Inside chef Michelle Theron’s wine-first seasonal gastronomy at Vergenoegd Löw .
At Vergenoegd Löw, gastronomist Michelle Theron blends idealism, pragmatism, culinary mastery, and a humanist worldview. “Humanists see the world through an ethical lens,” she explains. “That’s why I was so moved by Zen master Kodo Sawaki’s words: ‘Air, water, plants, animals, and humans give themselves to each other. It is in this giving-themselves-to-each-other that we actually live.’ It’s a reminder that all life is connected and deserving of respect.”
Michelle’s sense of purpose found a home at this luxury Stellenbosch heritage wine estate, where she draws inspiration from a regeneratively-run, holistic ecoverse that nurtures vines, vegetables, herbs, livestock, and an impressive array of beehives. Here, she creates refined farm-to-table dining experiences for guests at the estate’s five-star boutique hotel and for diners visiting the estate’s wine and food hubs.
“Much of our food comes straight from the farm. For the rest, we work with suppliers who share our belief that nurturing soil and ecosystems nourishes the plants, animals, and people that rely on them,” she explains. “Cooking for me starts with the natural and cultural environment. It sparks ideas for creating meals that tell stories through aroma, taste, and texture – fusing past and present, sharing generosity and connection.”
Michelle and her team collaborate with renowned sommelier Spencer Fondaumiere to craft dynamic, expressive wine lists for Vergenoegd Löw’s hospitality venues. “Exceptional wine guides the culinary experience,” Michelle says. “Each dish is inspired by the character, energy, and story of the wines we serve. Together, we celebrate terroir, elevate flavour, and turn every visit into a true exploration of generous taste and place.”
Geuwels: The estate’s wine heart
Housed in one of the estate’s beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings, historically the old cellar, Geuwels has evolved into the culinary heart of Vergenoegd Löw. A relaxed but refined space where Theron’s philosophy comes to life on the plate. The menu changes with the rhythm of the farm and with the expression of the wines.
Expect dishes such as dry-aged, pasture-reared Dexter beef glazed with spekboom relish, served alongside amasi-battered onions and confit garlic potatoes. Or wood-fired cauliflower brushed with buchu brown butter, paired with smoked almond skordalia, green herbs and a fynbos honey vinaigrette. The food is generous in flavour, honest in technique and deeply tied to place.
Geuwels also invites guests to taste the estate’s highly regarded wines. Here, the ocean makes its quiet presence felt. The cooling sea breezes that sweep across the farm slow the ripening of the grapes, preserving acidity and concentrating flavour – a phenomenon the winemaking team affectionately calls merroir, a blend of mer (sea in French) and terroir.
Tastings can be enjoyed on their own or paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, while Cap Classique lovers can opt for a sparkling flight served with heirloom sweet bites.
For those seeking a deeper exploration of South Africa’s native flavours, the estate continues its signature Indigenous Food & Wine Pairing. Seven wines are matched to seven small plates featuring local, often ancient ingredients, each accompanied by a story reflecting the human ingenuity behind South African cuisine.
Sundays bring the estate’s warmest ritual: Sunday Celebrations, a leisurely shared-plate experience inspired by home kitchens and long-table family gatherings.
Nature- and heritage-inspired contemporary hospitality
The estate’s beautifully restored 1773 Homestead serves as a home-away-from-home for staying guests, but other visitors can book for the Caviar and Cap Classique pairing and breakfasts too, depending on occupancy.
Coming soon in 2026, Clara’s Barn – a luxury dining experience set in one of the Cape’s oldest surviving barns – will showcase carefully composed sequences of small, refined seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy these culinary creations alongside Vergenoegd Löw wines or other top local and international selections.
Throughout the estate, exceptional taste is guided by the land itself, with nature taking the lead in almost every experience, including the exclusive Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa that offers individually appointed luxury accommodations, each unit nestled in its own peaceful, private quietude. Situated among vineyards, they have private hot tubs or heated pools, fireplaces, and large windows that frame breathtaking views.
Guests can also luxuriate in the revamped spa, stroll through indigenous gardens dotted by bronze artworks by local artists Dylan Lewis and Manuela Holzen, or explore the labyrinth and puzzle maze.
Visit Vergenoegd Löw for a taste of honest Stellenbosch luxury.
