Across the Rust en Vrede estate, this is shown in small ways, from the soil to the animals roaming the land. Blue cranes move quietly through the vineyards, owls nest hidden in the historic oak trees, and young deer pass through natural corridors left undisturbed. Within the 12 conserved hectares of the estate, we remove alien vegetation and replant indigenous flora to allow the land to function as it should.
In the vineyards, the focus is on working with the soil rather than against it. We use compost tea to improve soil health, enhance vine nutrition, and suppress disease. Above the surface, tractors are avoided in young blocks to prevent soil compaction. Additionally, cover crops are planted each year to improve soil structure and encourage more life below the surface. In turn, due to the above efforts, the vineyard finds its own balance, with natural predators playing a greater role and the need for intervention kept to a minimum.
We use water with care and intent. Drip irrigation ensures it’s only applied when needed. Additionally, our effluent plant treats and monitors wastewater and returns it to the vineyards once clean, in line with IPW standards.
Energy is approached in much the same way – thoughtfully and with a long-term view. A solar installation, supported by battery storage, now supplies 40% of the estate’s energy needs, reducing reliance on diesel and lowering overall environmental impact.
There’s no single initiative that defines sustainability here. It’s an accumulation of considered decisions made over time to ensure the land remains healthy, balanced, and fruitful for years to come.
Good news stories abound in the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these 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. For more stories, visit www.wineforgood.co.za.