29 October, 2025

From our beginnings as the GEN-Z Vineyard Project to today’s exciting evolution, one thing has never changed — our commitment to advancing viticulture in South Africa.
We are proud to introduce ADVICO — the Advancement of Viticulture Collective South Africa.
A new identity that reflects who we’ve become: a collective of growers, researchers, and industry partners working together to drive progress, sustainability, and innovation across our vineyards.
The name may be new, but the mission remains the same — to grow, together.

2024

In 2024, a Shiraz clone demonstration was established at Kleinood, featuring four selected clones. This initiative marks the beginning of planting larger demonstration blocks with fewer clones to enable meaningful winemaking trials. The goal is to compare clone performance not only in terms of yield and vineyard characteristics but also wine quality. This approach will provide valuable, cellar-based insights to guide future planting decisions.

November 14, 2024

The ADVICO team recently hosted Robertson producers at their demonstration blocks: Bon Vallon, Weltevrede, and Excelsior. At Bon Vallon, 16 Chardonnay clones were planted to assess each clone’s production and performance on the Koffieklip soils and its impact on wine quality. At Weltevrede, different trellis options were explored to optimize production, while at Excelsior, various rootstock options grafted onto Chardonnay were evaluated to identify those best suited to the area’s conditions. With Robertson producing exceptional Chardonnay, these demos provide significant value to local producers.

November 8, 2024

The ADVICO team hosted the WKWBG study group during the recent field session, which included visits to the demonstration blocks at Kanonkop and Otterkuil. At Kanonkop, Cabernet Sauvignon clone performance is being closely monitored, with experimental wines produced to assess both vineyard expression and winemaking potential. At Otterkuil, bush vine Pinotage and Chenin blanc on different rootstocks revealed notable growth differences, highlighting the impact of site and plant material. The team also explored future demo projects, with themes including drought resilience, pruning systems, and vineyard strategies to address climate challenges.

October 10, 2024

The Breedekloof study group visited ADVICO demo sites at Opstal, Welgelee, and Goudini Cellar. At Opstal, producers noted the Chenin Blanc clone selection provided valuable insight into high-quality, high-production options. Welgelee highlighted growth differences among rootstocks, while Goudini showcased new red and white cultivars for potential future production. Feedback also covered pruning, trellis systems, regenerative farming, young vine management, and new vineyard technologies.