Beneath the Vines: How Autumn Sets the Stage for Future Vintages
Planting the Future: Cover Crops and Soil Health
Three weeks ago, our viticulturist, Vlok Hanekom, completed the planting of barley, oats, triticale, rye, vetch, tiller radish and both white and black mustard seeds between our vine rows. It may look like simple winter grass, but it’s essential groundwork for long-term soil health.
Each of these cover crops plays a specific role in regenerating the vineyard from the ground up. Barley and oats contribute organic carbon to the soil – a critical component that feeds beneficial microbes, supports fungi, and helps the soil retain moisture. This organic matter also improves soil structure, making it easier to work with and more resilient in dry spells. Vetch, a legume, brings another powerful benefit: it captures nitrogen from the air and converts it into a natural fertiliser, enriching the soil for the season ahead and supporting strong vine growth when spring returns.
Tiller radish plays a physical role in the soil. Its deep taproot breaks through compacted layers, creating natural channels for water and air to move freely and making room for vine roots to stretch deeper. Mustard plants, on the other hand, offer natural protection. Their roots release compounds that help suppress soil-borne diseases and pests, making them an effective, chemical-free form of biological pest control.
These improvements are visible across our diverse vineyard landscape – heavy clay soils become looser and easier to work, while sandier soils become more fertile. The microbial life beneath our feet increases in both diversity and activity, creating a vibrant underground ecosystem. This is what our vines will wake up to in spring: living, breathing soil, rich with the building blocks of the next vintage.
Fighting Fires
Just three weeks ago, a wildfire swept across the mountain behind the farm. It moved fast – too fast for outside help. Thanks to swift action, our team held the fire at the fence line - protecting the vineyards and ensuring plans could continue uninterrupted.
The Reset Button
While we’ve been focused on new growth, our established vines are easing into their annual winter rest. Leaves turn from green to gold to deep burgundy before falling. Beneath the soil, sugars and carbohydrates are stored in the roots, ready to fuel the next season’s growth.
It’s a vital pause - the vineyard’s version of hibernation - giving the vines time to rest and recharge before spring.
Looking Ahead to Winter
The season ahead depends on rain. Our dam needs winter runoff to fill properly, and we've cleared our contours to direct every possible drop toward storage. This practical water management makes the difference between a good vintage and an exceptional one.
Autumn gives viticulturists what we value most: time to plan. There are no strong winds, extreme temperatures, or harvest pressure. Instead, we can just put our heads down and work on improvements, repairs and preparation.
Every decision made in these quieter months - from cover crop varieties to drainage systems - affects the wines you'll drink years from now. But if you ask us, some things are worth the wait.
Experience the vineyard in transition. Visit Steenberg this autumn and taste the current vintage while the next one takes root beneath your feet.
