Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West was declared a Western Cape provincial heritage site last year, and has up until now kept vast tracts of its 3000-hectares closed to the public. This is all about to change, with a newly launched environmental tour this Heritage Month.

“With 1900 hectares of the estate promulgated as a private nature reserve with the same protection status as the Kruger National Park, we are now ready to share this environmental success story with our guests.”

Nature lovers can now enjoy via the tour:

• The Vergelegen Nguni Stud, numbering over 400 indigenous cattle;
• Sightings of bontebok, once considered the rarest antelope in the world;
• Possible sightings of five eland, which were recently introduced to Vergelegen as part of the Gantouw Project, a veld management and research programme;
• Indigenous plants and vegetation, and extensive water resources;
• Spectacular scenery ranging from the Hottentots Holland Mountains to views of False Bay; and
• A planned arboretum which will incorporate three kilometres of walkways.

Other attractions available to the public include:

• Eighteen gardens which include five enormous camphor trees that were proclaimed national monuments in 1942, and an old English oak tree which is believed to be the oldest living oak in Africa (approx. 300 years old); and
• A meticulously restored homestead furnished with antiques, porcelain and objets d’art.

Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer says, “With 1900 hectares of the estate promulgated as a private nature reserve with the same protection status as the Kruger National Park, we are now ready to share this environmental success story with our guests.”

Another big attraction for visitors is the opportunity to indulge in some of the estate’s fine wines and food, whether from the elegant Camphors (frequently listed in the Eat Out top ten restaurant awards, and double winner of the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award), the family-friendly Stables, or the Rose Garden Gazebo which offers light treats with casual outdoor seating.

The Wine Tasting Centre is also running some new food and wine pairings:

• Reserve Chardonnay, Reserve Shiraz and Reserve DNA paired with a different style of cured meat for R120 pp
• Vergelegen MMV Brut with strawberries and whipped cream for R65 pp (and also available as an aperitif at Stables)

“Our team looks forward to welcoming you at Vergelegen. The estate was purchased in 1987 with the specific purpose of restoring it as a national treasure for all South Africans to enjoy, so it’s a fitting destination for Heritage Month,” adds Coetzer.

For more details on Vergelegen wine estate and its new tours, please visit www.vergelegen.co.za