Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is embracing the cooler seasons with an exciting line-up of events, culinary specials and wine experiences designed to boost creativity and the enjoyment of seasonal produce and flavours.
Creative winter workshops
Book now for a series of engaging, expertly guided workshops in the beautiful setting of Café Fleur.
Each session includes materials and a high tea, perfect for a relaxed, inspiring outing.
• Wednesday 25 June: All about roses with Marie – Join Marie Favard for a walk through Vergelegen’s renowned rose garden and discover everything about rose care, from pruning and soil health to seasonal rose wisdom.
• Thursday 17 July: Introduction to botanical pencil drawing – Sally Arnold, a master botanical artist, leads this inspiring pencil-sketching workshop focused on capturing the beauty of plants and leaves through detailed observation.
• Wednesday 6 August: Cyanotype printing – Claudia Schneider of Lady & Co guides participants through the magical process of cyanotype printing. This creative photographic technique uses sunlight to produce striking blue-toned prints.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, garden lover or curious beginner, these workshops offer the perfect winter escape. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Comforting winter indulgence
Stables restaurant serves hearty winter dishes guaranteed to beat the chill.
Guests can enjoy:
• a traditional Sunday roast featuring roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and classic sides, complete with a glass of wine;
• a soup starter with any main course; a breakfast special of a croissant with scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee; and
• two- and three-course dinner options which include Vergelegen favourites like bobotie and oxtail, including a glass of Heritage Range wine.
Dinners are served Thursday to Saturday evenings during May and June. Reservations are recommended.
Guided tastings of memorable wines
The estate also offers a range of specially crafted wine tastings.
• Thursday 31 July: discover the Rhône Valley – journey through the Rhône region with a selection of wines that showcase the area’s signature grape varieties and styles.
• Thursday 4 September: Italian Renaissance – savour classic Italian wine styles and varieties, including those from the prestigious Nobile Collezione, in an elegant, informative tasting.
• Thursday 16 October: Meet the winemaker – join Vergelegen winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain for a guided tasting in the estate’s wine cellar. Gain insider knowledge of winemaking processes and sample standout Vergelegen wines.
Each tasting session, at a cost of R750 per person, starts with a glass of wine on arrival and canapés.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your wine journey, these intimate events offer a perfect opportunity to explore exceptional wines in the company of passionate experts.
New daily offerings
Apart of the specially crafted guided tasting on offer at Vergelegen, the estate also presents daily offerings at its Tasting Room.
• Vinoteque tasting: Enjoy a glass of wine on arrival plus four vintage wines for R475 per person. This is a rare opportunity to taste well-aged wines.
• Cheese and charcuterie board: Enjoy a selection of local cheeses such as Simond and 12-month matured Huguenot, plus pancetta and homemade preserves, served with herb sourdough crackers. This at a cost of R295 per person.
Vergelegen Wine Estate is open daily from 08:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00). The entrance fee is R20 per adult, R10 for pensioners and scholars. Pensioners enter free of charge on Mondays.
For more information on the estate and all its offerings during the cooler months, visit https://vergelegen.co.za/.
