These are the defining pillars of the newly established Dry-Farmed Collective, an industry-led initiative formally launching on the global stage at ProWein Düsseldorf from 14-17 March 2026.
Initiated by Perdeberg Wines the Dry-Farmed Collective brings together growers, producers, researchers, and advocates committed to protecting and promoting South Africa’s rain-fed vineyards.
As water scarcity intensifies and climate volatility reshapes agricultural realities in the Western Cape, dry-farming (cultivating vines without irrigation and relying solely on natural seasonal rainfall) has emerged as both a heritage practice and a climate-smart solution.
According to the SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS), South Africa currently has 10 760 hectares of dry-farmed vineyards, representing 12% of the national vineyard area. These vineyards are recognised for producing wines of concentration, structure, and authenticity, with smaller berries and lower yields contributing to depth of flavour and a pronounced sense of place.
“We have 80 years of winemaking experience in dry-farmed viticulture,” says Gerhard van der Watt, CEO of Perdeberg Wines. “Over decades we have consistently seen the exceptional quality that comes from low-yielding vineyards with smaller berries and concentrated fruit. There is no substitute for the raw material that dry-farmed vineyards produce.
“However, preserving these environmentally responsible vineyards in a highly competitive commercial environment remains a challenge. The Dry-Farmed Collective was established to ensure we marry environmental good practice with commercial viability. The support from industry bodies and early adopters across the spectrum confirms that this is an initiative the broader industry can and should embrace.”
Early supporters include Perdeberg Wines, Diemersdal, Piekenierskloof Wine, David & Nadia Wines, De Kleine Wijn Koöp and Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards, a reflection of strong cross-industry commitment to protecting and strengthening South Africa’s dry-farmed vineyard footprint. These pioneering wineries will participate at the Prowein launch.
The Dry-Farmed Collective has been established to:
- Protect and expand South Africa’s dry-farmed vineyard footprint
- Support vineyard teams through education and upskilling
- Advance research into sustainable dry-farming practices
- Promote dry-farmed wines locally and internationally
- Provide unified industry representation and policy advocacy
With vineyard area under pressure, collaboration has become essential. By uniting under one banner, members aim to safeguard agricultural heritage while ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Many dry-farmed vineyards in South Africa are more than 20 years old, representing invaluable agricultural heritage. As these vineyards mature, producers may qualify for Certified Heritage Vineyard status under the Old Vine Project, further recognising and protecting their legacy.
At its core, the Dry-Farmed Collective seeks to position rain-fed viticulture as a defining signature of South African wine, a model of resilience sustained by skilled growers and vineyard teams working in harmony with nature.
Beyond preservation, the initiative aims to translate stewardship into measurable action: protecting scarce water resources, championing distinctive wine styles, and strengthening the long-term viability of dry-farmed production.
Growers, producers, trade partners and advocates are invited to become part of this collaborative platform dedicated to protecting South Africa’s water future and advancing distinctive, rain-fed wines.
For more information, email info@dryfarmedcollective.com, and follow the movement on social Instagram at @dryfarmedcollective