Witness the breathtaking display of pink, white and red blooms at Vergelegen Wine Estate’s renowned International Camellia Garden of Excellence in Somerset West. As the only international camellia garden in Africa and one of just 39 such gardens globally, it is a true gem to behold.
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Embrace the perfect winter outing for your entire family as Vergelegen opens bookings for its highly anticipated annual Camellia Celebration Weekend. Mark your calendars for Friday, 11 August, and Saturday, 12 August, to be part of this extraordinary experience.
To maintain an intimate setting and ensure an enjoyable visit for all, daily tickets are limited to just 40 people. For R150 per person, local horticulturists Richard Arm and Chris Randlehoff will grant you exclusive access to the estate and lead you on an educational tour of the Camellia garden.
The tour includes a break at Café Fleur, where you can savour coffee or tea paired with a delicious slice of cake or a freshly baked scone. The interior of Café Fleur is tastefully adorned with fresh flowers and captivating botanical-inspired art, and with three inviting fireplaces, you’ll stay cosy throughout your visit.
The tour commences promptly at 9am each day, beginning at the Wine Tasting Room. Lasting for approximately one and a half hours, it provides ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the camellias. Following the tour, from 10:30am to 12pm, you can enjoy refreshing beverages and more time to explore the estate.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Get a 12-month subscription to Garden & Home for R299 (valued at R399). Get it here.
Vergelegen’s camellia collection is a testament to decades of nurturing on this historic 323-year-old wine estate, recognised as a provincial heritage site. Boasting about 550 cultivars, some developed locally and others from as far away as France, Japan and America, there are approximately 1 000 specimens with glossy foliage and an astounding variety of captivating blooms.
Within the estate’s vast grounds, the camellias thrive in three main garden areas: at the bottom of the Great Lawn, near Café Fleur restaurant and below a picturesque expanse of yellowwoods accessible via a charming swing bridge over the Lourens River, the only South African river officially designated as a Protected Natural Environment.
Being one of the select International Camellia Gardens of Excellence, Vergelegen’s garden stands as an ambassador for the International Camellia Society worldwide. Its purpose is to foster appreciation and knowledge of these exquisite flowers while promoting the conservation and sustainability of camellia collections.
Book your tickets now and treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable experience amid nature’s most captivating floral display.
Details:
- Date: 11 and 12 August
- Location: Vergelegen Wine Estate | Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
- Book: vergelegen.co.za
- Contact: 021 847 2111 | [email protected]
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Picture: Supplied