CAPE TOWN, 19 July 2019 – Camellia flower fans are counting the days until the annual Camellia Weekend at Vergelegen in Somerset West on 27 and 28 July. The 319-year-old wine estate – recently judged Africa’s best winery in the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards competition ‒ is the location of South Africa’s only International Camellia Garden of Excellence.
Vergelegen was awarded this accolade nine years ago and is one of only 39 International Camellia Gardens of Excellence in the world, and one of only two in the Southern Hemisphere.
The exquisite pink, red and white blooms, representing about 550 camellia cultivars, are at their winter-flowering peak this month. Visitors can view them at their leisure, or book places on the two daily guided tours of the camellia garden (on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons) followed by refreshments in the Stables family restaurant.
Each tour, led by estate horticulturist Richard Arm, continues for one and a half hours and accommodates 25 people. The tours will depart from Stables at 09h00 and 14h30.
Booking is essential and can be made telephonically on 021 847 2156, or email [email protected].
The earliest camellia plantings at Vergelegen consist of classic Camellia japonica cultivars, most of which are now large, mature shrubs of up to five metres in height. That initial collection has been expanded through both camellia donations and estate purchases.
Guests can view the camellias in three areas: at the bottom of the Great Lawn; near the Camphors signature restaurant; and near the banks of the Lourens River, the only South African river that is officially a Protected Natural Environment.
The estate is open Monday-Sunday 09h00-17h00 (last entry 16h00). Bookings for the Camellia Weekend 021 847 2156, [email protected].
More information on Vergelegen: Vergelegen.
Exquisitewinter-flowering camellias will be celebrated during Vergelegen wine estate’s annual Camellia Weekend in Somerset West on 27 and 28 July.
