Wine grapes · Wyndruiwe
From the pre-plant soil survey to the véraison leaf sample, we measure each block and advise on what it needs — independent of any fertiliser supplier, and with the wine in mind, not just the yield.
What we measure, and when
Each sample is timed to the crop stage where it tells you the most. We work across Swartland, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Breedekloof, Robertson and the other Western Cape wine regions.
| Season, July to June | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budbreak to flowering | Sep | Oct | Nov | |||||||||
| Véraison to harvest | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | ||||||||
| Leaf & petiole sampleFull bloom, leaves opposite the bunch | Oct | Nov | ||||||||||
| Leaf & petiole sampleVéraison | Dec | Jan | ||||||||||
| Soil samplingPost-harvest, topsoil and subsoil | Mar | Apr | May | |||||||||
| Pre-plant soil surveyDeep profile, before soil preparation | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | |||||||
| Soil moisture monitoringProbes through the growing season | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr |
What we look for
The questions we put to every block's numbers — answered independently, with no product attached to the answer.
Many Western Cape vineyard soils are acidic below the cultivated layer, and roots stop where the acidity starts. Surface lime takes years to get there, so the best chance to correct it is before planting, when lime can be worked in deep.
Too much potassium in the vine raises juice pH and costs the winemaker acidity. We track K in the soil and the petioles and apply what the vine needs — not what a programme template says.
Enough nitrogen for a healthy canopy and enough yeast-available nitrogen in the must; too much brings excess vigour, shaded bunches and more rot. Timing matters as much as the amount.
On sandy and acid soils magnesium runs short, and heavy potassium makes it worse. The ratio between them often explains a block better than either number alone.
Small amounts with a large effect on fruit set and berry size. Leaf analysis at bloom shows whether they are limiting before it costs the crop.
Vigour maps from satellite imagery show where a block differs, so sampling targets the difference and harvest can be split by zone where the winemaker wants it.
What you get back
We keep every result, so this season's numbers always sit beside last season's — and you get a written report after every visit.
Other crops
Contact
Evert Bergh, agronomist. Based in Durbanville, serving farmers across Swartland, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Breedekloof, Robertson and the other Western Cape wine regions, and nationally.
