The vineyards at Vergelegen range in altitude from 140 metres above sea level to 310 metres with slopes facing North to North-West and South to South- East. Temperatures monitored at three automatic and six manually read stations indicate a two degree Celsius difference between the lower, north to north-west facing slopes and the higher plateau and south facing slopes.
The climate is mild due to the proximity of False Bay (six kilometres away) and generally falls within the lower Region 111 by Degree-Days classification.
Twenty-one soil types have been identified on Vergelegen and these generally have a very high clay content. Vines have been planted on Clovelly, Glenrosa and Pinedene with cultivars and rootstock selected to best match each soil type. Planting density varies from 2 666 to 5000 vines per hectare depending on soil, varietal and rootstock. All the vines are trained vertically onto hedge trellis.
The octagonal design of the winery reflects that of the octagonal walled garden laid out by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700. Important winemaking principals were incorporated in the design of the winery.
Only a single level is visible above ground. Three working levels lie buried in a tower configuration that allows for gravitational flow and the gentle handling of wine, producing the premium product this country and the world over have come to recognise as Vergelegen wine.
