Vergelegen Wine Estate’s vast one-hectare field of sunflowers has burst into bloom, marking the start of their highly anticipated annual Sunflower Celebration.
Fans of these large, vibrant blooms ‒ which traditionally symbolise warmth, positivity and vitality ‒ can celebrate sunflowers in several ways.
The Estate, located in Somerset West, is considered world-class, with Vergelegen meaning ‘situated far away.’
Freshly picked sunflowers are sold in the Wine Tasting Room at five stems per bunch, together with a special edition of rosé wine, for R150. A portion of the proceeds will go to honeybee research and honey projects on the estate.
Stables Restaurant, a ‘bistro’ style restaurant that offers a varied menu of delectable dishes, is also offering a small set menu of sunflower- and honey-inspired dishes in addition to its normal menu.
The Rose Terrace Tea Room pastry chef, Tarquin Wagemaker, has created delicious sunflower-inspired cakes.
Farm honey is sold at R155/jar and visitors to the Potting Shed Gift Shop receive free packets of sunflower seeds. The field of sunflowers, near the Stables restaurant, is also popular for selfies.
‘We expect the sunflowers to continue blooming for about three weeks (to around mid-February) depending on the weather conditions,’ say Vergelegen’s resident horticulturists Richard Arm and Chris Randlehoff.
Vergelegen Marketing Manager Caroline van Schalkwyk advises sunflower fans to visit the farm early.
‘The blooms are picked fresh every day, but sell out fast,’ she says. ‘Stocks of seeds and sunflower-inspired products are limited.’
Vergelegen, a provincial heritage site, is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm. The estate charges an entrance fee of R20 for adults and R10 for pensioners and scholars.
Pensioners can visit for free on Mondays.
Stables restaurant and Rose Terrace Tea Room are open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
Stables also offers dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm to 9pm.
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Picture: Supplied
