Locals and visitors in search of delectable food and wine, with all tastes and budgets, can make the most of the summer holidays in one easy-to-reach destination, Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West.

The 322-year-old estate which recently won the Wine Tourism Services category in the 2023 Best of Wine Tourism Awards, is set in a lush, biodiverse landscape. Its variety and quality of produce enable hyper-seasonal menus, and are complemented by award-winning estate wines.

Vergelegen’s magnificent gardens, historic trees and heritage buildings also make it the ideal setting for hosting gourmet food and wine events such as the Helderberg Fresh Fine Wine & Food Festival, taking place on 3 December.

---

Helderberg Fresh Fine Wine & Food Festival

More than 20 Helderberg top wineries will offer over 100 wines to sip and savour, while Helderberg’s talented chefs will vie to create the most tempting gourmet food.

Diverse culinary dishes will be presented by Michael Bridgeman of Stables Restaurant at Vergelegen; renowned Lebanese-born chef Ghenwa Steingaszner, representing Ghenwa’s Culinary Club, based at Lourensford; Stefan Bekker of Erinvale Hotel; and Botanicum at Morgenster. Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit will represent SALT at Waterford Estate, while Bertus Basson will be in attendance with a collaboration between Chorus at Waterkloof Vineyards and Clara’s Barn at Vergenoegd Löw.

---

Café Fleur Restaurant at Veregelegen Wine Estate

Café Fleur restaurant is inspired by the floral beauty of Vergelegen’s extensive gardens, and the classic cuisine, elegant ambience, and wine-making styles of France. The restaurant, which includes extensive outdoor seating, overlooks lush lawns and is a short stroll from the banks of the Lourens River.

The menu, refreshed for summer, offers dishes such as oysters with lemon, melon and fig salad with Parma ham shavings, and country terrine with fresh peach salad. Choices such as aubergine roulade filled with basil, mozzarella, sundried grapes and toasted pine nuts, and panfried salmon in a light, creamy dill sauce, are perfect choices on hot days.

---

Camphor Forest Picnics

The estate’s famous white table cloth picnics are hosted in the camphor tree forest. The all-inclusive, new menu offers delights like smoked salmon and apple paté, leek, goat’s cheese and chive quiche, coronation chicken, a mini camembert with figs and charcuterie platter, and dessert. Standard, vegetarian, vegan and children’s picnics are also available.

Whether you are in search of a romantic couples’ meal, or a casual outing with family and friends, this is the ideal opportunity to enjoy sun-ripened flavours in an exquisite environment.

---

Stables Restaurant

This ever-popular family-friendly, bistro-style restaurant at Vergelegen is renowned for its great garden setting and mountain views. It offers a variety of delectable menu options from breakfast dishes to pizzas, burgers and a children’s menu.

“Do keep Vergelegen in mind when planning your summer holidays, or advising visitors on where to enjoy the best of the Cape.”

Managing Director of Vergelegen, Wayne Coetzer, says, “Our gardens are looking spectacular, and service is a priority at Vergelegen. It’s always a privilege to welcome established friends of Vergelegen and to introduce new guests to our restaurants and beautiful surroundings.

---

Find Out More & Book to Visit Vergelegen

Helderberg Fresh: Info| Email | 083 265 2405
Stables Restaurant: Info | Email | 021 847 2156

Café Fleur
Lunch: Wed-Sun: 12h00–17h00 (kitchen closes at 14h30)
Dinner: Fri-Sat 18h00–23h00 (kitchen closes at 20h30) | Closed Mon & Tues
Reservations are essential: Menu | Email | 021 847 2111

Picnics

Standard and vegetarian menus: R360/person | Vegan menu R370/person
Children’s Picnic: R140 per child (three to ten year olds).
*These costs exclude gratuity, entrance fee and beverages/wine. A 10% gratuity will be added for reservations of eight people or more. Picnics may be collected from 12h15-13h30
Bookings essential: Info | Email | 021 847 2131

vergelegen.co.za | Facebook | Instagram