Situated on the fringes of the scenic Stellenbosch winelands and industrial suburbia, the historic Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate needs little introduction. This historic Cape wine farm has rich, award-winning winemaking roots.
Dating as far back as 1696, the farm also safeguards a vibrant Cape heritage. It has seen generations of winemaking- and farming-excellence shape its award-winning foundation.
In recent months, this Stellenbosch wine farm has undergone a major overhaul. These enhancements have seen new life breathed into the estate. With everything from exciting new eateries and a firm element of sustainability carefully woven into its day-to-day operations.
More than that though, this beautiful wine farm offers visitors a truly tranquil experience. In this review, I share my brief experience of this stellar Stellenbosch estate.
The Indian Runner Ducks have a New Role at Vergenoegd Löw, the Wine Estate
To many, this farm used to be known for its famous Indian Runner Duck Parade. And while the ducks still call the estate home, they have taken on a more sustainable, relaxed role in its vineyards and fields. Importantly, it is here that they keep insects and other pests at bay.
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This is because the estate prioritises leaving as light a footprint on the earth as possible. Everything from recycling, biodegradable packaging to solar power and low water drip irrigation systems play an important role here.
As a result, Vergenoegd Löw has proudly earned the honourable WWF Conservation Champion Status. (Among other sustainable accolades.)
Personally, I am delighted that the estate has made this switch. (Although I know many visitors are sad and disappointed to no longer see the 1000-duck flock.) Because, when you consider the good that the ducks are doing and their more relaxed lifestyle, it is worth it.
New Eateries that Wow at Vergenoegd Löw
Since 2021, Vergenoegd Löw has seen the unveiling of two stunning new eateries in Geuwels and Clara’s Barn.
These restaurants fall under the ever-expanding umbrella of top chef, Bertus Basson’s food establishments. Although it is important to note that both eateries are headed up by talented chef Drikus Brink.
Chef Drikus was formerly of Overture Restaurant and also co-owns Geuwels, so he needs no introduction in the food scene.
Family restaurant, Geuwels, takes a relaxed, elegantly rustic approach to food. This elegant, yet homely restaurant serves hearty, seasonally inspired breakfasts, small plate lunches and casual picnics. Farm picnics are perfectly enjoyed on the estate’s expansive, picturesque lawns.
Clara’s Barn, meanwhile, enjoys a more sophisticated, suave edge. Despite being situated inside one of the Western Cape’s oldest barns.
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Restaurant Opening Times and Contact Information
Geuwels is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 08:00 am – 11:00 for breakfast and from 11:30 am – 15:30 pm for lunch.
Picnics can be enjoyed from 12:00 – 16:00 pm but these must be ordered a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
For more information, please contact: +27 (021) 202 43 73, geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za.
Clara’s Barn is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 – 14:30 pm and for dinner from Friday – Saturday, 18:00-20:00 pm.
For more information, please contact: +27 (021) 202 4372, claras@vergenoegd.co.za or visit bertusbasson.com.
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Beautiful Breakfasts at Geuwels
I have not yet personally had the privilege of dining at Clara’s Barn but Geuwels provided one of my more memorable dining experiences.
I visited for a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, roosterkoek, smoked pork belly and cherry tomatoes (easy 10/10).
During my visit, I also enjoyed an excellent cappuccino (9/10). Both the food and coffee is some of the best I have had and the setting is beautiful.
Geuwels (Gables) is essentially split into two indoor sections – along with the open-kitchen section in the middle. One is the unmistakably eye-catching Duck Room, while the other pleasantly overlooks the estate grounds and Geuwels’ lovely outdoor seating.
Wine Tasting in Style in a National Monument
Across the vast lawn from Geuwels, the estate’s wine tasting enjoys a stunning location in the beautifully restored Cape Dutch homestead. (Along with the stately outbuildings, this building was declared a National Monument in 1974.)
Vergenoegd Löw offers award-winning wines from four distinctive wine ranges. (Light refreshments can be enjoyed with your wines; these are prepared by Geuwels.)
Touchingly, some of the wines have also been redeveloped, re-labelled and relaunched and now are named after Professor Dr. Dr. Löw’s children. Clara’s Barn, meanwhile, is named after his wife.
Wine tastings are available from 08:00 am – 16:00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
To book a wine tasting or for more information, please contact: reservations@vergenoegd.co.za.
You can either enjoy tastings in the Homestead or out on the charming porch, which overlooks the werf gardens, distant dam and lawns.
Each room in the Homestead has been revitalised. I love that guests are free to explore it and respectfully snap photos (just please switch your flash off).
The rooms proudly display a mix of antiquated and modern furnishings. Undoubtedly, these complete the impressive, yet snug scene.
Additionally, on selected Saturdays (usually every second Saturday, if I am not mistaken) between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, talented multi-instrumentalist and solo pianist Riaan Nieuwenhuis magically plays the antique 1872 grand Collard & Collard piano. I unfortunately left before his arrival but this is something I must still experience.
Thrilling Functions Venue
In addition to this, the Homestead also doubles as a thrilling functions venue. In time, the estate will host weddings and conferencing. Until then, the estate caters to kiddies’ parties and other small gatherings.
Alternatively, there is outdoor seating on the verandah, overlooking the gorgeous gardens and distant lake area.
How the Estate Rated Overall
I enjoyed an excellent breakfast at Geuwels before exploring the grounds and Homestead. I have to say, my first visit to this estate impressed from start to finish.
Although I have not yet tried the estate wines or dined at Clara’s Barn, based off my visit and breakfast at Geuwels, I can safely say that everyone should visit Vergenoegd Löw the Wine Estate.
This estate does not have any specific children’s play areas but there is plenty of room to run and explore with its beautiful gardens and vast lawns.
Plus, Geuwels and the estate picnics are family-friendly and designed to be enjoyed with those you love.
Overall, I was very impressed by Vergenoegd Löw the Wine Estate and I am delighted to have finally explored this Stellenbosch wine farm.
Everything from the service, cuisine, setting and picture-perfect Cape Dutch architecture makes this estate highly memorable.
Contact Information
For more information on Vergenoegd Löw the Wine Estate, please contact: +27 (021) 843 3248 or email them at webmaster@vergenoegd.co.za.
You can also visit their website or find them for yourself at Vergenoegd Löw the Wine Estate, 1 Vergenoegd Road, Faure, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.
Vergenoegd Löw the Wine Estate is also on all leading social media platforms, so be sure to connect with and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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