 |
| Vergelegen Wine Estate |
This interesting name, Vergelegen, means "situated far away" but it depends where one is coming from as Somerset West is within easy reach of Cape Town these days. Perhaps in the 1700's it was far from the harbour and hence considered so far away, especially by ox-wagon or on horseback!!
The land was originally granted to Simon van der Stel in 1700 - today it is owned by the Anglo-American Group (since 1987)
If you are looking for history, architectural beauty, great gardens, very good wine plus restaurants, this is a special place to find all of the above.
The gardens are truly worth a wander as they encompass many different areas with the "Camellia Garden of Excellence" being the most prized when the blooms are at their best. The huge Camphor trees grace the front of the Homestead which is open to the public and furnished in shades of yesteryear.
The Library houses an amazing collection of books with the oldest being around 1686 and the "old" buildings blend in with the more modern wine tasting building and the Stables Restaurant.
There is nothing better than relaxing under magnificent, ancient camphor trees on a hot summer's day!
The Stables Restaurant is situated in a modern, glass building with stunning views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range.
Camphors Retsaurant offers lunch or dinner (check times) paired with the Estate Wines.
I love visiting wine estates even though I never drink wine! The history behind so many of the Cape Wineries/Homesteads is fascinating, the buildings are often in immaculate condition despite being very old and most have incredible gardens. Thankfully, many of the Wine Estates restaurants now serve beer so I am saved from having to resort to the likes of Appletiser (which I love!) when enjoying a lunch time meal with all my wine drinking buddies!
Vergelegen Wine Estate ticks all of my "boxes" when it comes to a great outing!
 |
| Vergelegen Wine Estate |
© Judelle Drake
