Vergelegen is a significant wine estate located in Somerset West, South Africa, which has recently undergone a transformation aimed at revitalizing its potential. The estate spans 3,200 hectares and offers stunning views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range and Cape Point. Established in 1700, it is home to a national monument, a stand of camphor trees planted that year.
Initially, Willem Adriaan van der Stel, the son of Simon van der Stel, was responsible for the estate’s inception, planting both vines and trees before he was dismissed due to corrupt practices. Over the years, the estate changed hands multiple times, notably when Sir Lionel Phillips acquired it in the early 20th century. Lady Florence Phillips transformed it into a center of floriculture and culture, removing the vineyards and renovating the property.
After several ownership changes, including a period under the Barlow family and then Anglo American since 1987, Vergelegen’s winemaking reputation began to fade. Criticism arose concerning its wines, prompting Anglo American to replace the previous winemaker, Andre van Rensburg, with Luke O’Cuinneagain in 2022.
Luke faced challenges upon his arrival, including unfinished projects and wines that lacked clarity in their Profiles. He has since been focused on improving the vineyard’s ecological health and has been managing a significant alien plant clearance project, turning parts of the estate into a nature reserve in partnership with CapeNature. This initiative has bolstered biodiversity on the property, resulting in increased bird species and the discovery of many indigenous plants.
Currently, Vergelegen has 133 hectares of vineyards, with plans for expansion to 150 hectares. Luke aims to enhance the character of the wines by using various soil types and aspects for different bottlings, emphasizing clearer regional distinctions.
The recent wines, produced fully under Luke’s guidance since the 2023 vintage, include:
- Vergelegen MMV Brut 2020: A balanced Chardonnay showcasing fresh pear and white peach.
- Vergelegen Wild Winds Sauvignon Blanc 2024: Offers bright citrus, stoniness, and a mineral quality with salinity.
- Vergelegen Reserve Chardonnay 2023: Notable for its textured palate with fresh fruit and well-integrated oak.
- Vergelegen Florence Rosé 2024: A dry and vivid rosé with bright citrus and minerality.
- Vergelegen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023: Features sweet blackcurrant fruit with great weight and a hint of sappiness.
Under O’Cuinneagain’s leadership, Vergelegen is poised for a promising era, focusing on quality, sustainability, and a deeper expression of terroir in its wines.
For more information, visit Vergelegen’s official website.