Renowned chef Michelle Theron is set to head up the food and beverage division at Vergenoegd Löw, the historic Stellenbosch wine estate known for its commitment to regenerative farming and heritage preservation. With over two decades of high-end culinary experience, Theron previously held leadership roles at esteemed establishments such as Pierneef à La Motte and Hazendal Wine Estate.
The appointment is a key part of the exclusive estate’s initiative to accelerate its sustainability and self-sufficiency efforts. Theron will take the culinary helm in September, guiding the estate closer to its goal of becoming a self-sustaining, regeneratively-farmed “ecoverse”.
She steps into the role following the successful tenure of celebrated chefs Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink. They were instrumental in launching the 160-hectare property’s two modern Cape-style restaurants, Clara’s Barn and Geuwels, both situated in beautifully restored 18th-century Cape Dutch buildings. Their work established a strong culinary foundation, with Clara’s Barn recently earning a two-star rating in Eat Out’s annual evaluation of South Africa’s top restaurants.
Since being acquired by German investor and heritage specialist Prof Dr Peter Löw in 2015, the estate has undergone a significant transformation into a luxury destination rooted in heritage, sustainability, and hospitality.
“We’re thrilled to have Michelle on-board,” said Corius Visser, managing director at Vergenoegd Löw. “A new chapter is unfolding – one that promises fresh energy, deeper integration of our wines as well as our farm-to-fork philosophy, and an innovative vision aligned with our farm’s deep commitment to sustainability.”
Visser noted that while Theron will bring a new creative direction, the focus will remain on seasonal, farm-grown ingredients inspired by imaginative reinterpretations of Cape cuisine.
“Bertus has laid an outstanding foundation, and we are deeply grateful to him and his colleague, Drikus Brink, for putting Clara’s Barn and Geuwels on the culinary map,” Visser added. “Now, with Michelle leading the way, we’re ready to build on that reputation and take things forward. We’re tremendously excited about what lies ahead.”
