Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, one of South Africa's most esteemed wineries, is in the midst of a remarkable revival – thanks to Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter Löw, who has generously invested in the estate's restoration. General manager Corius Visser and his dedicated team are skillfully steering the estate back to its former glory, with an unwavering commitment to excellence in every detail.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Löw's dedication to heritage is not confined to this estate. He owns a collection of historic buildings across Europe and founded the European Heritage Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at rejuvenating these significant structures.
The estate recently hosted the launch of the book Reds, racehorses and runner ducks: an African wine journey from 1696, a showcase of the farm’s unique heritage. The project overseen by the late Pieter Cronje. Although Pieter sadly passed away prior to the book’s debut, his passion and meticulous attention to detail are vividly captured in its pages. The author, Joanne Gibson, was honored with Jancis Robinson's 2023 Wine Writer of the Year award on the very day of the launch.
To complete the memorable event, Chef Bertus Basson curated a delicious wine pairing menu at Clara's Barn, named in homage to Prof. Dr. Dr. Löw's wife. Winemaker Vusi Dalicuba hand-picked wines from Vergenoegd Löw's special collection to go with the menu.
The blending of culinary artistry, respect for history, and a commitment to quality marks the promising new chapter Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate is embarking upon – a chapter that is set to be as distinguished as its rich heritage.
Foreword of ‘Reds, racehorses and runner ducks’
"For over three centuries, the soil of Vergenoegd has, at times, produced wonderful wines.
In years of success when this estate was thriving with people, farming, and well-kept buildings, it was a place of pride, a positive influence extending to the surrounding communities. Sadly, this is not what we found in 2015 when we first set foot here.
It was run down and dilapidated in places. Our impression was that people had lost their pride in the farm. It was a sad environment. Investments had not been made for years. Yet, somehow, Vergenoed still retained the promise of its heyday.
We saw from our experience in Europe, at the royal castles, medieval monasteries, renaissance palaces and other heritage buildings that we foster in our portfolio, that this wine estate was something unique and worthwhile. When we found out that it was one of the oldest wine farms of its kind in South Africa, we thought it could be a typical initiative for our European Heritage Project, even if it was outside Europe.
The decision was made to give Vergenoegd the care, investment and hard work needed to restore its true character and potential. It was a calculated deed of faith. Champion red wines in its past and a rich, chequered history of vriburgher (free citizen) owners followed by six generations of the Faure family made it a fascinating, if challenging project.
Quality, excellence and perfection became the mantra for restoring the vineyards, the farmstead and, ultimately, the spirit of the people.
Gathering the harvest in February 2022 clearly showed the progress on many fronts. As each team member stepped forward to empty their basket of grapes into the cellar crusher, the people of Vergenoed Löw rediscovered their own connection and that of their forefathers with this living, breathing wine estate..."
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter Löw
To purchase a copy of Reds, racehorses and runner ducks, visit the Vergenoegd Löw tasting room.
Photos: Sean Gibson