Horticulturists, chefs and wine cellar teams are hard at work at beautiful Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West to ensure that its first ever Garden Weekend is a must-attend event.

Guests will enjoy the best of Vergelegen’s gardens, wine and hospitality during the Garden Weekend.

The 322-year-old estate’s glorious trees, shrubs and flowers will be the central focus on Saturday 29 October and Sunday 30 October. The programme offers garden-themed activities such as guided garden walks and horticultural talks, a pop-up shop and a flower arranging demonstration.

Kim Black’s floral-inspired art will be on display at Café Fleur restaurant.

Guests can learn about painting with wine from Sarah Boyd, and meet artists influenced by the region’s floral bounty. They include Kim Black, who is inspired by flowers and layers of colour, and Monique Day-Wilde, who works in mixed media, monotypes with nature finds, encaustic and painting.

Renowned ceramicist John Bauer has created matchbox-sized tiles inspired by Vergelegen botanicals, grouped into panels. These will be for sale at the estate’s Café Fleur restaurant.

Ceramicist John Bauer has created panels comprising matchbox-sized tiles inspired by Vergelegen’s botanical beauty.

Guests can also buy books inspired by nature and gardens, and meet the co-author of a renosterveld field guide, Rhoda McMaster.

The all-inclusive tickets give free access to all events, plus refreshments. These include coffee and tea on arrival, a glass of Vergelegen Brut MMV in the historic Octagonal Garden, a two course light lunch at Café Fleur restaurant (including a glass of rosé or a soft drink), and afternoon tea and cake.

Participation is limited to 150 ticket-holders daily to ensure that guests enjoy the glorious estate and events to the full.

Thabang Lovemore Sithole, who oversees the Vergelegen rose gardens, with resident horticulturist Richard Arm.

To book:

  • Tickets can be purchased online here.
  • One day all-inclusive ticket: RR595/person.
  • Duration: 09h00-15h00.
  • All pass holders will receive an updated programme via email before the event.

Artist Monique Day-Wilde will be in attendance on Sunday 30 October.

Images provided

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