If you’ve ever visited Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, there’s one experience you’re almost guaranteed to remember — the unmistakable sight of hundreds of Indian Runner ducks waddling with purpose across the werf, on their way to work in the vineyards.
Yes, work.
Meet the Ducks with a Job Description
Vergenoegd Löw’s Indian Runner ducks are far more than a charming photo opportunity. Twice daily, at 09:00 and 12:00, the ducks march from their pens and head into the vineyards, where they play a vital role in the estate’s integrated, regenerative farming system. Their task? Natural pest control. The ducks feast on insects and snails that would otherwise damage the vines, all without harming the grapes or compacting the soil. In return, they fertilise the vineyards as they go, improving soil health in the most organic way possible. It’s sustainable farming at its most delightful.
A Tradition Rooted in Nature
Indian Runner ducks have been used in vineyards for centuries, particularly in Europe and Asia, and Vergenoegd Löw has proudly embraced this age-old practice. The estate’s philosophy is to honour the past while farming for the future, and the ducks are a perfect example of that balance. Alongside the ducks, Dexter cattle help manage weeds, creating a mixed-farm environment that supports biodiversity and allows the winemaking team to intervene as little as possible in the cellar.
A Daily Spectacle You Won’t Forget
Watching the ducks waddle in long, orderly lines across the historic werf is one of the most joyful moments in the Cape Winelands. Guests often gather with cameras ready, children wide-eyed, and glasses in hand — because where else can you enjoy a wine farm where the vineyard staff quack? It’s playful, photogenic and surprisingly calming, offering a reminder that great wine starts with respect for the land and its rhythms.
Why the Ducks Matter
Beyond their charm, the Indian Runner ducks represent what Vergenoegd Löw stands for: sustainability, heritage and thoughtful farming. They’re proof that luxury wine estates can work with nature, not against it — and still produce wines of elegance, freshness and longevity.
At Vergenoegd Löw, the ducks aren’t a novelty. They’re part of the team.
If you’d like to experience Vergenoegd Löw’s Indian Runner ducks (and the wines they help protect) for yourself, book a wine tour with Wine in the Cape. We’ll take care of the planning — you just enjoy the ducks, the wine and the magic of the Winelands
