ARTICLES

Great wine starts with good geography

Article by Maryke Visagie published by VinPro.

South African Vineyard Soils and Climates

This article by geologist Dawid Saayman, a consultant soil specialist for Distell in Stellenbosch, appeared in TONG magazine, edition no 14.

Geology and Wine in South Africa

Article by Chrisopher J Bargmann, published in Geoscientist, the magazine of The Geological Society of London.

GIS research, Stellenbosch District

Large variation in altitude, slope steepness and slope orientation can contribute significantly to the extent of biodiversity found within a single wine district. Here advanced computer modeling was used to map the variation in solar radiation on a landscape (macro) and vineyard (micro) scale. The use of this technology for vineyard planning purposes is fast becoming a standard practice in the Western Cape. View the document (3MB).

Climate data from various weather stations

View details of rainfall, heat summation, evaporation, sunshine hours, windrun etc. from the various weather stations.

Natural terroir units: What are they? How can they help the wine farmer?

View details on terroir and natural terroir units.