ORGANICS
We follow organic farming principles, avoiding synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. We embrace holistic farming methods that promote soil fertility and drought resiliency, while supporting the soil’s natural ability to reintegrate carbon from the atmosphere.
NO TILLAGE
Our no-till policy means that the previous year’s cover crop residue is retained on the soil surface, helping to build soil structure and increase topsoil stability. In addition, without tilling, the soil has the ability to sequester CO₂, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change.
PLANTING FOR BIODIVERSITY
Throughout the farm, we have created habitats with flowering shrubs, plants and trees to attract and harbor beneficial birds and insects.
PEST CONTROL
We do not use harmful pesticides or poisons on our farm. Our numerous trees and designated woodlands areas on the farm provide a home to abundant birdlife, including a family of Cape Eagle owls. These and other birds of prey, including jackal buzzards, keep the rodent population in check. We also create ideal habitats for beneficial insects, which control such vineyard pests as mealy bugs.
COVER CROPS
With the arrival of the first post-harvest rains, we plant nitrogen-fixing cover crops between the vine rows. The cover crops, which are regularly rotated, work to improve soil fertility, suppress weed growth, prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth, and the retained cover crop residue keeps the soil cool and moist throughout the growing season.
MULCH
We recycle roof thatch to mulch our vine banks, retaining soil moisture, keeping the soil cool and reducing weed growth at the base of the vines.
FREE RANGE CHICKENS
Our flock of Orpington free rangers roams amongst the vineyards, scratching and aerating the soil while eating grass, weeds and insects.
COMPOST
We compost the leaves and stems from our cut flower operation as well as our guesthouse food waste. The resulting compost mixture is applied to the vineyards to build organic matter and increase microbial action in the soil.