Vergenoegd Löw is Runner Ducking Back to the Future
Vergenoegd Löw is making the most of its natural location in Stellebosch with its various biodiversity initiatives, my favourite being the runner ducks! According to MD Corius Visser, they’re focusing on regenerative agriculture to boost soil health, biodiversity, and the quality of their vines.
Calling it a “back to the future” farming method, Visser explains they’re combining old-school farming techniques with modern tools. This blend aims to produce top-quality wines true to the estate’s nearly 330-year history. Vergenoegd Löw was founded in 1696, making it one of South Africa’s oldest farms.
New Ownership and Fresh Investment
In 2015, German entrepreneur and philanthropist Prof Dr Peter Löw bought the 160-hectare property and started replanting the vines. With nearly 55 hectares now planted, Vergenoegd Löw benefits from its cool climate, thanks to its proximity to False Bay, which helps keep vine diseases at bay.
Smart Vineyard Management
Since the replanting program began in 2017, they’ve aligned the vineyard rows with the wind to keep the vines cool and manage sun exposure. Old farming records show this orientation was used by past generations, blending the old ways with new methods.
Situated near the Eerste River, Vergenoegd Löw has soils rich in lime from ancient seabeds, giving their wines a unique perfume and elegance. These calcareous soils drain well but also retain moisture, crucial for vine health in both dry and rainy conditions.
The estate keeps its ancient blue gum trees, which help manage water levels by soaking up loads of water daily. They’ve also built ponds and drainage channels to control flooding, creating a wetland eco-corridor filled with indigenous plants and wildlife.
Boosting Biodiversity
Vergenoegd Löw’s gardens and open spaces are full of indigenous trees and shrubs, supporting honeybees and boosting biodiversity. Dexter cattle, brought in 2022, graze on cover crops and weeds, reducing herbicide use and enhancing soil health. Indian Runner ducks, introduced in 1984, are part of the pest management team, munching on snails and other pests.
Sustainable Cover Crops
They’re experimenting with various cover crops to reduce soil disturbance. These include hardy, low-maintenance plants like kooigoed, wilde-als, buchu, and confetti bush, as well as lavender and rosemary. These plants help maintain soil health and promote biodiversity.
Commitment to Quality and Balance
Vergenoegd Löw is all about producing wines that are in harmony with their environment. The name means “to be contented,” reflecting their goal of making wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Helderberg Wine Route.
Give them a visit
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens, meet the friendly Dexter cattle and Indian Runner ducks, and learn about the estate’s innovative “back to the future” farming approach whilst doing a wine tasting. For more information or to plan your visit, check out their website at www.vergenoegd.co.za or contact them at +27 21 843 3248.
