Thousands of seasonal flowers, colourful rose displays and historic garden spaces will take centre stage at Vergelegen Wine Estate this spring. Visitors can join a guided garden walk led by the estate’s horticulturist and gardens manager, Richard Arm, from 30 October to 1 November 2026.

Located in Somerset West, Vergelegen is known for its historic Cape Dutch homestead, mature trees and collection of formal and themed gardens. The 326-year-old estate offers plenty of inspiration for home gardeners, particularly at this time of year, when spring flowers bring fresh colour to its carefully maintained grounds.

Vergelegen’s historic and themed gardens

The guided spring garden walks will take place daily from Friday, 30 October, to Sunday, 1 November, between 08:30 and 11:00.

The tour begins in the Sundial Garden, where colourful new plantings have been introduced ahead of the reopening of the adjoining Stables restaurant. From there, visitors will pass through the East Garden, where the first agapanthus blooms are appearing.

Next is the Octagonal Garden, the oldest garden on the estate. Its colourful herbaceous borders frame the path leading to the Cape Dutch homestead, offering a closer look at one of Vergelegen’s most established garden spaces.

The walk concludes in the Rose Garden, where dozens of roses bloom beneath ancient camphor trees.

Expect a colourful spring display

GARDENS

According to Arm, this year’s spring gardens are set to put on a particularly impressive show.

“The gardens are going to pop this year,” he says.

Thousands of delphiniums, foxgloves and salvias have been planted, while favourable weather and plentiful water have helped create promising growing conditions. The Rose Garden is expected to be especially beautiful towards the end of October, with its combination of colour and fragrance.

For gardeners looking for ideas to bring home, the walk offers an opportunity to see seasonal plantings and established garden designs in person.

What the Vergelegen spring garden tour costs

Tickets cost R250 per person and include entry to the estate, the guided garden walk, and tea or coffee with a scone at the temporary Firehorse restaurant before the tour.

The walks run from 08:30 to 11:00 each day from 30 October to 1 November 2026.

Book your place: Vergelegen spring garden walks

Shop for roses and gardening essentials

Visitors can also browse the Potting Shed Gift Shop, which will stock the 10 most popular rose varieties grown at Vergelegen. These are available to purchase for planting at home or giving as gifts.

The shop also stocks practical gardening accessories, including floral-patterned garden gloves made from sweat-absorbent fabric with a slip-resistant grip, priced at R425 a pair. Durable pruning shears cost R450.

There are also skincare and lifestyle products for gardeners, including gardener’s friend exfoliating tallow soap for R150 and whipped tallow butter for R195. Hand washes and hand creams inspired by fragrances found in Vergelegen’s gardens, including rose, honey and white wisteria, cost R350 each.

Vergelegen has also expanded its online shop, giving shoppers access to a wider selection of estate products.

Browse the collection at Vergelegen’s online shop.

Plan your visit to Vergelegen Wine Estate

Vergelegen Wine Estate is situated on Lourensford Road in Somerset West, Western Cape.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:30 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
  • Estate admission: R30 for adults and R10 for pensioners and scholars.
  • Pensioner special: Pensioners receive free entry on Mondays.
  • Spring garden walk dates: 30 October to 1 November 2026.
  • Garden walk times: 08:30 to 11:00.
  • Garden walk tickets: R250 per person, including estate entry, the guided tour and tea or coffee with a scone.

For bookings and further information, visit Vergelegen’s spring garden walk booking page.

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