Evaluate: Vergenoegd Löw, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, South Africa

With over 700 vineyards inside a two-hour drive of Cape City, deciding which one to go to can pose a problem. Thankfully, the property closest to Cape City’s airport is a vacation spot in its personal proper – and after visiting twice, it’s time to share this hidden gem.

The welcome

Driving via the gates of Vergenoegd Löw invokes a palpable anticipation of leaving behind life’s stresses and embracing the thrill of what lies forward. Following the indicators to the lodge, a sliding gate opens forward, with a porter greeting you on the automotive, prepared to help together with your baggage. On the lodge reception, the employees continued the nice and cozy welcome, providing a refreshing towel that will help you cool off.

After finishing the required paperwork, we have been escorted right into a golf cart, and our journey started, meandering via the property. As we handed the lodge and the proprietor’s villa – together with a herd of Dexter cattle grazing within the fields – we noticed the row of white-washed Cape Dutch-style cottages, one in every of which might be our residence for the subsequent three days.

The room

The property options six freestanding, two-bedroom luxurious cottages, and strolling throughout the entrance veranda was a pleasant expertise. Stepping inside, we have been welcomed by a lounge with a wood-burning hearth and a eating desk. As a continuation of the nice and cozy welcome, our porter poured us glasses of Cap Classique. That is typically served in lodge receptions, the place I generally really feel pressured to complete it instantly, however being served in our lounge felt each intelligent and homely.

From the central lounge, two an identical bedrooms lengthen outwards, each with invitingly comfy king beds – adorned with loads of pillows for many who get pleasure from making a sleeping nest – and main via sliding doorways to the skin veranda.

The outside house is effortlessly designed for leisure: the generously sized heated pool invitations lounging, and an out of doors bathe provides each heat and funky water after a swim. Secluded from the remainder of the farm, the cottages boast a tranquil setting, surrounded by manicured gardens, with the Stellenbosch mountains within the distance.

Vergenoegd Löw additionally provides a fantastically boutique Farm Lodge, the place I stayed throughout my first go to. Every of the Deluxe Lodge Rooms is a spacious 40m² and options its personal personal deck with a jacuzzi and outside furnishings – and all of the farm’s amenities are only a quick stroll away.

Lastly, the beautiful proprietor’s villa is on the market for selective stays – a contemporary and custom-designed residence that includes six en-suite bedrooms. There are 4 Winery suites within the courtyard, every with its personal heated pool, which can be rented out for small teams of pals or household looking for seclusion. There’s additionally a formidable presidential fairly – a favourites for marriage ceremony {couples}!

The toilet

Returning to our luxurious cottage, each bedrooms result in giant bogs with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. As a frequent traveller in South Africa, I’m at all times curious in regards to the supplied facilities – and I felt a sigh of reduction at Vergenoegd Löw upon recognizing the acquainted Therapeutic Earth labels, a premium African spa model.

The situation

Vergenoegd Löw couldn’t be extra conveniently positioned – being the closest property to Cape City’s airport, which is a mere 20-minute drive away. Town itself is just twice that distance – however make no mistake, the property nonetheless embodies the spirit of the Winelands, providing you with a way of escape from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Whereas a number of the lodging could also be new, the farm’s historical past traces again to the early days of the Cape.

One notable instance is the story of Dutch Lutheran minister and artist Jan Brandes, who visited the farm in 1786 and created in depth work of each buildings and botany, which have guided present groups aiming to honour the farm’s heritage. A few of his works are featured within the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, with reproductions on show in Clara’s Barn.

The amenities

With so many actions on supply at Vergenoegd Löw, you genuinely gained’t need to depart – which implies you possibly can indulge within the farm’s three culinary choices. Firstly, Clara’s Barn is firmly positioned in my high 4 South African eating places. It’s an expertise that completely hits the mark for high quality eating, providing pure epicurean ecstasy from the 11-course choices to the breath-taking interiors, all paired with property wines – tucked away in a serene enclave of the farm.

Secondly, within the farm’s central courtyard (and exquisite indoor rooms), informal eating is served up within the morning and at midday at Geuwels. Lodge visitors get pleasure from breakfast right here, that includes tasty South African twists like ‘die soutie’ full breakfast and the ‘regmakertjie’ for these affected by final evening’s indulgences.

Lastly, with in-room eating, you possibly can get pleasure from no-frills delights delivered to your door – whether or not by the pool, within the eating room, or my private favorite – in mattress! There are few issues I relish greater than sinking my tooth right into a burger in mattress whereas watching the most recent Netflix providing.

Then maybe saving the very best for final, naturally Vergenoegd Löw provides premium wine. We had the privilege of spending a bit time with the charming winemaker Vusi Dalicuba, who walked us via the wines. Vusi Dalicuba has been on the helm since 2021, having beforehand labored at a number of famend wineries. In a world the place there are nonetheless few Xhosa winemakers, he has very proudly made his mark. 

From the fabulously recent tropical and Sauvignon Blanc, fantastically fruit-wood balanced Chardonnay, lighter however elegant Shiraz to the seductive cool local weather Cabernet. The wines are greatest loved over the Indigenous Tasting on the veranda or tremendous trendy rooms of the Manor Home. They’re served with a number of favorite South African nibbles – fairly than dictating the pairing you’re left to discover your personal mouthwatering style mixtures.

Different good touches

Along with the work and drawings, the property additionally boasts a formidable sculpture assortment. The Artwork Stroll is a self-guided or lead tour taking within the excellent items, which embody a number of from celebrated South African artists Dylan Lewis and Manuela Holzer.

Strolling the tour takes you previous the tranquil setting of the lake; with the Eerste Rivier working via the property, there may be infinite water with canals retaining the gardens and vineyards well-watered. Subsequent on the stroll is the serene Valentina’s Chapel, seating as much as 120 folks for weddings and important ceremonies. The chapel is flanked by each a labyrinth and a maze, which offer a bit leisure pre or submit your go to to the chapel.

The associated fee

The lodge rooms begin at R7200 for 2 visitors, the winery suites at R9200, after which the cottages at R13200 for 4 adults. The proprietor’s villa is on the market on selective says, with the worth on request. All lodging is inclusive of a welcome drink, fruit basket within the room, one complimentary wine tasting on the Vergenoegd Löw tasting room per keep, a restricted minibar after which every day breakfast.

The most effective bit

Point out the farm’s identify and infrequently you’ll hear one thing alongside the traces of “Ah, the farm with the geese!” The lovely Indian Runner geese have turn into the farm’s mascots – a staggering one thousand of them name the farm residence, and twice every day they are often noticed elegantly marching throughout the lawns: on their strategy to and from a day’s duties of foraging and natural pest management.

The ultimate verdict

In any case that, you’ll see why I exploit the phrase vacation spot to explain Vergenoegd Löw – in the event you thought it was nearly wine tasting or geese then they’re lacking out. After two stays, the farm already seems like residence – and with the shut distance to Cape City itself, why not have an additional residence across the nook?

Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Vergenoegd Löw.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a journey author from Cape City, South Africa. He enjoys connecting folks and experiences via phrases, pictures and social media.