{"id":113166,"date":"2024-06-10T08:25:16","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T08:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/?p=113166"},"modified":"2024-06-27T09:31:27","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T09:31:27","slug":"stay-in-elegance-at-vergenoegd-low-wine-estate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/stay-in-elegance-at-vergenoegd-low-wine-estate\/","title":{"rendered":"Stay in Elegance at Vergenoegd L\u00f6w Wine Estate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Stellenbosch, lies the venerable Vergenoegd L\u00f6w Wine Estate. The farm\u2019s story, which began in 1696, is an integral chapter of South Africa’s winemaking history and\u00a0\u2013 under the stewardship of its new-ish custodian, German entrepreneur, Prof Dr. Dr. Peter L\u00f6w \u2013 it has quietly been undergoing a remarkable renaissance. On a recent visit to the estate, we witnessed firsthand some of the changes that have come into play.\"Vergenoegd-Low\"<\/p>\n

New & Improved \u2013 Changes at Vergenoegd L\u00f6w Wine Estate<\/h4>\n

From the moment you enter the grounds, change is evident. The entrance is all-new, completely separate from the original one and takes you up a long driveway past some of the luxury accommodation offerings at the estate.<\/p>\n

Options include four Deluxe Lodge Rooms, located in the restored farm manager’s house, exuding a quiet but definite opulence through modern amenities and tasteful d\u00e9cor. There are also four Vineyard Suites, six free-standing Luxury Cottages, the Presidential Suite, and the Owner\u2019s Villa. If you are after peace and privacy, you cannot go wrong with any of these options. Each has been tastefully designed with that exact idea in mind.

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From the moment you enter the grounds, change is evident.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Our stay afforded us the comfort of a Deluxe Lodge Room, complete with a private hot tub, a well-stocked minibar, and a sumptuous double vanity bathroom. Set amidst the vineyards, it\u2019s both peaceful, pretty and private.\"\"

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<\/div><\/div>\"Vergenoegd-Lo\u0308w-Boutique-Hotel\"<\/p>\n

Die Geuwels Fantasties<\/h4>\n

The culinary offerings at Vergenoegd L\u00f6w are a testament to its commitment to excellence. Geuwels and Clara’s Barn, the estate’s flagship restaurants, blend a fusion of local flavours and innovation, under the umbrella of well-known chef Bertus Basson\u2019s dining group.<\/p>\n

Clara’s Barn pays homage to its namesake, Peter\u2019s wife, with refined fine dining dinner experiences. Geuwels offers both indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast and lunch and features small plates, highlighting unique local flavours. Both restaurants are led by head chef, Drikus Brink.

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After a quiet night\u2019s sleep in our vineyard accommodation, we headed to Geuwels (Afrikaans for Gables) for a farmhouse breakfast of epic proportions. The menu begins with \u2018plates\u2019 with the likes of farm cheeses, charcuterie and seasonal fruit \u2013 this is just the start before you get to a hearty menu of hot options.<\/p>\n

We opted for a Baker\u2019s Basket, which sounds deceiving because what arrived was a large, funky tin lunchbox positively bursting with both freshly baked plain and chocolate croissants, as well as muffins, different types of bread and farm butter.<\/p>\n

After a quiet night\u2019s sleep in our vineyard accommodation, we headed to Geuwels (Afrikaans for Gables) for a farmhouse breakfast of epic proportions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I\u2019m not sure how, but we also managed to order a waffle with bacon, honey butter and fried eggs, which was enormous but delicious. We also made room for a \u2018Bennie & Hennie\u2019, a crisp chicken schnitzel on sourdough with Hollandaise \u2013 a zhushed up and slightly OTT farm-style eggs Benedict \u2013 divine!\"\"<\/p>\n

Wine, Of Course<\/h4>\n

We were treated to an indigenous wine-tasting experience guided by Nuylo; this unique sensory tasting journey celebrates South African flavours. This struck me as the ideal way for tourists to sample things that they otherwise might find hard to come by (unless specifically looking for them) \u2013 things like spekboom, amasi, makatan, roosterkoek and mebos.<\/p>\n

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This is not a pairing but instead, you are invited to taste different things with different wines and find what flavours work for you. This was a refreshing approach that we thoroughly loved.<\/p>\n

We sampled a variety of Vergenoegd L\u00f6w’s wines \u2013 the exceptional quality of their Cabernet Sauvignon came as no surprise, as they have consistently been recognised and awarded for its excellence year after year.<\/p>\n

A Flock of Feathered Friends<\/h4>\n

Yet, amidst the wine and epicurean delights, the famed Indian Runner ducks steal the show at Vergenoegd L\u00f6w. A cherished tradition, these feathered custodians waddle down to the vineyards each morning; their presence is a testament to the estate’s commitment to sustainable viticulture.\"HR-Vergenoegd-Low_Indian-running-ducks_\"<\/p>\n

As natural pest controllers, their role is an important one and they are an integral part of the estate maintaining its WWF Conservation Champion status, and its IPW biodiversity certification. Their daily ritual of snail, slug and bug breakfast keeps the vineyards pest-free in the most natural way possible and epitomises the harmony between nature and nurture.<\/p>\n

…amidst the wine and epicurean delights, the famed Indian Runner ducks steal the show at Vergenoegd L\u00f6w.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you\u2019re visiting for breakfast or lunch, you\u2019ll catch them as they promenade down to the vineyards or when they come back and enjoy a splash under the sprinklers. With a flock of over 1000 ducks, it\u2019s a sight to behold, both for kids and adults alike.\"\"

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Uncovering It All<\/h4>\n

A visit to Vergenoegd L\u00f6w is not merely another wine farm to chalk up, it\u2019s so much more than that.<\/p>\n

Custodian Prof Dr. Dr. Peter L\u00f6w’s commitment to preserving the heritage of the farm, but also catapulting it into this century, is evident everywhere. And from what we understood after chatting to members of the team, there is plenty still to come. Significant efforts have been invested not only in recounting the farm’s complex history but also in implementing innovative practices to ensure its continued prosperity as it moves forward.\"\"<\/p>\n

Custodian Prof Dr. Dr. Peter L\u00f6w’s commitment to preserving the heritage of the farm, but also catapulting it into this century, is evident everywhere.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Whether indulging in a wine tasting, savouring a gourmet meal or catching the runner ducks doing their thing, one thing is certain: Vergenoegd L\u00f6w is a destination where the past and present converge, leaving an indelible impression on all who make time to uncover what it has to offer.<\/p>\n

Treat Yourself this Winter<\/h4>\n

Ready to book your stay? This amazing offer is on until the end of September, what are you waiting for?\"\"<\/p>\n

WINTER WARMTH LUXURY RETREAT OFFER\u00a0<\/b>
\n(Valid from 1 May to 30 September 2024)<\/i><\/p>\n

Two nights including:<\/span><\/p>\n