Earning its place among the TOP 100 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts of the World, Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate has been recognised by the International Sustainability Awards for advancing a holistic model of regenerative hospitality. In an era where environmental responsibility is evolving rapidly, Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate demonstrates how heritage, ecology, and meaningful guest experiences can thrive as one cohesive offering.

Regeneration as a Way of Life

The estate’s philosophy goes far beyond conventional sustainability. Instead of merely preserving its environment, the team actively restores it. Regenerative agriculture shapes every part of the landscape, where vineyards, pastures, and natural systems function as interconnected ecosystems. Soil health is strengthened through nature-based enrichment, while increased biodiversity supports the land’s long-term resilience.

Livestock is integral to this approach. Indian Runner ducks move through the vineyards performing natural pest control. Dexter cattle and Dohne Merino sheep support rotational grazing that nourishes the soil while reducing the need for chemical intervention. These animals are not attractions but functional contributors to an environmentally positive system, one that produces healthier land and more expressive wines.

Water, Energy, and Circular Thinking

Water stewardship sits at the core of the estate’s environmental strategy. Greywater reclamation, rainwater capture and monitoring ensure irrigation demands remain efficient and adaptable to changing climatic conditions. Drought-tolerant landscaping complements the estate’s broader water-saving approach.

Circular waste management helps close resource loops. Organic matter from the farm and kitchens is composted on-site, returning nutrients directly to the soil. Solar power provides an increasing share of the estate’s energy, while continuous upgrades to insulation and energy-efficient systems keep consumption low.

This approach extends to daily guest operations, from biodegradable packaging to refillable amenities, empowering visitors to participate in a low-impact environment without compromising comfort.

A Heritage Estate with Contemporary Purpose

With origins tracing back to 1696, Vergenoegd Löw remains one of South Africa’s oldest working wine farms, a living national monument intertwined with the European Heritage Project and recognised as a WWF Conservation Champion site. Yet its future-focused environmental transformation began in 2015, when new leadership launched a complete revitalisation to align the property’s legacy with a new ecological direction.

Today, guests experience this fusion of past and present through a spectrum of immersive activities. Guided nature walks, regenerative farming insights, and tasting experiences illuminate how wildlife, heritage, wine, and sustainability intersect. The Art Walk, featuring works by celebrated artists including Dylan Lewis, further strengthens the connection between culture and landscape.

Spaces for Restoration and Celebration

Vergenoegd Löw is also known for its atmosphere of quiet, expansive beauty — an ideal canvas for weddings, private gatherings, and memorable celebrations. Vast lawns, shifting light, and sweeping views create a setting that feels grounded in nature and history.

Its spa elevates the restorative experience with couple treatment rooms, revitalising therapies, and sensory rituals such as hydrating milk baths. Whether staying overnight or visiting for the day, guests are invited into an environment shaped by natural rhythm, calm, and thoughtful design.

The estate’s dining offering continues to evolve as well. Two recently renovated restaurants, Geuwels and Clara’s Barn, anchor a culinary philosophy shaped by Michelle Theron, the estate’s first head of gastronomy. Produce from the farm and surrounding small-scale growers informs menus that pay homage to South African heritage while embracing modern techniques. Clara’s Barn, the oldest building on the farm, retains its historic cobblestones and feeding troughs, celebrating its past while welcoming fresh culinary creativity.

Wine Rooted in Ecology and Expression

At its core, Vergenoegd Löw remains a wine estate shaped by centuries of tradition. The vineyards thrive through regenerative viticulture, where natural processes guide the development of flavour, structure, and character. By allowing the grapes and the land to steer the process, the resulting wines become expressions of place, history, and ecological balance.

To learn more, visit https://vergenoegd.co.za/.