Vergenoegd Wine Estate, Company

Vergenoegd has been owned by the Faure family for six generations. Historic “Vergenoegd”, the Dutch word meaning “satisfaction has been achieved”, was granted land rights in 1696 and the Faures have been on the farm since the 1820’s. The Cape Dutch homestead is a historic monument and dates from 1773. The business is now in the capable hands of John Faure as Winemaker. Winemaking has been an integral part of the Estate during its whole existence. The Vergenoegd Cabernet Sauvignon made its name on the National Red Wine Show five times as Champion and four times as Grand Champion wine. This success has continued through the years until today with all the Vergenoegd wine still being awarded good star ratings in both the John Platter South African Wine Guide and the authoritative Wine Magazine tastings. The charming old world cellar is equipped with modern winemaking machinery and in its cool interior wines lie quietly maturing in new French 300 litre oak barrels. The estates soil profile which varies from alluvial loam to sand with yellow clay and calcareous layers, probably of marine origin, together with other factors such as cooler maritime climate, modern and attentive vineyard management, a minimalist approach to irrigation, selective harvesting and non-invasive vinification result in full-bodied, rich red wines reflecting the unique maritime terroir of Vergenoegd. The objective of the estate is to produce full bodied rich and complex elegant wines which are released 3 years after vintage and have a maturation potential of 10 years plus. Due to its close proximity to the coast, the estate has a terroir and climate which is unique in South Africa. The prevailing cool sea breeze and unique calcareous (lime) content of the soils results in low yields and a long ripening period which add structure and concentration to the wines.