Chef Michelle Theron from Vergenoegd Löw has come to understand the value of slowing down and now incorporates that into her approach when it comes to menu planning, plating and food and wine experiences. She explains that allowing the farm’s inner workings to dictate her pace has given her new perspective and she now sees things that might have previously gone unnoticed. In the end, it’s those things that inspire her creativity in the kitchen, making her a chef to be reckoned with and calling for an exciting new chapter where the estate and its refurb is concerned…
Come late summer, you’ll also be able to experience it all in a whole new light, with delightful deck dining, Sunday lunches, pre-dinner tastings, farm teas and more. I, for one, am incredibly excited to return to Vergenoegd Löw for the renewed hospitality experience.
Podcast Chapters:
00:00 – 00:56 | A Taste of South Africa
A glimpse into what the episode is about. Chef Michelle Theron introduces the sensory experience behind Vergenoegd Löw’s Indigenous Tasting – from bokkoms and vetkoek to biltong and spice stories.
00:56 – 02:20 | Welcome to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY
Host Renate Engelbrecht introduces the show, thanks listeners for their continued support, and celebrates reaching 30 episodes.
02:20 – 02:59 | Meet Chef Michelle Theron
An introduction to Chef Michelle Theron’s philosophy of slowing down and how the farm’s rhythm inspires her culinary creativity.
02:59 – 04:45 | The Indigenous Tasting Experience
Michelle explains how the Indigenous Tasting at Vergenoegd Löw began and how each element connects guests to the estate’s unique terroir.
04:45 – 05:59 | The Story Behind the Plate
The design of the circular tasting board, sustainable sourcing, and storytelling through every ingredient.
05:59 – 07:12 | Nostalgia on a Plate
Renate and Michelle discuss South African nostalgia through flavours like spekboom and rusks, and how they tie into the wine pairings.
07:12 – 09:09 | Celebrating Indigenous Cape Cuisine
Michelle shares her love for Cape Winelands cuisine, working with terroir and sea influence, and reimagining heritage recipes.
09:09 – 10:13 | From Farm Waste to Flavour Innovation
Chef Michelle details how she transforms vegetable offcuts into salts and rubs – closing the sustainability loop.
10:13 – 12:02 | The Animals’ Role in the Vineyard
Exploring the farm ecosystem where ducks, chickens, and Dexter cattle play integral roles in the estate’s sustainability.
12:02 – 15:05 | Slow Living, Creativity, and Mindful Cooking
How life on the farm fosters slow living, mindfulness, and creativity in the kitchen — inspiring both the chef and her team.
15:06 – 16:13 | Closing & Collaboration Invitation
Renate invites brands to collaborate with Suitcase & Chardonnay to tell their stories across blog, podcast, and media.
17:01 – 18:46 | Culinary Roots in Holland
Chef Michelle reflects on her time in Holland, exploring Cape Dutch culinary heritage and how it shaped her cooking style today.
Vergenoegd Löw:
Website: https://www.vergenoegd.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vergenoegd_low_wine_estate/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vergenoegd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUv_QFjTSBKdYT6haTfvASQ
SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY:
Blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/