Vergelegen winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain (left) and managing director Wayne Coetzer (right) toast the opening of the 4 226 m² warehouse.
Vergelegen Wine Estate has announced the completion of its new, purpose-built wine warehouse, a major investment that strengthens the Somerset West estate’s long-term operational capacity and reinforces its position as one of South Africa’s premium wine producers.
The 4 226 m² facility can accommodate over two million bottles of wine, providing substantially expanded storage and creating a centralised hub for distribution, logistics and quality control.
The layout includes an 890 m² dedicated tractor facility and a 150 m² maintenance workshop, purpose-built to support vineyard operations and improve overall efficiency.
Designed and constructed by NK Construction, the project was delivered in just seven months. In line with Vergelegen’s sustainability principles, the building incorporated reused and upcycled materials sourced from the farm and surroundings, including steel and paving.
The location, near the hilltop winery, was selected to minimise any visual or environmental impact. Strategically situated out of sight and sheltered from prevailing winds, the warehouse blends seamlessly into its surroundings among the vineyards and sheltering trees.
Managing director Wayne Coetzer says this investment is the latest demonstration of the estate’s ongoing commitment to ensuring world-class wine quality in every bottle.
Vergelegen initiated a significant restoration and development programme after the estate was purchased in 1987. Following intensive soil and climatic tests, new vineyards were planted, and the multi-level, sunken winery was opened in 1992 by Baron Eric de Rothschild of Château Lafite.
The first vintage under this new stewardship was harvested in 1992, and the estate soon gained local and international recognition as a top wine producer.
Owning and controlling its own warehouse is the latest milestone in the strategic enhancement of operations, says Coetzer.
“Having our own warehouse gives us the flexibility to tailor operations to our specific needs, from layout to picking strategies. We have designed the space to suit our workflows, product range, and business model.
“Controlling our own inventory allows real-time stock tracking, reduces shrinkage, and, most importantly, improves service delivery to our customers, enabling faster and more accurate order fulfilment.
“While the initial investment was significant, owning the warehouse will reduce long-term costs by avoiding third-party storage fees and generating revenue through more streamlined operations.”
Winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain added: “The warehouse is a huge step forward for the estate, giving us full control of our production chain and reinforcing our commitment to uncompromising quality.”
Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, commented that the new facility shows confidence in the South African wine industry. “Hot on the heels of CapeWine 2025, the largest wine trade show in the Southern Hemisphere, the new Vergelegen facility sends a signal that South African wine is ready to take its seat at the international table of premium wine producers.
“The new facility builds on the tradition of excellent winemaking and intentional balancing of nature and business that has come to typify Vergelegen’s approach to achieving excellence in all it undertakes.
“Vergelegen is a unique destination where you not only experience award-winning gardens, wonderful heritage, amazing restaurants and game viewing, but also some of the very best wines on offer in the Cape.”