In This Article:
Locals and visitors in search of delectable food and wine, magnificent gardens, history and heritage, and gorgeous lifestyle products will find them all at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West.
Seasonal fare
Food and wine connoisseurs are spoiled for choice with relaxed alfresco options and award-winning wines enjoyed against the backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains.
Picnics
The estate’s much-loved white tablecloth picnics are located in the serene camphor tree forest. Whether you’re in search of a romantic meal for two or a relaxed get-together with family and friends, this is the perfect spot to enjoy sun-ripened flavours in a tranquil environment.
The updated, all-inclusive menu offers favourites such as vichyssoise, local cheeses, and coronation chicken. Booking is essential for standard, vegetarian, vegan and children’s picnics.
The revamped picnic hub, where picnics are served from traditional wicker baskets, now sells delectable homemade ice cream made from fresh local ingredients. There’s also an old-fashioned sweet shop for a taste of nostalgia.
Vergelegen picnics
White tablecloth picnics located in the serene camphor tree forest.
Vergelegen picnic basket
Picnics are served from traditional wicker baskets.
The Rose Terrace Tea Room
The Rose Terrace Tea Room is a charming venue for light breakfasts and lunches, and perfect for an indulgent tea with a choice of delicious cakes, tarts, scones and savouries. Book a table in the classic interior, or opt for outdoor seating with a view of the glorious rose garden.
Book The Rose Terrace Tea Room
Stables Restaurant
The bistro-style Stables Restaurant, renowned for its spectacular mountain backdrop and garden views, is ideal for a date or family gathering. Starters such as oysters, mains like beef sirloin, wood oven pizzas, burgers, and desserts like crème caramel ensure there’s a popular choice for all ages and budgets.
The latest edition of rose-gold-hued Florence Rosé wine, with strawberry and raspberry notes, is the perfect accompaniment for summer meals and picnics.
The Rose Terrace Tea Room at Vergelegen.
Tea and cake in The Rose Terrace Tea Room.
Stables Restaurant at Vergelegen.
Mountain and garden views from Stables Restaurant.
Fun for the young
Young children are kept entertained for hours, enjoying the swings, climbing equipment and trickling water in the outdoor play area, set in the East Garden near Stables. For parents who want to keep little tummies filled, but haven’t time for a sit-down meal, there’s a new pop-up serving pizzas, toasted sandwiches and cooldrinks.
Garden strolls
The summer gardens are spectacular and the Octagonal Garden is a popular starting spot: the lengthy path to the majestic manor house is lined by herbaceous borders showcasing traditional blooms such as foxgloves, delphiniums, Dutch iris, salvia, poppies, nigella and accent grasses.
Summer is also the season to view thousands of agapanthus in bloom, in shades ranging from white to inky purple. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy swathes of hydrangeas, bringing summer colour to the entrance road and library area.
History enthusiasts can explore the beautifully restored homestead, library and information centre, with pictorial panels that detail the estate’s history and famous forebears and visitors.
Guided experiences
A selection of guided tours immerses visitors in the estate’s heritage, viticulture and environment. The Garden and Heritage tour offers a walking journey through the gardens, with stops at the restored Cape Dutch homestead, and historic wine cellar building, now a library housing literary treasures.
The Cellar and Vineyard Tour takes guests in a safari vehicle through vineyards to a multi-level, gravity-flow cellar built into the hillside. Highlights include viewing the underground barrel vault, panoramic views from the roof, and insights into the winemaking architecture.
For nature lovers, the Environmental Tour ventures into the estate’s private nature reserve in an open-top safari vehicle. Learn about conservation practices over the years and the bee and honey project, and possibly view bontebok, rare Rau quagga, eland, black wildebeest and red hartebeest. A wine tasting completes this eco-journey – or book from a choice of standalone wine tastings.
The Environmental Tour at Vergelegen.
Learn about conservation practices on The Environmental Tour.
Wine tasting at Vergelegen.
Book from a choice of wine tastings.
Superb shopping
The Potting Shed Gift Shop is stocked with a handpicked selection of lifestyle and homeware products, and even homegrown plants and rosebushes. A Cape Table cookbook is packed with beautifully illustrated recipes from Vergelegen’s own kitchens, while a selection of homeware and luxurious hand and body care products – inspired by the gardens’ scents, such as wisteria and rose – make perfect gifts.
Vergelegen is quite simply the ultimate summer destination, whatever your age, budget or interests. Every corner of the 350-year-old estate reflects care, creativity and commitment to excellence. It’s a place that captures the essence of summer, inviting visitors to linger, explore, and return again and again.
Find out more: vergelegen.co.za
Address: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West, South Africa
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