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The scenic Vergelegen estate.
 


Fynbos excursion at Vergelegen Estate
15 October 2012  by Vergelegen
The 312-year-old Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is well-known for its fine wines, culture and heritage; now the estate is holding a series of environmental walks so that more people can also learn about and enjoy its abundant natural environment.
The next walk, in the company of resident environmentalist Gerald Wright, is a fynbos excursion on Wednesday 17 October. 

Vergelegen has a ten year alien vegetation clearing project that will clear a total of 2200 hectares of non-arable land on the estate. Wetland areas are re-emerging and there are at least 500 different plant species on the farm. Two species of lachenalia were discovered for the first time in the area: lachenalia liliflora was deemed extinct and this is a new distribution area for the species. 
 
“Following the opening this year of our new wine tasting centre and Stables bistro restaurant, we decided to make the many treasures of Vergelegen more accessible to the public,” said Vergelegen MD Don Tooth. “We hope that this series of environmental walks will inform more people about our rich natural heritage, for their own enjoyment and as a legacy for future generations.”
Each guided walk is followed by a hearty English breakfast at the Stables bistro restaurant. It has sheer, almost invisible glass doors and sliding shutters that maximise the views of the gardens, vineyards and Hottentots Holland Mountains. 
 
The cost of each walk, including breakfast, is R130/person. Guests meet at the Stables bistro at 08h30 for 09h00. Bookings are essential – telephone 021 847 1346 or 021 847 2156 or via email stables@vergelegen.co.za.

Additional environmental walks include:
Saturday 3 November: Nguni Excursion
The estate officially registered the Vergelegen Nguni Stud in August 2010. There are now 275 prime examples of this popular indigenous breed, favoured for their multi-coloured hides and hardiness under harsh conditions.
Wednesday 14 November: Lourens River Excursion 
The Lourens River is the only South African river that is officially a Protected Natural Environment. Part of the river runs through the estate, and dedicated conservation efforts have resulted in it sustaining an array of fish, insects, plants, mammals and micro-organisms. 

Contacts:
Website: www.vergelegen.co.za
Stables Restaurant: (021) 847 1346 (021) 847 2156 | stables@vergelegen.co.za
Address: Lourensford Road, Somerset West |GPS co-ordinates: S34º 04’ 47.0" E18º 53’ 12.3"

 
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