We are set to introduce a novel way to experience our rich heritage and award-winning wines – a guided walk through the historic core of Vergelegen, with curated wine tastings that reflect the estate’s 325-year-old history at each stop.
Guests start their journey in the Sundial Garden, guided by Arnoux Tredoux, manager of the Vergelegen wine tasting room. After introducing guests to Vergelegen’s storied wine history and current projects, Tredoux leads them through the shady Bamboo Garden to the library, originally a wine cellar built in 1816 by the Theunissen family.
Sir Lionel and Lady Florence Phillips acquired Vergelegen in 1917, and Lady Florence converted the cellar into a library in 1920 to house her husband’s extensive book collection. It currently includes over 4,500 volumes on history, art, science and travel.
Several books date back centuries, including a journal of Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape Colony. He writes of Vergelegen: “I’ve viewed this beautiful place with much amazement.” His son, William Adriaan van der Stel, later acquired the estate, planting half a million vine stocks .
Here, in the library’s classic country house interior of upholstered sofas and polished dark wood, guests taste the tropical notes of the Wild Winds 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, the oldest wine cultivar planted on the farm.
The next stop is the formal rose garden, recently updated with fresh plantings, arbours and elegant seating, where guests sample the recently released 2025 Rosé.
“The strawberry and raspberry notes, with a delicate acidity and rose-gold hue, make this the perfect summer wine for al fresco lunches, braais and picnics,” says Tredoux.
Following a group photograph in the shade of the magnificent homestead camphor trees – declared national monuments in 1942 – guests stroll to the oldest estate garden, the Octagonal Garden.
Legend has it that the high walls once kept lions at bay; now it is a horticultural treasure, with herbaceous borders of traditional blooms such as foxgloves, delphiniums, Dutch iris, salvia, poppies and nigella lining the path to the stately manor house.
It’s the perfect spot to savour the intense aromatics and notes of lemon, rosemary, and apple of the Estate White 2023, a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The East Garden is the next tasting spot, with a backdrop of the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg mountain ranges, and the hilltop winery building, whose octagonal shape mirrors the design of the historic homestead’s walled garden.
We have planted a vineyard block here, featuring Muscat de Fontignan vines. Among them is a remarkable Gross Chenin Blanc vine, grafted from South Africa’s oldest living grapevine, planted over 250 years ago in Cape Town’s Heritage Square.
Guests savour the Estate Red 2021, a Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon blend that reflects our micro-climate and terroir. Cassis, pencil shavings and spice dominate the nose and palate.
The sip and stroll concludes with Reserve Chardonnay 2023 in the wine tasting room. Its notes of zesty citrus, spice, delicate citrus blossoms and a hint of buttered toast complement the rich creaminess of fresh Italian Burrata cheese, atop a light salad.
This novel tour, ideal for a group of eight to ten people, takes place on Friday afternoons from 7 November.
Tour Details
Dates: Friday afternoons at 15:00 (starting on 7 November). For alternative dates, contact Arnoux Tredoux at [email protected].
Time: 15:00, arrive 15 minutes before departure from the wine tasting centre.
Duration: One and a half hours.
Tour includes: Guided walk, bottled water, tasting wine, creamy burrata bowl and a glass of Chardonnay.
Price: R500/person.
Bookings: Email [email protected]
Tour numbers: Minimum two, maximum ten guests.
Estate hours: Monday–Sunday, 08h30–17h00 (last entry 16h00).
Estate entrance fee: R30/adult, R10/scholars and pensioners.