WHY ARE THERE DUCKS AT VERGENOEGD LÖW?
Long-necked Indian Runner ducks were introduced to the farm way back in 1989, by the previous owner John Faure. They form part of an integrated pest management programme. The ducks eat snails, insects and even weeds in the vineyards that might otherwise harm the vines. They reduce the need for pesticides. They also fertilise and add life to the soil. That in turn, makes the vines more climate resilient. In other words: they cope better with some of the extreme weather patterns the Western Cape is experiencing.
The ducks also eat aquatic weeds in our vlei. They are such a successful part of our back-to-nature regenerative farming that we even breed them for neighbouring farmers to use in the same way.
John Faure, who started the duck programme still breeds these hard-working birds for us.
WHEN CAN YOU SEE THE DUCKS AT VERGENOEGD LÖW?
Every morning, seven days a week, promptly at 09:00 and then again at 12:00, you can watch the ducks cross the lawn as they waddle off to work in the vineyards. It takes about 15 minutes for them to pass the spectators who watch them on their way.
MUST YOU BOOK TO SEE THE DUCKS AT VERGENOEGD LÖW?
There’s no need to book and there’s no charge for watching the ducks. But what can really be enjoyable is to watch from our restaurant Geuwels, open daily for breakfast and small-plate lunches.
It is always advisable to book for the restaurant, or call 021 202 4373/ email: geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za
WHY DO THE VERGENOEGD LÖW DUCKS WEAR DIFFERENT COLOURED LEG RINGS?
That’s because each duck is registered with the Western Cape Poultry Club. And we therefore identify each one and make sure they are healthy, happy and on top form.
The South African Show Poultry Association (SASPO) issues different coloured rings each year. These rings feature the relevant year and a unique number and are worn by all poultry entered into shows. This makes each bird traceable and proves how old they are. The Western Cape Poultry Club get our rings from SASPO each year.
CAN YOU BUY DUCKS FROM VERGENOEGD LÖW?
We don’t sell the ducks to the public. We consider them vital members of the team as they protect the vineyards from snails and insects. They even eat some of the weeds.
But we do offer ducks to neighbouring farms, that “employ” them as we do.
CAN YOU BRING A PICNIC TO VERGENOEGD LÖW WHEN WATCHING THE DUCKS?
As we offer light meals at Geuwels we don’t make up picnic baskets for guests. We also ask guests to please make use of the restaurant, so no picnics are permitted.
You might also want to try a local cheese and specialty charcuterie platter for two in the Wine Lounge and watch the ducks from this great vantage point. And, talking of wine, why not pop in for one of our white, red or design-your-own tastings of our superb wines.
CAN YOU BRING PETS TO VERGENOEGD LÖW?
As we are a working farm with animals of our own, we ask guests to please keep their pets at home. Like us, we are sure you don’t want any harm to come to our ducks or cattle. And we wouldn’t want your beloved dog or other pets to get into a scrape with any of our animals.
IS VERGENOEGD LÖW WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?
Absolutely. We have ramps and other easy-access points because we want everyone to feel relaxed and contented (Vergenoegd means contented) when they come to visit us here.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS LOAD SHEDDING? CAN I STILL VISIT VERGENOEGD LÖW AS PLANNED?
You certainly can. We have our own, independent power supply (mostly thanks to our solar panels), so come right ahead. We look forward to your visit.
WHAT ARE VERGENOEGD LÖW’S OPERATING HOURS?
We are open to the public every day, Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00.
The tasting room runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00
For restaurant opening times, please refer to Geuwels or Clara’s Barn.
CAN GUESTS COME TO VERGENOEGD LÖW FOR WINE TASTINGS?
Very much so. We look forward to sharing our lovely wines. You don’t have to book for these tastings, available every day of the week, but you might prefer to, to avoid any waiting. We offer a tasting of our red wines, another of our white wines or you can chat to our friendly staff, and they will help you make up a selection of wines to suit your palate. The tasting room runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00
View our wine tasting options.
MUST YOU BOOK FOR A WINE TASTING AT VERGENOEGD LÖW?
Booking isn’t essential. So, if you are in the area and the mood takes you or you feel like surprising those with you, by all means drive in. You will always be welcome. We do advise booking though, more for your own convenience, so you don’t have to wait around. Book online.
The tasting room runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
HOW MUCH DOES A WINE TASTING AT VERGENOEGD LÖW COST?
Prices start at R90 per person.
See the full list of our wine tasting experiences and book online.
WHICH ARE THE FARMS NEIGHBOURING VERGENOEGD LÖW?
Close by, are Meerlust and Usana. Of the three, we are closest to the sea. The cooling ocean breezes bring down the temperature on the farm, which is at least 3ᵒ C cooler than elsewhere in Stellenbosch. Grapes ripen slowly, with beautifully balanced, concentrated and layered flavours. You can taste it in our wines.
IS VERGENOEGD LÖW ON BADEN POWELL DRIVE?
You do take the Baden Powell Drive exit (exit 33) from the N2 or from Muizenberg. As you drive in the direction of Stellenbosch, turn right at the Old Faure Road exit and then follow the Vergenoegd Löw signs. You’ll be amazed how quick the drive is.
If you are driving from Stellenbosch, take Adam Tas Road (R310) heading southeast. Continue for approximately 8 kilometers as you head towards Somerset West. At the intersection turn right onto Baden Powell Drive (R310). Continue for about 12 kilometers. Vergenoegd Löw wine estate will be on your left-hand side. Look out for the signs indicating the entrance to the estate.
DOES UBER DRIVE TO VERGENOEGD LÖW?
You can use any ride hailing app or taxi to reach us.
DO YOU OFFER A WINERY SHUTTLE SERVICE?
Fortunately, there are many independent wine tour shuttle services. Amongst those we recommend are:
But it all depends on where you are coming from.
DOES VERGENOEGD LÖW ACCEPT CHILDREN?
Most of us have families of our own, so we understand that you want your children to spend time with you when you are relaxing and having fun. Young children are usually thrilled by the ducks. You can watch them daily at exactly 09:00 or 12:00 when they waddle across the grass on their way to work in the vineyards. Our casual eatery Geuwels offers small, light dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch and people love watching the ducks from this excellent vantage point.
Booking is essential.
Make your Geuwels reservation here or call 021 202 4373/ email: geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za
CAN I STILL EAT AT THE VERGENOEGD LÖW RESTAURANTS IF I HAVE FOOD INTOLERANCES?
We always ask that you let us know of your dietary requirements or those of your guests when you make a booking
Geuwels tel: 021 202 4373/ email: geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za
Clara's Barn tel: 021 202 4373/ email: claras@vergenoegd.co.za
We try as far as possible to accommodate all our guests and offer vegetarian and vegan options.
DOES VERGENOEGD LÖW OFFER PRIVATE VENUES AND FACILITIES FOR WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS?
We can accommodate up to 80 guests for any private event and provide all the necessary catering you require. We have our own private chapel on the estate, as well as a vintage vehicle, if you would like to make use of these facilities. We even have our own special Cap Classique Chenin Blanc bubbly made in the traditional Champenoise way, to enhance your festivities even further. Not to mention our very prestigious Livia MCC! In fact, all our lovely wines.
View our different wedding venues.
CAN THE WEDDING PARTY STAY OVER AT VERGENOEGD LÖW?
Absolutely. Our Boutique Hotel & Spa has 15 luxury couples’ suites, six luxury cottages with two bedrooms and the Presidential Suite with two bedrooms that can be booked out (depending on availability) for your occasion. That gives overnight accommodation for up to 44 people.
Explore our Boutique Hotel & Spa to find out more.
CAN VERGENOEGD LÖW HOST CONFERENCES?
We can take up to 80 guests. Just call +27 (0)21 843 3248 to discuss your needs. For multi-day events, we can accommodate 21 couples and can let you know of other exclusive accommodation close by.
IS VERGENOEGD LÖW A WINE FARM ONLY?
We are one of South Africa’s oldest working farms and having been growing vines since Pieter de Vos, the founder was granted the title deed to the property in 1696 by the Dutch East India Company. Much has changed since then but wine growing and wine making are still our most important farming pursuits. We also farm with Indian Runner ducks and Dexter cattle as part of our regenerative farming focus and our integrated pest management programme.
And we are home to a very exclusive Boutique Hotel and Spa.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT YOU FOLLOW REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURAL PRINCIPLES? To promote biodiversity and to add life to our soils, we run as a multi-crop and diverse farming estate. We have 51ha planted to vine. We also grow cover crops between the vines to attract insects, bind nitrogen to the soil and to sequester carbon. We farm with Indian Runner ducks and Dexter cattle as part of our regenerative farming practices. They fertilize the soil, eat some of the insects and weeds in the vineyards, and they form part of our integrated pest management programme. Farming regeneratively lets us save water, reduce artificial inputs, bring back life to the soil, encourage climate-resilience and grow beautiful grapes that translate into beautiful wine.