Experience the history and charm of our serene Stellenbosch wine estate
Escape to our tranquil farm in Stellenbosch, where luxurious and sustainable experiences await.
This Heritage Month, you’re invited to immerse yourself in the unique stories and experiences of our estate, one of South Africa’s oldest working farms. At Vergenoegd Löw, we cherish our proud, rich history and traditions. At the same time, we’re continuously innovating and looking to grow a more prosperous future, and a world-class destination for visitors, with sustainability an underlying principle in all we do.
There are many fascinating chapters in the epic tale of Vergenoegd Löw, spanning a period of nearly 330 years. The property’s history dates back to 1696: the year the land was granted to Pieter de Vos by the then-governing Dutch East India Company. The DEIC established a refreshment station at the Cape for trading ships on the Spice Route between Europe and the Far East, and by the end of the 17th century released some of their employees from service to establish their own farms and supplement the growing need for provisions. De Vos was clearly enchanted by his new home, as he named the farm Vergenoegd, which means to be contented. He also planted the first vines, a tradition that would continue uninterrupted to this day.
Vergenoegd Löw Heritage collection.
Vergenoegd became a significant producer of wine by the mid-1700s when Pieter de Vos was succeeded as owner by Ferdinand Appel, who increased the plantings to 25 000 vines. His daughter Johanna Appel married Johannes Colijn, who owned vineyards in Constantia. Well-known wine historian Joanne Gibson’s research suggests that Colijn, along with other Constantia wine producers, may have sourced grapes through family ties from non-Constantia farms like Vergenoegd and neighbours to create their internationally famous Constantia wines.
In 1782, the farm was sold to Johan Georg Lochner. For almost a year, between 1786 and 1787, he hosted the artist Jan Brandes who documented life on the farm in his art. These pictorial records would later become a crucial source of information for the team tasked with restoring our historic buildings. Many of the works Brandes created while on the farm are now housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and some reproductions from his large collection can be seen on the estate.
After changing hands several times, the Faure family took over custodianship of the farm in 1820. They were responsible for many advances over almost two centuries in charge, including establishing Vergenoegd’s reputation as a pre-eminent producer of Cabernet Sauvignon in a region renowned for this grape variety. Previous owner John Faure laid a strong foundation for conservation work on the farm and continues to play an active role in this regard.
German historian and heritage specialist, Prof Dr Dr Peter Löw
In 2015, Prof Dr Dr Peter Löw, a noted German historian and heritage specialist, acquired the farm and initiated an extensive revitalisation programme. He has successfully reclaimed the estate’s reputation as a sought-after heritage destination. Under his leadership, Vergenoegd Löw now offers top-class wines, a variety of interactive wine tasting options, two highly-rated restaurants, expansive indigenous gardens, walking and cycling trails plus a luxury boutique hotel and spa.
Our popular Heritage Tour allows visitors to dive deeper into the fascinating landmarks and stories of one of Stellenbosch’s most important heritage sites. Highlights on the tour include our finely restored homestead with its impressive 18th century Cape Dutch features. Our famous Indian Runner ducks’ waddle across the homestead werf is another major attraction. They and our Dexter cattle that eat the weeds, keep pests away and fertilise the soils naturally. It forms part of the farm’s integrated crop management.
Bronze sculptures by local artist Dylan Lewis compliments the landscape.
And don’t forget some of the most unique gardens in Stellenbosch you want to see – our indigenous gardens featuring Dylan Lewis sculptures and our rehabilitated wetlands area show our commitment to biodiversity and have earned us WWF Conservation Champion status. Behold our magnificent vintage car in the Vintage Room and visit Clara’s Barn restaurant – housed in possibly the oldest building on the estate (thought to predate our 1717 manor house).
Geuwels offer casual small-plates for your delight.
A visit to at least one of our two restaurants (the second one, our casual eatery Geuwels,) is a must when visiting Vergenoegd Löw, and will revive your senses like the budding vines springing to life this season. With celebrated chefs Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink at the helm of both establishments, the focus is on modern, exquisitely presented heritage cuisine which celebrates our diverse cultural influences.
South African food personality, Errieda du Toit
Taste their culinary craft this September at our farm, when Drikus, along with South African food personality Errieda du Toit, present special menus celebrating Cape heritage flavours.
Priced at R375 per person for seven small plates to share, the Geuwels,) menu includes a variety of heritage dishes such as Marmite & Huguenot cheese tart with chives, shaved pickled ox tongue with sweet mustard, venison bobotie jaffle with gestoofde vrugte, Vergenoegd uitpakslaai, ystervarkies (rice-and-meatballs) in tomato smoor, sweet potato cinnamon rolls with orange glaze and macadamia nuts, chutney chicken bake, and Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants dry-aged beef with chermoula. Delicious snacks and desserts are also available.
You’ll find our elegant, beautifully balanced and refreshing wines to be very suitable matches for all of these fine dishes.
Go to www.vergenoegd.co.za to make your reservation, or contact the restaurant on geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za or 021 202 4373.
Modern South African dining at Clara’s Barn.
Clara’s Barn will be offering a traditional three-course Sunday lunch on 29 September at 11:00, serving up heritage dishes featured in Errieda’s celebrated cookbook, SAAM. It costs R895 per head, including wine. There are only 30 seats available for this special occasion. Advance booking and pre-payment are required by contacting the restaurant on claras@vergenoegd.co.za or 021 202 4372.
While spending time at our farm, visit the Vergenoegd Löw Homestead Wine Lounge, in our beautifully restored 1717 manor house, and sample our collections of wines, including our Michelangelo trophy-winning Merlot 2022, in a luxurious, tranquil environment. You’ll be well looked after by our resident sommelier George Young. Our wines are structured for longevity, so buy some for enjoying now and others to put away.
Whatever piques your interest and delights your soul, there is something for everyone to discover this Heritage Month at Vergenoegd Löw – Stellenbosch’s cool, low-lying haven of luxury close to the ocean. Here living history, art, hospitality and a synergy with nature combine to create a true state of contentment.
Purchase our award-winning wines online, with convenient delivery to your door anywhere in South Africa.
