Sip, Sip, Hooray! Vergelegen Scoops Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences Award

21 October 2024

Vergelegen Wine Estate, long renowned for its commitment to protecting history and heritage, has just been officially recognised for its innovation too.

The 324-year-old Somerset West estate scooped the Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences award in the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards on 16 October.

Initiated by Great Wine Capitals 26 years ago, the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are a key guide for both local and international tourists seeking authentic experiences, from vineyard visits and festivals to exclusive wine tastings.

Environmental and Heritage Experiences

Vergelegen is home to a 1900-hectare private nature reserve, with the same conservation status as the Kruger National Park. Guests can book a guided environmental tour in a game drive vehicle to learn more about the estate’s alien vegetation clearing project, the largest privately funded initiative of its kind in South Africa.

The clearing has led to the return of natural vegetation, birds, mammals, and rare and endangered plants. Visitors can see indigenous Nguni cattle, bontebok, eland, black wildebeest, and rare ‘Rau’ quagga, while learning about the estate’s efforts to provide natural forage for honey bees.

In addition to the environmental tours, Vergelegen offers wine tastings, cellar tours, manor house and garden tours, and a selection of restaurants to suit all ages and budgets.

Award-Winning Hospitality

“Winning the award is just incredible,” said Wayne Coetzer, Vergelegen's managing director. “This accolade is an endorsement of our staff, who have worked extremely hard to ensure that this beautiful estate’s facilities and hospitality are absolutely world-class.

“We pride ourselves on offering true hospitality, which is different from service. Hospitality is about how you make people feel. Every person who comes to this farm must have an incredible experience and feel spoilt.”

Bookings and Contact Information

The environmental tour is weather permitting, departing from the wine tasting centre at 10:00. The duration is two hours, priced at R750 per person, with a maximum of nine people. The cost includes a branded cap, water bottle, and a Heritage Range wine tasting.

For bookings, contact 021 847 2122 or email winetasting@vergelegen.co.za. For more information, visit www.vergelegen.co.za or email customerservices@vergelegen.co.za.

Caption:

Vergelegen scooped the Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences award in the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards. (Left to right): Arnoux Tredoux, Vergelegen wine tasting room manager; Caroline van Schalkwyk, Vergelegen marketing manager; Roxan Waldeck, founder of Apeirogon Youth Development Academy; Monika Iuel, Chief Tourism Officer, Wesgro; and Ald. Dr Helena von Schlicht, Cape Winelands District Municipality executive mayor.

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Press Release Submitted By:

• Company Name: Vergelegen Wine Estate
• Contact Email: winetasting@vergelegen.co.za
• Website: www.vergelegen.co.za

Total Words: 454

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Social Media Post

Sip, Sip, Hooray! Vergelegen Scoops Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences Award

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