Sustainable Winemaking: The Return to Balance

Sustainable Viticulture in South Africa

The regenerative agriculture approach aims to enhance biodiversity in monoculture systems,” explains Jacques van Rensburg, Senior Extension Officer of the “Sustainable Agriculture: Fruit & Wine” program at WWF South Africa.

The concept of regenerative agriculture was coined by Robert Rodale in the 1980s and is gaining significant traction today through the Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania. “When it comes to winemaking, we all strive for balance,” states Alastair Rimmer, winemaker at DeMorgenzon Wine Estate outside of Stellenbosch.

“Everything hinges on the soil,” acknowledges van Rensburg. Focus is placed on achieving healthy soils that promote biodiversity and create healthy ecosystems.

A key aspect is leveraging cover crops to increase biodiversity, meaning winemakers intentionally plant other crops between the vines.

This approach allows many winemakers to escape the “vicious cycle of weed control,” which Rimmer describes as a common practice where nutrient competition between vine stock and weeds is regulated through herbicides.

Luke O'Cuinneagain from Vergelegen. “We need to learn to harness nature to express the character of our wines.”

Improvement techniques, such as planting radish, help loosen the soil and allow water to penetrate more deeply.

Vergelegen Winemakers - Working in Harmony with Nature

The planting of legumes for natural nitrogen fixation, along with clover species, promotes a mulch layer that retains soil moisture and reduces weed growth.

“We are still in the early stages of this process,” O'Cuinneagain admits. “With 130 hectares of vineyards, it’s a massive challenge.”

Vergelegen is also testing eco-friendly eucalyptus posts and developing the natural biodiversity protection system further.

At Neethlingshof, another winery near Stellenbosch, they also utilize natural corridors for ecosystem preservation. Uprooted vineyards are being replanted with endangered Renosterveld.

“There are many ways environmentally conscious wineries can enhance practices, but it takes time,” advises Stefan Hartmann, farm manager at Bouchard Finlayson.

Reducing Herbicides at Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson has cut its herbicide usage through targeted measures. “You can observe more life in the vines,” Hartmann states.

“Ultimately, it should be about restoring the natural balance to create great wines with minimal impact on the environment,” Rimmer concludes.