June 11, 2025

Regenerative viticulture is drawing growing interest from writers, consumers, and producers alike. On 11 June 2025, VINPRO/ADVICO hosted the Regenerative Viticulture Growers’ Day in partnership with South Africa Wine RDI, the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, and the Nemlab Soil Health Support Centre. The event at Spier and Reyneke highlighted practical themes including reduced tillage, compost, biochar, and animal integration. With 65 attendees and international as well as local experts, the presentations were recorded and shared on the Vinpro YouTube channel to reach a wider audience.

April, 2025

This year was ADVICO’s most active season yet, with 29 demos harvested across 10 districts and a record 668 samples collected and processed. Harvest kicked off in late January at Graham Beck and peaked in February and March, with Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and red cultivar demos ripening in quick succession. At each site, detailed measurements such as bunch and berry weights, berry volume, yield estimates, and juice analyses were recorded to build a stronger dataset. Three sites have now been selected for the 2025 microvinification program: Sauvignon Blanc at De Grendel (Durbanville), Chenin Blanc at Olyvenhout (Wellington), and a red cultivar demo at Knolfontein (Swartland), with tastings by an expert panel to follow in July/August 2025.

December, 2024

The ADVICO team is excited to be part of a new applied viticulture project in Stellenbosch, investigating strategies to help vines cope with extreme heat events. The study will evaluate different irrigation approaches and their effects on vine water status, berry composition, and yield. Findings will provide practical recommendations to support growers in managing heat stress more effectively.

November 28, 2024

Last week, the team visited our red cultivar demo at Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland region to check on ripening progress ahead of the season. This unique site sits 368 m above sea level and features a vine-by-post trellising system on sandstone–granite soils. Twelve red cultivars are planted here, including interesting varieties such as Souzao, Durif, and Tannat. We’re excited to see what this season will bring!

November 25, 2024

Our 2023 Shiraz clone demo block at Saronsberg is off to a strong start. This trial, featuring six carefully selected clones, is planted on the Coastal region’s unique duplex soils and will provide valuable information on how each clone adapts to vineyard conditions. Beyond growth and yield, the trial aims to explore the diversity these clones could contribute to winemaking styles, offering insight into flavour profiles, structure, and overall wine quality. Monitoring of this site will commence in 2027, and we look forward to gathering data that will guide both vineyard management and future winemaking decisions.