At Hartenberg Wine Estate, we farm regeneratively. This means we work with nature, instead of against it, to make our land more productive and diverse. A crucial part of this approach is restoring the health and richness of our soil. We do this by increasing the organic matter in our soil and creating a balanced carbon cycle, all while farming in harmony with nature.
Hartenberg made history in 2024 as the first South African wine estate scientifically verified under Ecological Outcome Verification, demonstrating the real-world positive outcomes of our farming practices.
While vines are naturally hardy, planting cover crops is essential to prevent the downsides of monoculture. Each year, we rotate a variety of cover crop species, with each one contributing specific nutrients to the soil. These nutrients feed the soil’s microorganisms, supporting a rich, healthy ecosystem beneath our vines.
Our Viticulturalist, Wilhelm Joubert, began experimenting with this approach in 2010, introducing plants such as Medics, which capture nitrogen from the air and improve soil structure, and White Mustard, a natural bio-fumigant that helps manage nematodes. Over the years, this has evolved into a purpose-driven system: multi-species cover crops that enhance biodiversity, nurture the soil, and provide forage for our animals.
In 2017, we introduced cattle to our farm, primarily to graze the fallow lands.
Over time, we discovered that, when managed correctly, grazing animals can significantly enhance plant and soil health within our vineyards. The cattle’s impact is multifaceted: their hooves break the soil cap, the pulling effect from their grazing stimulates plant growth, and even their saliva, manure, and urine contribute to soil health.
In 2024, Hartenberg became the first South African, and only the third global, winery to be scientifically verified as regenerating the land under Ecological Outcome Verification, a science-backed system that measures the real-world impact of our farming practices
In our restaurant, food waste is composted using a Swedish Jora system, producing nutrient-rich dark compost – around 200 kg per week in summer and 50–100 kg in winter – which is applied as mulch to enrich the soil.
On a larger scale, all garden refuse and grape harvest skins and stalks are composted, and a year later the resulting compost is returned to the vineyards.
Hartenberg applies biochar made from plant matter on the estate as part of our regenerative viticulture practices. This carbon-rich material is added to the soil to improve structure, boost water retention, and support beneficial microbial activity. By increasing carbon in the soil, biochar not only helps vines thrive during dry periods but also contributes to long-term soil fertility and climate-positive outcomes across the estate.
Nestled within our 170-hectare estate is a 59-hectare wetland, once overrun by invasive plants. It is now a restored ecosystem with native flora, including bullrushes, whose fibrous roots naturally filter water.
From 1995 over a decade, we removed invasive trees such as Syringa, Black Wattle, Blue Gum, Pine, Port Jackson, and Sesbania. This restoration improved soil water levels and runoff, creating conditions for indigenous plants to thrive.
The wetland also provides habitat for over 85 bird species and mammals such as bucks, wild cats, and caracals. Frogs and Cape Francolin, indicators of unpolluted, healthy ecosystems, are also present.
At Hartenberg, we use biological methods to manage pests in our vineyards. A flock of Indian runner ducks patrols the vines, controlling snail and slug populations. Indigenous insects also play a role: ladybirds feed on mealybugs, and two native wasp species, Anagyrus and Perminutus, are released to help manage mealybug numbers.
We also support natural predators with owl boxes and raptor perches, helping birds control rodent populations. These methods work together to maintain a balanced vineyard ecosystem and healthier vines.
Integrated Production Of Wine (IPW)
Hartenberg adheres to the IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) scheme codes of conduct which focuses on sustainable wine production. The Integrity & Sustainability seal, which can be found affixed to the neck of all our wines, assures consumers and buyers alike that our wines have been made through environmentally conscious and sustainable methods. Compliance with the IPW guidelines is assessed annually and audited independently.
Hartenberg is blessed with water from five springs that flow from the top of the Bottelary Hills. Careful management and protection of this resource mean that, in over 300 years, the estate has never needed to connect to mains water.
All wastewater from the cellar, tasting room, restaurant, and houses on the estate is recycled. For the past 15 years, Hartenberg has maintained a closed water system, reusing water over and over again to ensure that every drop is used efficiently.
Hartenberg was the first estate in South Africa to use a Pressure Bomb Reading kit in the late 1990s. This tool measures the water pressure within the vine itself, giving us a direct indication of how much water the plants need. Using this data, we can irrigate only as much as necessary, ensuring water is used efficiently without waste.
We also schedule irrigation at night, when cooler temperatures reduce evaporation by 10-20%.
