now have the opportunity to not only showcase their photographs to a wider audience, but also the chance to win great prizes.

Entries for the annual Essence of Vergelegen photographic contest, in association with Orms Direct, now in its third edition, may be submitted from 1 December 2024 to end-February 2025. Submissions must be photographed within this three-month period. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers.

Prizes include photographic equipment sponsored by Orms Direct, plus Vergelegen restaurant vouchers, wine, and experiences. Finalists and winners will be announced during March 2025.

There are three entry classes:

• Camera class (taken on any camera, with or without lenses);
• Smartphone class (taken on a cellphone or mobile device); and
• Junior class (16 years and under, image taken on any device).

There will be one overall prize-winner, plus a runner-up in each class. In addition, a ‘People’s Choice’ award will be made according to guests’ votes at the function for finalists.

Each entry must relate to Vergelegen, and be taken at the estate.

• The image must be submitted with a caption that explains the motivation for choosing the subject. The judges will consider both the image and caption.
• Two photographs are allowed per person. All entrants must confirm that the images are their own work.
• Entries are free.
• High resolution images will be required if chosen for the print exhibition.

The winners, and owners of the top 10 images, must undertake to have their photographs displayed at the estate and used on social media, in print communications and Vergelegen digital channels. The image owner will always be credited. Any further use, which is considered commercial, will be agreed in writing with the photographer.

To enter the contest, click HERE

To view the Orms Direct website, click HERE

Photo credit: Murray Williams 2024

The wait is over, and our sunflowers are finally starting to bloom! The fields are coming alive with vibrant yellow flowers, and it's a sight worth seeing.

From this Saturday, the flush of flowers will fill the fields with happy yellow and green hues. Don't wait too long — we encourage you to visit soon to catch them at their best!

We have also created a beautiful Rosé in celebration of the sunflowers (a portion of all the proceeds will go to bee research on the farm). Purchase a bottle of this delicious wine and a bright bunch of sunflowers for just R150— the perfect way to take home a beautiful piece of the season. Available in our tasting room for the duration of the season from Saturday, 25 January.

Join us and experience the magic of the sunflower fields. We can't wait to welcome you soon!

The new Vergelegen Trail offers a captivating full-day guided 13km hike across the estate. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore the farm’s rich history, discover its diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas. This immersive experience grants access to hidden gems of the property that are typically closed to the public, making it a must-do for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Hosted by experienced guide, Frank Dwyer, the hike starts in the historic precinct of the farm and takes guests on meandering jeep tracks over the property concluding with a VIP wine tasting in a secret location. A 3-course wine lunch will end off a fantastic day. Guests will also be treated to a Vergelegen Trail 'essentials' kit on arrival and will receive a bottle of Florence Rosé to take home.

Available Dates: 15 & 29 March; 12 & 26 April; 10 & 24 May
Cost: R2900pp | Only 8 people per date can be accommodated, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Our popular picnics will be served on the shady lawn alongside the bubbling Lourens River this season.

Our delicious menu includes freshly prepared items such as smoked salmon trout with apple mousse, country terrine with Dijonnaise, breads with farm butter, and other homemade delicacies. A full wine list with a selection of our best selling wines and chilled soft drinks accompanies the picnics.

Our elegant picnic settings include crisp white linen-laid tables and comfortable seating. Our friendly, hospitable staff will ensure a memorable occasion for all. 

Experience the Vergelegen Cultural Heritage and Gardens first-hand, accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide.

Vergelegen was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 2019 and has been nominated as a World Heritage Site. The Estate reflects an authentic depiction of Cape Cultural Heritage, in addition to 17 themed gardens that are intricately interwoven in the Cape Cultural existence.

Tour Highlights:

• Led by insightful and passionate guides, the highlights will include:
• 200 year old library including a catalogued 4500 book collection
• 300 year old Cape Dutch Homestead, refurbished to reflect the layered historicism
• Trees of significance including the majestic Camphor Trees that were declared National Monuments in 1942
• Magnificent themed gardens

PLEASE NOTE:

• This is a walking tour
• The tour is weather permitting, please contact the Wine Tasting Centre (021 847 2122)
• Tour groups by prior arrangement only
• Tour buses / coaches will be received by prior arrangement only

Bookings (24 hours in advance) are essential.
For Further information visit our website HERE

Our beautiful Rose Terrace Tea Room is open every day of the week in summer. We have also just introduced traditional high teas on Sundays for R495 per person. Our high tea offers a selection of tasty savouries and delicious sweet treats for everyone to enjoy.

Guests also receive a glass of MMV Cap Classique (or a soft drink) on arrival and a coffee or tea. Bookings are essential!

An exciting new tour offering at Vergelegen to showcase the culmination of 20 years of ongoing commitment to sustainability and rehabilitation. We start off the Environmental excursion through the Vergelegen arboretum and biodiversity nature reserve, with possible sightings of Nguni cattle, Bontebok, Rau-Quagga & Eland antelope that are part of an ongoing doctoral thesis in conjunction with CTEET (Cape Town Environmental Education Trust). Smaller species of animals as well as birds are also often seen on the tour.

Environmental Tour Highlights:

• An overview of the Estate and sustainability initiatives (water plant, solar project, breeding projects)
• Vergelegen Nature Reserve (2018)
• Bontebok (antelope)
• Nguni Cattle, Eland, Rau-Quagga and other smaller species
• Indigenous Fynbos

PLEASE NOTE:

• This is a guided tour in a designated Vergelegen vehicle
• The tour is weather permitting, please contact the Wine Tasting Centre (021 847 2122)
• Tour groups by prior arrangement only
• Tour buses/coaches will be received by prior arrangement only

Bookings (24 hours in advance) are essential.

For Further information visit our website HERE

Our summer light lunch special is a succulent prawn cocktail served overlooking the rose garden with a chilled glass of Florence Rosé for R195. Perfect for those balmy afternoons at Vergelegen!

Visit our website for more information and to see our summer menu!