Recently acquired by new owners, Stellenbosch wine estate, Vergenoegd (say: Ferr-gge-noo-ggd – with a guttural ‘g’), was established in 1773 and has evolved many a farm ritual over the centuries. Already much-loved for its family-friendly welcome and famous Duck Parade, the new owners have an exciting vision for the estate.

Drawing on the rural way of life that defines the rhythm of an old estate, Vergenoegd is slowly being transformed to give visitors a first-hand experience of the skills and time-held knowledge that inform farming and wine making.

The aim is to create a journey of unique experiences for each and every visitor, along with memories that last a lifetime.

Sure to be a popular visit for those curious about food origins and creation, here’s what to expect on a visit to Vergenoegd:

Artisanal Picnics

Packed with hand-crafted, handmade and freshly picked farm-grown produce, Vergenoegd’s picnic is infused with the traditional flavours of South African food and draws on the products created and sold on the farm. Visitors can expect an ever-changing menu and plenty of gourmet discoveries as they feast in comfort on the farm’s peaceful lawns.
Picnics are available from the 1st of December 2015 and should be ordered in advance.
R450 for a picnic for two - including a bottle of Vergenoegd Runner Duck Wine and a bottle of water. Picnic blankets are available or guests can opt for a table.

Duck Parade:

Ducks are integral to the Vergenoegd Experience, and are not only a delight to watch but also play an important part in the farming as an eco-friendly way to deal with snails amongst the vineyards. Experience the Indian Runner Ducks as they bustle off to ‘work’ and go about their busy lives as pest-control experts. Fresh, free-range duck eggs are for sale too.

Interactive Wine Blending, Olive Oil Blending, Tea Blending and Coffee Blending:

Learn about the source and technique of the Cape’s best food and drink products in a hands-on educational blending experience. Experience wines from Vergenoegd Wine Estate, olive oils from the Western Cape’s Swartberg region, coffees from throughout Africa and an infusion of tea tastes and storytelling. 

Personalised blended products will be available for purchase to take home after the blending experience. 
These experiences will be available from 1 December 2015, in the historic Manor House and start from R75 per person. 

Wine Tasting:

Experience a range of Vergenoegd’s varietals and vintages from 2006 to 2010 in a highly informative tasting with the option of a cellar tour.
Taste eight wines for R35 or five wines for R20
Wines are available for sale.

By 2017, the farm will also boast a farm-to-fork style restaurant and many other exciting experiences are in the pipeline.

FAST FACTS

Vergenoegd means “satisfaction has been achieved” and is derived from the old language of the early Dutch settlers who established the farm
Throwing the spotlight on water for both agricultural sustainability and as a habitat for indigenous water birds, Vergenoegd has initiated a project to create a Waterbird Habitat Conservation Project
Buchu tea – one of the teas in the tea blending has rigorous medicinal properties, such as fending off colds and aiding liver function
Indian Runner Ducks also consume mosquito pupae so are an ally for restful summer nights
The Vergenoegd Manor House is a registered historical monument
Stellenbosch is 25 minutes by car from central Cape Town

www.vergenoegd.co.za
info@vergenoegd.co.za
+27 21 843 3248