'Pets' on S. Africa Wine Estate

n this feature, we take you to the Stellenbosch wine region in South Africa. Hartenberg, located in the valley surrounded by the Bottelary Hills, dates all the way back to 1692, and ‘growing’ wine for over 330 years.  Since their ownership in the 80’s, the MacKenzie family, has been investing in their estate reestablishing natural flora, wetlands and spearheading the implementation of regenerative viticulture practices. 

Cattle grazing is a vital principle in regenerative viticulture. The Hartenberg “pets”, small native African cows, are more than just lawnmowers, they manage the cover crops that are essential to biodiversity in the vineyard and building soil health. They learned as the cattle grazed something special happened. Clover and new grass sprouted, along with the return of beneficial insects (dung beetles) and new plant species. This revelation led our host for our tour and interview that day, Hartenberg’s viticulturist Wilhelm Joubert, to realize their potential for the vineyards. 

The treading effect from the cattle’s hooves and the pulling effect from the way they graze help aerate the soil. More magic happens as they eat where plant materials are broken-down during digestion. The result is that essential nutrients are released in the form of natural fertilizer improving the plant and soil health. The cattle feed the soil, which feeds the plants, which feeds the cattle – a self-sustaining ecosystem. The result is a healthy environment for the vineyards producing exceptional wines.