Experience dishes that celebrate local culinary tradition blended with modern gastronomic innovation.
We’re thrilled to share that Clara’s Barn, the elegant farm-style fine-dining restaurant at Vergenoegd Löw, has been awarded two stars by the judges of the 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
This esteemed recognition places Clara’s Barn among a distinguished group of just 17 restaurants nationwide, sharing the spotlight with internationally acclaimed South African establishments including Wolfgat in Paternoster and Ouzeri in Cape Town.
“We applaud chefs Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink, and their entire team for their passion and ingenuity in serving up dishes that celebrate local culinary tradition blended with modern gastronomic innovation,” says Corius Visser, managing director of Vergenoegd Löw.
Honouring the past, celebrating the present
Clara’s Barn offers a distinctive five-course fine-dining set menu, curated daily to reflect the richness of traditional South African farm kitchens, reimagined with a modern culinary approach. The menu evolves with the seasons, using only the freshest produce grown on the estate or sourced from local small-scale farmers.
Right now, one of the standout favourites among guests is the seared Cape Point tuna, expertly paired with fresh mango, curry pickle, bokkom, and a spiced coconut dressing, then finished with a fresh coriander from the garden. This vibrant dish is a final nod to tropical flavours before the menu shifts to embrace the heartier tones of winter. It’s not to be missed.
The inspiration behind each dish stems from authentic family recipes and organic farm-fresh ingredients of the highest quality. These are thoughtfully infused with a tapestry of South Africa’s culinary influences, including indigenous heritage, the food of labourers and slaves, and the imported traditions of countries intertwined with South Africa’s diverse gastronomic story.
A space steeped in history
Clara’s Barn is named after Clara, wife of estate owner Prof Dr Dr Peter Löw, and is housed in what is believed to be the oldest building on the farm, and one of the oldest barns in the Cape, predating even the historic 1773 Vergenoegd Löw Homestead. For over a century, the structure served as a working barn, a legacy proudly preserved in its cobble-stoned floors and animal feeding troughs, retained during its restoration to reflect the building’s authentic past.
The atmosphere is one of relaxed sophistication. The space is informally elegant, tastefully restored, and complemented by five-star service, creating a unique blend of heritage charm and contemporary finesse.
Art meets agriculture
Adorning the interiors are faithful reproductions of works by 18th century Dutch watercolourist Jan Brandes, who spent a year on the estate between 1786 and 1787. His sketches, drawings, and paintings capture the estate’s architecture, natural surroundings, and daily life. A reproduction of his 1686 panorama of the farm is also on display at the restaurant. Many of Brandes’ original works are held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Enhance your dining experience with expertly selected Vergenoegd Löw wines.
Exceptional pairings
To complement your meal, the restaurant offers pairings of Vergenoegd Löw wines, as well as other premium South African wines and even non-alcoholic cocktails. Guests are welcome to follow these recommendations or make their own selection from a thoughtfully curated beverage list, showcasing South Africa’s finest.
Dine with a view
Step onto the spacious patio to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, indigenous gardens, and the abundant birdlife that calls our farm home. A feast for all the senses.
Events and private functions
Clara’s Barn also features a dedicated private events wing, ideal for small-scale functions, weddings, and other celebrations. The space can accommodate up to 80 guests, making it a perfect venue for intimate, meaningful gatherings.
Small-plate dishes made to share celebrate well-loved, familiar South African flavours, creatively reimagined using fresh, local ingredients.
For something more casual: Geuwels
Just a short walk away, on the front side of the werf, you’ll find Geuwels, our relaxed eatery that’s open daily for breakfast and lunch (and for dinner, but for hotel guests only).
Here, small-plate dishes made to share celebrate well-loved, familiar South African flavours, creatively reimagined using fresh, local ingredients.
Geuwels offers the perfect spot to witness our famous Indian Runner ducks then they pass by the werf at 9:00 and 12:00 daily, making their way to and from the vineyards and vlei. They, together with our Dexter cattle, Dohne Merino sheep and chickens, form an integral part of our sustainable farming approach.
Our famous Indian Runner ducks.
Wine tasting in our 1773 Homestead
Join us in our historic Homestead Wine Lounge for a tasting of our award-winning wines, all influenced by our maritime climate, resulting in refined wines of elegance and freshness, beautifully balanced with a slight hint of salinity.
Whether you prefer reds, whites, or a curated combination, the tasting experience is flexible and tailored to your preferences.
For a unique twist, try our Indigenous Tasting, a curated line-up of wines with distinctive South African flavours such as biltong, mebos, bokkoms, and roosterkoek.
Wander through our restored indigenous gardens, dotted with bronze sculptures by Dylan Lewis.
Return to the rhythm of nature
Located just 5km from the False Bay coastline, Vergenoegd Löw lies in a tranquil enclave affectionately known as Stellenbosch-by-the-Sea. With breathtaking mountain views, the estate is a haven for those who appreciate fine living rooted in authentic heritage and sustainable farming practices.
Wander through our restored indigenous gardens, dotted with bronze sculptures by respected South African artists Dylan Lewis and Manuela Holzer, or observe the aquatic birdlife on the wind. You’ll also find our seven-circuit medieval-style labyrinth, as well as a puzzle maze featuring two winding paths that lead to a blessing well at the centre.
Relax at our luxurious spa.
Treat yourself at our luxury spa
Enhance your visit with a treatment at our luxurious spa, part of the Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa, a member of the prestigious European Heritage Project, a collection of historically significant luxury estates around the world.
Five-star accommodation
Our boutique hotel offers a collection of elegant suites and private cottages, each nestled in its own serene setting. Blending Cape Dutch architectural heritage with modern aesthetic sensibilities, the accommodations are gracious, spacious, and embody understated luxury with exceptional attention to detail.
Browse all our seasonal and themed packages plus experiences, and to book your stay.
Join the Heritage Circle
Discover our Heritage Circle and unlock exclusive benefits, including:
• 10% off dining, spa treatments, and accommodation
• 20% discount on wine purchases
• Access to special wine tastings and exclusive experiences
Whether you’re joining us for a special meal at Clara’s Barn, a wine tasting, or a peaceful weekend escape, we look forward to welcoming you to Vergenoegd Löw, conveniently located just 30 minutes from Cape Town.