For Vergenoegd Löw, the story of renewal is being written both in the vineyards and in the cellar. As the historic Stellenbosch estate continues to revitalise its vineyards and reimagine its approach to winemaking, young winemaker Vusi (Mvuselelo) Dalicuba is emerging as one of the key voices of its new wine chapter.
His latest run of accolades provides compelling evidence of that progress, with Vergenoegd Löw wines earning an impressive collection of high scores and medals across the 2026 Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report, the 2026 SA Young Wine Show, and the 2026 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.
The results build on a growing list of recognition for Dalicuba since joining Vergenoegd Löw in 2021—and underscore the estate’s ambitions to regain its place among the wines to watch from Stellenbosch.
Critical Acclaim and Competition Trophies
In the 2026 Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report, five Vergenoegd Löw wines achieved 90 points and above. Leading the results were three 93-point wines:
- 2023 Family Collection Lara Cabernet Sauvignon (93 Points)
- 2023 Family Collection Maximilian Bordeaux-style Red Blend (93 Points)
- 2025 Family Collection Bordeaux-style White Blend (93 Points)
- 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon (91 Points)
- 2025 Chardonnay (90 Points)
- 2024 Merlot (90 Points)
Dalicuba was also shortlisted as a Rising Star in this year’s Tim Atkin report.
At the Stellenbosch regional leg of the 2026 SA Young Wine Show, Vergenoegd Löw’s wood-matured Chardonnay claimed three regional trophies: Champion Chardonnay, Champion Wood Matured White Wine, and Champion White Wine overall. The estate’s Cape Vintage Port-style wine also took the trophy for Champion Fortified Wine. Both wines went on to receive gold medals at the national show.
The momentum continued at the 2026 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, where the 2017 Sebastian Port-style wine achieved a coveted double gold, while the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2024 Merlot were awarded gold medals.
A Shared Journey of Growth and Regenerative Viticulture
Dalicuba’s journey as a winemaker has unfolded in parallel with the estate’s own transformation.
“This farm is my place of learning, all the time, each new day,” says Dalicuba.
When he joined the estate midway through 2021 as viticulturist and winemaker, he stepped into a farm undergoing a fundamental renewal. Since 2017, Vergenoegd Löw has undertaken an extensive vineyard replanting programme following German investor Prof. Dr Peter Löw’s acquisition of the historic property in 2015.
This renewal extends into regenerative vineyard practices, focusing on building soil health, supporting biodiversity, and working with natural systems. This commitment has earned Vergenoegd Löw status as a WWF Conservation Champion. With a history dating back to 1696, the estate pairs three centuries of heritage with progressive, sustainable viticulture.
Innovation Grounded in Tradition
Holding a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Dalicuba was mentored by respected South African wine industry leaders, including Lorraine Geldenhuys, Beyers Truter, and Abrie Beeslaar. Working closely with managing director Corius Visser, Dalicuba combines scientific precision with creative cellar experimentation.
“We experiment as far and as widely as we can, innovating and exploring with different problem-solving techniques, discovering different ways to augment traditional winemaking,” Dalicuba explains.
Individual vineyard blocks are vinified separately to reveal their distinctive terroir. Benefiting from a cool maritime climate and lime-rich soils, the resulting wines are defined by elegance, balance, and freshness, structured for long-term ageing potential.
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