We are one of South Africa's oldest working farms with an unbroken tradition of growing and making wines for almost 330 years.
But of course, our past extends way before then. From archaeological research we are learning more and more about the impact of the ancient seabed on which we lie and how it influences our Stellenbosch wines.
Our documented history begins in 1696, the year the land was granted to Pieter de Vos by the Dutch East India Company, the local authority at the time. Coming here today, it's not hard to see why De Vos chose to call his property Vergenoegd (in those days sometimes spelled as Vergenoegt). The Dutch name means "to be content or well-satisfied".
You can't miss the unmistakable Cape Dutch architectural style when you visit the estate. The centerpiece is our 1773 homestead bearing the name Vergenoegt. (Recently, some specialists have been telling us we've been reading the date all wrong. It's 1713. We can't say for sure.) Declared a national monument, it has as centre gable, thatched roof, thick, whitewashed walls, casement windows, bottle-green painted frames and then as you enter, beams made of indigenous wood. You will even find a restored version of the original low, white-washed perimeter wall (ringmuur), so strongly associated with 18th and 19th century rural architecture at the Cape.
The architectural heritage specialists appointed to undertake the restoration were in the very fortunate position of being able to refer to early renditions of Vergenoegd made by visiting watercolourist Jan Brandes, who spent a year on the farm between 1786 and 1787. Some of these works have been reproduced and enlarged for estate visitors to see. Brandes also documented plant and bird life on the farm. The originals can be found in the Rijk's Museum, Amsterdam in The Netherlands, as he is considered an artist of considerable importance.
The foods we serve reflex the influences of our Khoekhoen, Dutch, French, East Indies and African forebears.
When Dr Peter Löw bought Vergenoegd in 2015, he began an exciting new program of revitalisation. A prominent German entrepreneur, philanthropist, historian, cultural and heritage advocate, he recognised the potential in a once proud but run-down wine farm. He found a complex of early buildings that, although dilapidated, were still largely intact. Everything he encountered here led him to believe the property had all the building blocks to produce great wines, to offer high-end dining and hospitality, and a range of intriguing experiences.
What he envisaged and has brought to life, is an intimate wine tourist destination in an authentic working farm setting abounding in natural beauty and scenery: an idyllic enclave that honours the past in a fresh and contemporary way; and that through our wines, expresses a true taste of place with grace and depth.
Dr Löw has successfully reclaimed the reputation of our 160ha estate as an esteemed heritage site. Previously known for our wines, we are now also recognised for our luxury hospitality. He has harnessed high-level technology as well as the skills and insights of specialists in soil mapping, regenerative agriculture, in wine, heritage, architectural restoration, landscaping and exclusive hospitality.
Through his investment, the renamed Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate Boutique Hotel & Spa has joined the pedegreed portfolio of European Heritage Project with its privately-owned luxury properties in Germany, Austria, Italy and Malta.
As a WWF Conservation Champion, we know what it takes to promote biodiversity and sustainability and to use water wisely.
You'll notice it in our indigenous gardens and the vlei, teeming with a variety of local plant and bird life. For added interest we've introduced sculptures by the renowned Dylan Lewis that highlights the dynamic relationship between humans and nature.
We farm regeneratively to promote soil health and life, to make us more climate-resistant, to maximise the advantages of our location and to better express the flavours of our grapes. We follow a mixed farming approach, establishing insectary plants between the vines. They help to moderate soil and vine temperatures, to retain soil moisture, sequester carbon and bind nitrogen, while also making us less reliant on irrigation and fertilisers.
Our Indian Runner ducks and Dexter cattle devour pests that might impact vine health and they eat weeds, while their waste enriches the soils. Such integrated pest management reduces the need for pesticides.
We are less than 5km away from False Bay. The maritime breezes keep temperatures on average around 3°C lower than elsewhere in the Stellenbosch area, allowing for slow ripening of the grapes with concentrated flavours. We also lie on an ancient seabed, which is how we come to have such lime-rich soils, an unusual attribute for the area. To make the most of these advantages, and after extensive soil analyses, we have been replanting our vineyards since 2017. We now have just over 50ha under vine.
By focusing so much of our efforts on growing beautifully balanced, healthy grapes, we can take a low-intervention approach in the cellars. We believe you can taste the impact in our restrained, precise and balanced wines with their hallmark whisper of salinity.
