At Rijk's Wine Estate and Hotel, we are very privileged to be able to work with nature everyday. This is why we are committed to preserving our environment for generations to come. We use sustainable ways of farming wherever we can, as we believe in farming with nature and not against it. We also run our hotel and restaurant in a sustainable way. And, we are continuously looking for new ways to improve.
Naturally farmed vineyards
In 2024, we celebrate four years without any form of traditional chemical spraying – a milestone that we are very proud of. Our success stems from adopting natural methods to combat harmful insects in our vineyards and maintaining soil fertility.
By being mindful of our wine consumption and production practices, we extend positive impacts beyond our farm, impacting the lives of future generations.
Vineyard cover
In our vineyards, we employ woodchips and bales as natural, sustainable ground cover, providing several advantages for soil preservation.
By shielding the soil with woodchips and bales, we mitigate direct heating from the sun, effectively regulating temperature. This protective layer also diminishes water evaporation, thereby conserving water resources.
This approach also aids in weed control as the mulch impedes weed germination and growth by blocking sunlight. Over time, the mulch decomposes, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.
Cover crops
One of the techniques we've integrated into our vineyard management is the utilisation of cover crops.
Cover crops are planted during the dormant phase of the vines, ensuring they don't compete for nutrients. As the vines begin to bud, the cover crops are flattened, returning their nutrients to the soil for the vines' use during the growing season.
Our blend of triticale, lupins, and radish enriches the soil with nitrogen, fostering air pockets that enhance micronutrient uptake and promote oxygenation in the soil over time.
Our bees
In 2021, we installed the first of our beehives and began the journey of producing Rijk’s Honey.
The increased bee activity has been extremely beneficial for the neighbouring plant ecosystem. By facilitating pollination, bees play a vital role in enhancing the growth and vitality of the plants surrounding our vineyards. This symbiotic relationship contributes to a healthy vine environment, reducing the necessity for harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Our honey is purely natural, raw, and organic – untouched by additives. We sit back and let nature do the work.
100% natural pool
Our hotel has a one-of-a-kind natural pool, providing an excellent opportunity to minimise your environmental footprint while indulging in the pleasures of swimming. Eco pools employ a natural filtration system, utilising plants and sand to purify the water, thereby removing the need for harsh chemicals. This approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances the swimming experience for our guests.
Water-wise gardens
Our hotel and restaurant are surrounded by gardens that are exclusively made up of succulents and native plants. These varieties are resilient to drought conditions, requiring minimal watering. Given Tulbagh's summer temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees Celsius, these plants flourish effortlessly in our surroundings. We are committed to maintaining an ecosystem of solely indigenous plants on our farm.
There are plenty of good news stories from the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these positive and uplifting stories. We dedicate the month of April to our #wineforgood campaign each year, sharing a good news story every day. Join us in spreading the good news about South African wine. If you'd like to submit a story, please email editor@wine.co.za.