There is plenty of new life to spot at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, where 137 Nguni calves have arrived this season.
The estate is expecting another eight calves, taking its Nguni herd to more than 450 animals once the latest arrivals are counted.
For an estate known for its historic surroundings, the annual arrival of calves adds another side to the Vergelegen experience – one centred on livestock, land management and the preservation of a distinctive South African cattle breed.
A growing herd with a mix of bloodlines
The newest calves include pure Nguni youngsters as well as Nguni-Angus crosses.
The difference between the two can already be seen, with the Angus crosses showing the larger size associated with their Angus heritage.
Vergelegen introduced Angus cattle to its herd in 2024. The cross-breeding combines the hardiness and adaptability of Nguni cows with the growth and size characteristics of Angus cattle.
For the estate, however, the breeding programme is not simply about increasing the number of animals. Colour and temperament remain key areas of focus.
From a small beginning to more than 450 cattle
Vergelegen’s Nguni story stretches back more than two decades.
Environmental manager Eben Olderwagen says the estate introduced Nguni cattle in 2001, sourcing its original animals from the Eastern Cape and a local stud in the Malmesbury district.
The Vergelegen Nguni Stud was officially registered in August 2010.
Just a month later, the herd consisted of three stud bulls, 35 calves and 132 grown heifers.
The herd has since grown considerably, with more than 450 animals now calling the estate home.
Why Nguni cattle suit the estate
Nguni cattle are particularly suited to demanding African conditions. The breed is known for its distinctive multicoloured hides as well as its hardiness and suitability for beef production.
The cattle are both grazers and browsers, meaning they feed on grasses as well as other vegetation. They also require relatively little maintenance and are known for easy calving.
At Vergelegen, these characteristics form part of a broader approach to managing the herd while maintaining the qualities the estate values most.
The latest calves therefore represent more than a seasonal baby boom. They are part of a breeding programme that has been developing at Vergelegen since 2001.
A familiar sight for visitors
The Nguni herd is also woven into the experience of visiting the estate.
Guests can often see the cattle while driving into the historic property, while the animals can also be encountered during Vergelegen’s guided Fauna and Flora Eco Tour, which uses a game-drive vehicle to take visitors around the estate.
With another eight calves still expected, the newest generation is not quite complete yet.
For Vergelegen, the arrivals mark another chapter in a Nguni breeding programme that has grown from its first animals in 2001 into a herd of more than 450 cattle.
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