A new era for Vergelegen

Winds of change are sweeping across one of Africa’s most celebrated estates, as it enters a new era.

And at its heart, is an astonishing cathedral-like marquee, which will host uber-elegant events into the future – alongside the pristine Lourens River.

Vergelegen estate lies in the lush Somerset West valley, surrounded by an amphitheatre of guardian peaks – watered by more than half a dozen rivers and streams, cascading down from on high.

Named “Far Away”, 324 years ago, the wine estate has now re-launched its wine range – the first major re-brand in more than 30 years.

The new range symbolise the estate’s latest metamorphosis, with a celebration of its precious history, nature and people - who embody its soil and soul, together.

On Saturday October 19, Vergelegen blossomed in a Spring evening soiree, in the company of 250 invited guests.

The “very fundamental objective, and that is to usher in the NEW without losing sight of the OLD,” MD Wayne Coetzer told the enchanted audience.

The MD spoke little of the actual wines, but instead took guests on a meander through Vergelegen's essence, values and culture.

In particular, he honoured Vergelegen’s forebears – including the San, Khoi and Xhosa hunters and farmers, who represented “the very bedrock of our existence and success”.

Mr Coetzer continued through Vergelegen’s more recent past, recalling how it had “hosted the world's movers and shakers - such as the Royal Family, President (Bill) and Mrs (Hillary) Clinton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Edmund Hilliary on the 40th anniversary of his historic climb to the top of Everest, Sir Elton John, whose Aids Benefit Gala Dinner was hosted here” – to name only a few.

And then came the first President of a democratic South Africa.

“It was a boost of infinite proportions when Nelson Mandela visited the estate which in fact he repeated on many occasions, thus giving us his de facto blessing,” Mr Coetzer said.

“His Grace, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a regular visitor, and he too saw and appreciated the contribution of Vergelegen to our heritage.”

In 2019, the estate was declared a Provincial Heritage Site.

“Our history lays out our future and the present is our dedication to that future,” Mr Coetzer explained.

“Vergelegen is by any measure, the very essence of a fusion of the ancient and the modern. This synergy brings together the two eras that form the very essence of our raison d'etre or, our reason for being.

“I believe Vergelegen has proven that progress is not a vulgar word, but if managed correctly and nurtured with passion, a force for good in a precarious and threatened world.”

Above all, Mr Coetzer honoured Vergelegen’s people.

“This business is only as successful as the people you surround yourself with,” he said, acknowledging the full Vergelegen team.

“So, this day, we look to our future with a total commitment to success - born of innovation, dedication, enthusiasm, imagination and, most importantly, a declaration of personal intent of every member of our team directed to the collective goal of that ever-elusive state of perfection.

"I would like to thank my executive staff, and every member of our team at every level, who contribute so selflessly to the success of Vergelegen, without whom we would achieve little.”

Also, to the people of Somerset West, the Helderberg, the Winelands, greater Cape Town: “A big thank you to the locals who support us during the winter months, during hurricanes and floods, droughts and fires.

“To the trade, who write about our wines, drink our wines, sell our wines, thank you, we know there are so many to choose from, I salute your good taste," to laughing applause.

To create the 10m-high, 25m x 30m glass marquee, set on a lush lawn near the Lourens River, the Vergelegen team worked closely with long-established Somerset West company, Speed Structures, to create the marquee.

“Supporting local businesses is important to us,” said Vergelegen hospitality operations manager, Sue Steenkamp. “We chose the colour Vergelegen French green, which is soft, beautiful, and blends in perfectly with the surroundings.

Guests included former Vergelegen owner Ilse Barlow, chief executive of Anglo American Duncan Wanblad, and John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture.