Hartenberg's Regenerative Journey

What is regenerative agriculture?

A definition of Regenerative Agriculture is: "The process of restoring degraded soils using practices based on ecological principles." It involves managing a farm by considering the interactions between soil, water, plants, animals, and humans - interconnected parts of a single system.

The difference between Organic and Regenerative Agriculture

Both regenerative and organic agriculture aim to reduce synthetic chemical use. However, regenerative agriculture takes it a step further by focusing on practices that actively contribute to soil health improvement. In summary, while both practices target sustainable farming, Regenerative Agriculture takes a more holistic approach that not only avoids harm but actively improves the environment.

Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture include

• Increased organic soil matter and biodiversity.
• Healthier and more productive soil that is drought- and flood-resistant.
• Reduced chemical inputs and resulting pollution.
• Cleaner air and water.
• Improved habitat for wildlife.
• Carbon sequestered in the soil to combat climate change.

Further advantages explained in detail:

Combats climate change: Regenerative agriculture helps combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon in the soil.

Global evidence of CO2 reduction through Regenerative Agriculture: There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the potential of Regenerative Agriculture to lower CO2 emissions on a global scale.

Enhances soil health: It improves soil health, increases fertility, and prevents degradation.

Promotes biodiversity: By employing diverse crop rotations and reducing pesticide use, it supports a wide variety of life forms on farms, including animals, insects, plants, and fungi.

Efficient resource use: It optimizes the use of resources like water and nutrients, leading to better yields and less pressure on our precious freshwater reserves.

Protects our planet: It helps shield our natural environment from harm and soil erosion.

Hartenberg's approach to regenerative agriculture

The winery has embarked on a journey of regenerative viticulture for many years, with recent years showing impressive changes in soil and vineyards. They recently hosted visitors from the US-based platform "Land to Market" - a global group (in collaboration with the Savory Institute) focused on agricultural regeneration and wilderness restoration.

The winery hopes for verification/accreditation soon.

Cover Cropping

Although grapevines are hardy plants, Hartenberg knows that it is essential to sow cover crops to avoid the negative impacts of monocultures. Each year, different cover crop species are sown to add specific nutrients to the soil. These nutrients serve as a diverse buffet for the microorganisms living in the soil, enriching its health and fertility. In 2010, Hartenberg began sowing cover crops such as Medics and White Mustard. By 2019, the approach evolved to prioritize specific, intercropped cover crops that increase biodiversity and soil health and can serve as food for the animals.

Composting

A central question that Hartenberg regularly asks is: "What waste do we generate?" and then seeks solutions. As a business, waste is produced in the restaurant and cellar. When you visit the restaurant, the winery ensures that all food waste is composted with the Swedish Jora system, transforming into nutrient-rich dark compost. The compost finds a home in the expansive gardens on the estate. In summer, Hartenberg produces about 200 kg of compost per week and 50-100 kg in winter. The compost is applied as mulch to help maintain soil health. On a larger scale, all garden waste and the skins and stems from the annual grape harvest are mixed and composted. A year later, the resulting compost finds its way back to the vineyards.

Controlled High-Density Grazing

In 2017, Hartenberg introduced cattle to the farm, not just as lawn mowers but also as key players in a groundbreaking approach to vineyard management. The farm has discovered that livestock, when managed correctly, can significantly improve plant and soil health in the vineyards. The effect of the cattle is multi-faceted: Their hooves gently aerate the soil, the suction effect of how they graze stimulates plant growth, and even saliva, manure, and urine contribute to soil rejuvenation. Hartenberg is at the forefront of this innovative technique, carefully measuring the soil microbiology and its impact on the wines produced from these experimental plots against the traditional norms.

Back to Nature

Wetland Restoration

Nestled in a 170-hectare estate is a vast 65-hectare wetland that was once choked by invasive plants. Today it stands as a symbol of our commitment to land restoration and is a living ecosystem full of indigenous plants, including bulrushes known for their fibrous root systems that serve as natural water filters.

Since 1995, Hartenberg has embarked on an ambitious mission to reclaim the wetlands from invasive alien trees such as Syringa, Black Wattle, Blue Gum, Pine, Port Jackson, and Sesbania. These extensive restoration efforts have led to remarkable results, with increased soil moisture levels and extended runoff after rainfall, fostering optimal conditions for the thriving indigenous plants.

But the true magic of the wetland lies in its role as a sanctuary for wildlife. Here, amidst this protected area, more than 85 different bird species find refuge, alongside various animals such as bok, wildcats, and caracals. Notably, the wetland also harbors two of the best indicators of intact ecological health and the absence of pollution: frogs and Cape Francolin. Their presence underscores our commitment to farming in harmony with nature.

Biological Pest Control

At Hartenberg, a holistic approach to pest control has been adopted, fostering a harmonious relationship between the vineyards and the native insects that protect them, creating healthier vines, and ensuring wine production for future generations.

Since the early 2000s, Hartenberg has operated pesticide-free and pioneers the use of historically native insects to combat pest populations. This includes deploying ladybugs to control outbreaks by preying on mealybugs, notorious carriers of leaf roll virus. We also release two native wasp species, Anagyrus and Perminutus, to prey on mealybugs. The net result is that all vineyards younger than twenty years remain virus-free.

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)

At Hartenberg, we farm organically and adhere to the codes of conduct of the IPW program (Integrated Production of Wine), focusing on sustainable wine production. The Integrity & Sustainability seal affixed to all Hartenberg wines is not just a label; it’s a promise. It assures consumers and buyers alike that the wines have been produced carefully and with environmentally conscious and sustainable methods. IPW guidelines compliance is reviewed annually and independently verified.

Water Management

Water Recycling

Hartenberg is blessed with water from five springs that rise from the top of the Bottelary Hills. Careful management and investments in safeguarding this resource have meant that they have never had to connect to the water supply network in over 300 years. The spring water is of very high quality and flows through a network of pipes around the estate to where it is needed.

Almost two decades ago, Dr. Eric Smollgruber, an Austrian water engineer, advised Carl on how Hartenberg could improve wastewater management to ensure that every drop is reused. Since then, they recycle all wastewater from the cellar, tasting room, restaurant, and the homes on the estate. Hartenberg water has been a closed system for 20 years; the water is reused over and over.

Irrigation

Another way Hartenberg pioneers water saving is by investing in subsurface irrigation. This very effective method consists of irrigation pipes buried in the ground, delivering water directly to the roots of the vines. This avoids water waste typically associated with surface irrigation, where evaporation can take its toll. Hartenberg has also switched to nighttime irrigation. This simple shift in timing has profound results, reducing evaporation by 10-20%.

Pressure Bomb Readings

In the late 1990s, Hartenberg purchased the first pressure bomb reading set in South Africa. This test allows for a high level of precision in determining a plant's water needs and is the only instrument of its kind to measure water levels in the plant rather than soil moisture.

Here is the link to all Hartenberg wines