Vergelegen, the much-loved 324-year-old wine estate in Somerset West, hosted a spectacular celebration on Saturday 19 October to unveil its updated wine range and a stunning new glass marquee.
The much-anticipated event, set against the backdrop of Vergelegen’s extensive gardens and historic trees, drew an enthusiastic gathering of wine lovers, industry experts, and special guests.
Guests included former Vergelegen owner Ilse Barlow, chief executive of Anglo American Duncan Wanblad, and John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture and leader of the Democratic Alliance.
A fleet of vintage and classic cars transported the guests to the historic Octagonal Garden for drinks, snacks, strawberries and cream, before they strolled to the marquee for dinner and to taste the new range of wines.
The wines showcase Vergelegen’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship, further cementing the estate’s reputation as a leader in the sector.
Wayne Coetzer, managing director of Vergelegen, said the wine estate was “the very essence of a fusion of the ancient and the modern” and the function was held “to accomplish a very fundamental objective, and that is to usher in the new without losing sight of the old.”
He said the core value of Vergelegen was the embodiment of the spirit of ubuntu – “I am because you are”.
“Progress is a natural and unstoppable process and it’s therefore up to us to keep those values in place and never lose sight of who we were, who we are, and what we hope to leave behind as a legacy for those that will follow.
The 25 m x 30 m glass marquee, set on a lush lawn near the Lourens River, provides a striking venue for exclusive weddings and corporate functions. It seats a maximum of 400 guests.
The Vergelegen team worked closely with long-established Somerset West company Speed Structures to create the marquee. “Supporting local businesses is important to us,” said Vergelegen hospitality operations manager Sue Steenkamp. “We chose the colour Vergelegen French green, which is soft, beautiful, and blends in perfectly with the surroundings.
“We were in discussions with Speed Structures for about nine months before placing the order. The entire process, from designing the marquee to finalising all details, took over six months.
“Once everything was signed off, there was a ten-week wait for the raw materials, and the structure itself was built in just two weeks. It was a huge task because every detail had to be just right.”
“This business is only as successful as the people you surround yourself with,” concluded Coetzer, acknowledging the hard work of the Vergelegen team. “A big thank you to the locals who support us during the winter months, during hurricanes and floods, droughts and fires. To the trade, who write about our wines, drink our wines, sell our wines, thank you, we know there are so many to choose from, I salute your good taste.”
Vergelegen is open daily to the public. Wines are available at the estate and online at https://vergelegen.co.za/shop-wine/
