Vergelegen

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Historic wine estate in South Africa

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Location	Somerset West, South Africa
Coordinates	34°04 S°18
Wine region
Appellation	Stellenbosch
Formerly
Other labels
Founded
First vines planted	1700

Vergelegen is a historic wine estate located in Somerset West, near Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The estate is renowned for its rich history, beautiful gardens, and high-quality wines.

History

Vergelegen was established in 1700 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel, the son of Simon van der Stel, the then Governor of the Cape Colony. The name "Vergelegen" means "situated far away" in Dutch, reflecting its remote location at the time of its founding.

The estate has a storied history, having changed hands several times over the centuries. It was initially developed as a model farm by van der Stel, who planted extensive vineyards, orchards, and gardens. However, his autocratic rule and monopolistic practices led to his recall to the Netherlands in 1706.

In the 20th century, Vergelegen was acquired by the Anglo American Corporation, which undertook significant restoration efforts to preserve its historical buildings and gardens. Today, Vergelegen is a popular tourist destination and a working wine estate.

Vineyards and Wines

Vergelegen's vineyards are planted with a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The estate is particularly known for its flagship wine, Vergelegen V, a Bordeaux-style blend that has received numerous accolades.

The estate employs modern viticultural techniques and sustainable farming practices to produce high-quality wines. Vergelegen's wines are distributed internationally and have a strong reputation in the global wine market.

Gardens and Architecture

Vergelegen is famous for its beautifully landscaped gardens, which include a Camphor forest, a rose garden, and a formal herb garden. The estate's historic buildings, such as the Homestead and the Library, have been meticulously restored and are open to the public.

The Homestead, a Cape Dutch style building, serves as a museum showcasing the estate's history and the life of its early inhabitants. The Library houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to the history of the Cape Colony.

Tourism and Activities

Vergelegen offers a range of activities for visitors, including wine tastings, cellar tours, and guided walks through the gardens. The estate also hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and food festivals.

The estate's restaurant, The Vergelegen Restaurant, offers fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal produce. There is also a more casual bistro, The Stables, which provides a relaxed dining experience with views of the surrounding vineyards.

See also

• Wine regions of South Africa
• Cape Dutch architecture
• History of South Africa
• Stellenbosch