Heritage Happenings at Vergenoegd Löw This September

This Heritage Month, immerse yourself in the unique stories and tastes of Vergenoegd Löw, one of South Africa's oldest working farms, established in 1696.

Recently revitalised, thanks to the investment of German historian and heritage specialist Prof Dr Dr Peter Löw, this Stellenbosch estate now operates as an intimate wine tourist destination in an authentic, self-sustaining farm environment that honours the past but presents its rich Cape Dutch heritage in a contemporary way.

Rich in natural beauty, the tranquil setting offers visitors the opportunity and space to relax, refresh and reset in luxury and privacy with a range of fine boutique hospitality, wine, culinary and spa experiences.

Visit the farm this September and join in a lekker celebration of its rich Cape heritage.

What’s on offer?

Heritage menu at Geuwels, throughout September

Chef Drikus Brink from the estate’s casual eatery, Geuwels (Gables) is serving up a range of small plates inspired by the culinary artistry of the doyenne of South African cuisine, Errieda du Toit.

Priced at R375 per person for seven small plates to share, the menu features a variety of exciting heritage dishes inspired by Errieda’s cookbook, SAAM, including Marmite & Huguenot cheese tart with chives, shaved pickled ox tongue with sweet mustard, venison bobotie jaffle with gestoofde vrugte, Vergenoegd uitpakslaai, ystervarkies (rice-and-meatballs) in tomato smoor, sweet potato cinnamon rolls with orange glaze and macadamia nuts, chutney chicken bake, and Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants dry-aged beef with chermoula. Delicious snacks and desserts are also available to order.

You’ll find Vergenoegd Löw’s elegant, beautifully balanced and refreshing wines to be very suitable matches for all of these fine dishes.

Go to www.vergenoegd.co.za to make your reservation, or contact the restaurant on geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za.

Chef Drikus Brink is serving up a range of small plates at Geuwels

EET SAAM at Clara’s Barn on Sunday, 29 September

Join in the fun of the culmination of Heritage Month at Clara’s Barn, housed in what in all probability is the oldest building on the farm.

Chef Bertus Basson and Errieda will be hosting a talk and traditional Sunday lunch, featuring a feast of heritage dishes from her celebrated cookbook, SAAM, on Sunday, 29 September, from 11:30.

Set to satisfy, expect favourites from skaapboud (leg of lamb) in pastry with gravy, pampoenpoffertjies (pumpkin puffs) and muscadel sauce, to milk tart and malva pudding, among a range of other delights.

It costs R695 per head, including a welcome drink.

There are only 30 seats available for this special occasion, so don’t delay. Advance booking and pre-payment are required by contacting the restaurant on claras@vergenoegd.co.za.

Chef Bertus Basson and Errieda du Toit will be hosting a talk and traditional Sunday lunch.

Prof Herman’s historic farms presentation on Saturday, 28 September, 17:30 for 18:00

Prof Harold Herman, activist and former Dean and Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), who now serves on various boards, will share the history of the farms Vergenoegd Löw, Meerlust and Zandvliet, and their contributions to the local wine industry, against the backdrop of the Dutch and British colonial eras and related sociological developments.

The talk starts at 18:00, and sharing platters laden with mouth-watering Cape heritage food will be served at around 19:00.

The Vergenoegd Löw collection of fine wines will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle.

Go to https://vergenoegd.co.za/product/historical-farms-presentation to purchase tickets at R650 per person.

Prof Harold Herman will share the history of the farms Vergenoegd Löw, Meerlust and Zandvliet.

Always on offer:

Wine tastings & a taste of Cape culinary heritage in the historic manor

The full range of wines by Vergenoegd Löw can be sampled on the estate across a variety of carefully restored Cape Dutch heritage venues – in and around the 1717 homestead.

Resident sommelier George Young, recently announced Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2024, and his talented team are on hand to expertly guide you (or not, if you prefer to taste on your own).

Wines are also served by the glass in case you’d just like to sip and savour.

For a unique option, try the Indigenous Tasting that showcases wines in a whole new light. Six wines from the range are presented with a selection of intriguing local flavours like bokkoms (salt-cured dried fish), biltong (spice-cured dried meat), amasi (fermented milk similar to buttermilk), herbs and spices. The selection is served with roosterkoek (griddle cake).

Delicious platters brimming with local tastes are also available.

Visit https://vergenoegd.co.za/tasting-experiences/ to view options and book.

Wines are also served by the glass in case you’d just like to sip and savour.

Heritage tour

The Vergenoegd Löw Heritage Tour allows visitors to dive deeper into its fascinating landmarks and stories. Highlights include the finely restored homestead and Clara’s Barn, with its impressive 18th century Cape Dutch features. The famous Indian Runner ducks’ waddle across the homestead werf is another major attraction. They and the Dexter cattle that eat the weeds, keep pests away and fertilise the soils naturally. The indigenous gardens featuring Dylan Lewis sculptures and rehabilitated wetlands area show a commitment to biodiversity and have earned the farm WWF Conservation Champion status.

The famous Indian Runner ducks’ waddle across the homestead werf is another major attraction.

Boutique spa

The farm’s luxury spa is located in another fascinating 18th century Cape Dutch building that’s been repurposed. Once the dairy, it’s inspired the team to offer a special milk bath to refresh and revive you. That’s among a range of other treatment options.

Contact them on spa@vergenoegd.co.za to reserve your spot.

The farm’s luxury spa is located in another fascinating 18th century Cape Dutch building that’s been repurposed.

Vergenoegd Löw:

The estate forms part of Stellenbosch, the country’s best-known wine district and belong to the Helderberg Wine Route.

Visit https://vergenoegd.co.za/collection/all/ to purchase their award-winning wines online, with convenient delivery to your door anywhere in South Africa.

Tel: +27 21 843 3248
E-mail: info@vergenoegd.co.za

Address: Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, 1 Faure Road, Somerset West, off R310/Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch Wine Route (Please note, there is a new entrance to Vergenoegd Löw via Old Faure Road. Some maps may still indicate the old entrance in Baden Powell Drive.)

Go to https://vergenoegd.co.za/ for more information and bookings.

Issued by: AUGUST COLLECTIVE

Pictures: SUPPLIED