We are deeply committed to working in harmony with nature, never against it. This philosophy is dynamic—it requires constant observation, ongoing research, and a fair amount of trial and error. It’s a humbling journey, and we remain students of Mother Nature, learning every step of the way. One of the most visible expressions of this commitment is our cover crop programme in the vineyards. Far from being a small detail, cover crops are gaining attention across the wine world for their role in building healthier soils, supporting biodiversity, and ultimately producing better wines.
Here’s why we think they’re worth a closer look.
Why Cover Cropping? Take a moment to consider any natural landscape—forest floors, meadows, or even desert environments. One thing you’ll rarely find is bare, exposed soil. Nature abhors a vacuum, and for good reason. In our vineyards, cover crops help us retain moisture during hot summers, prevent erosion during winter storms, suppress weeds naturally, and, most importantly, enrich the humus layer and microbiological life in our soils. By working with nature in this way, we create healthier vines, and ultimately, better wines.
We carefully select our cover crop species based on the specific needs of each vineyard block, tailoring our approach to benefit both the soil and the vines.
Different Approaches for Different Vineyard Ages. Not all vineyards are created equal, especially when considering their age and stage of development. For our more established vineyards (over 3 years old), we introduce permanent cover crops with deeper root systems. While these plants do compete with the vines for resources, our mature vines are robust enough to manage this competition, and, in fact, benefit from it over time.
In these established blocks, we plant a carefully curated mix of grasses between the rows, which we mow regularly. The clippings are left to decompose, enriching the soil and returning vital nutrients. Under the vines, we plant clover varieties that naturally capture nitrogen from the atmosphere, enriching the soil and supporting the vineyard’s long-term health, a true example of working with nature’s processes. For younger vines (under 3 years old), we take a gentler approach. At this stage, the focus is on ensuring the vines receive all the resources they need without competition. Instead of permanent cover crops, we plant annuals that provide soil protection while minimising competition for the developing root systems.
How We Choose Our Cover Crops
Our selection process balances several important factors:
Soil Health Needs. We regularly assess what our soils require. Often, we aim to boost nitrogen levels naturally, choosing nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and various legumes that can pull this essential nutrient from the atmosphere and make it available in the soil.
Supporting Biodiversity. Our vineyards are part of a broader ecosystem, and we design our cover crop programme with wildlife in mind. We select flowering plants that provide nectar and habitat for beneficial insects that contribute to vineyard health. While we cherish the baboons and antelope that share our landscape, we’re mindful not to plant cover crops that might attract them excessively to the vineyards.
Aesthetics Matter, Too. We believe farming should be beautiful as well as functional. This year, we’re particularly excited about planting bitter lupines in our young vineyards. Soon, stunning blue flowers will carpet these areas, a feast for the eyes as well as a boon for the soil!
Looking Ahead. Our goal is to produce wines that reflect the unique character of our land while safeguarding its long-term health. Achieving this means staying flexible and ever-present, adapting our cover crop programme as we observe and respond to the rhythm of the seasons. It’s a living, evolving process, and we look forward to sharing our progress with you.
Stay tuned for updates, and don’t hesitate to chat with our vineyard team on your next visit—they love talking about sustainable viticulture!
