ANGLO AMERICAN ERA : 1987 - TODAY
When Anglo American purchased the property in 1987, extensive investments were made in viticulture and in restoring the Estate's historic core, with a view to sharing the Estate with visitors worldwide.
Among the many projects undertaken on the Estate by Anglo American was an extensive programme of clearing invasive alien vegetation, land rehabilitation and restoration of the Estate's historic core. The vineyards were re-established following intensive climatic and soil tests. A detailed master plan was drawn up for the development of the farm and in 1992, an impressive, multi-leveled, sunken hilltop winery was built and opened by Baron Eric de Rothschild, owner of Chateau Lafitte (Bordeaux) in France. Today, Vergelegen competes with the top 100 wines of the world and positions itself among the leading conservers of Cape cultural heritage.
Throughout its history and especially during the last two decades, heads of state and celebrities of international renown have been visiting Vergelegen. The first unbanned meeting of the caucus of the ANC took place in the seclusion of Vergelegen before it was opened to the public, with amongst others, Nelson Mandela and Thabo M’Beki attending (1990).
Queen Mary 2 World Cruise Gala Dinner (2010) – Celine Dion World Tour Concert (2008) – The Elton John Cape Town Ball to benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation, attended by Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and South African and international celebrities. (2005) – Visit of the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China (2004) – 2010 World Cup bid dinner hosted by Anglo American (2003) – gala dinner hosted by Mr and Mrs Nelson Mandela for "46664” Concert VIP guests – including Bono, Beyoncé Knowles, The Corrs and Oprah Winfrey (2003) – State Banquet in honour of United States President Bill Clinton and Mrs Clinton, hosted by President Nelson Mandela and Ms Graça Machel (1998) – ‘thank you’ dinner, following exhibition tennis matches to mark the launch of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, attended by Mr Mandela and including Boris Bekker, Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields (1997) – a farewell dinner to mark the retirement of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (1995) – Anglo American Corporation hosted a private luncheon for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during a State visit to South Africa (1995)
Mr Nelson Mandela
