Vergenoegd Löw, winemaker Vusi Dalicuba.
As the warm days of March settle over South Africa’s Cape winelands, the rhythm of the harvest reaches its peak. Here at Vergenoegd Löw, winemaker Vusi Dalicuba and his team are deep into the annual grape-picking season, bringing in the fruit that will soon be transformed into some of the Stellenbosch region’s finest wines.
The harvest season in full swing
Early March marks the transition from white to red grape harvesting. Picking Merlot and Shiraz from our young vines, alongside Cabernet Franc, have been completed. All individually vinified, these cultivars are now fermenting in open fermenters. Open fermentation allows for close monitoring of the process, with constant checks ensuring that the wine develops as desired.
The white wines are well underway
Earlier in the season, all the white grape varieties were harvested and are now fermenting. With this stage complete, the winemaking team is shifting its focus to the next crucial phase – malolactic fermentation. This process, which helps soften the wine’s acidity and enhance its complexity, is carefully planned with wood selection in mind. Some wines will undergo this secondary fermentation in barrels, while others will remain in tanks to achieve the desired profile.
Cabernet Sauvignon: the final steps
Our Cabernet Sauvignon’s deep, dark berries have ripened beautifully under the relatively cool conditions of the season. The weather has been kind this year – without excessive moisture, there has been little risk of mildew, allowing for even ripening of the fruit. There grapes are currently being harvested and delivered to the cellar, marking one of the final milestones of the season.
A cool season of promise
With optimal weather conditions and careful vineyard management, the 2025 harvest at Vergenoegd Löw is shaping up to be an excellent one. “So far, so good!” says Vusi, expressing his excitement for what’s to come in the cellar. As the reds continue their journey through fermentation and barrel aging, we eagerly anticipate the wines that this season will produce – each bottle telling the story of this year’s unique growing conditions.
The magic behind our harvest: fascinating facts
The wine grape harvest at Vergenoegd Löw is more than just picking fruit; it is a carefully orchestrated process where nature, tradition, and innovation come together to create exceptional wines. Here are some fascinating facts about how the harvest unfolds at our historic Stellenbosch estate:
• Cool weather benefits: The coastal influence at Vergenoegd Löw plays a crucial role in slowing down ripening, allowing for gradual sugar accumulation and more complex, nuanced flavours. The locals call this area “Stellenbosch-by-the-Sea”, in reference to the ocean a mere 5km away and as a result, our limestone soils – all quite unusual for the Stellenbosch region. This results in well-balanced wines with elegant acidity, a slight salinity, balance and depth.
• Harvest timing matters: We carefully monitor sugar levels, acidity, and tannins to determine the perfect moment to pick. Picking too early or too late can significantly impact the balance and concentration of our wines.
• Early morning harvesting: To preserve freshness and prevent oxidation, many of our grapes are harvested in the cool of the early morning. This not only locks in delicate aromas and acidity but also reduces the need for artificial cooling in the cellar.
• Tradition & innovation: While we utilise modern techniques where beneficial, hand-picking remains a key part of our process, ensuring that only the highest-quality grapes make it into our wines. Some parcels are harvested by hand for precision, while others benefit from advanced sorting technology.
• Regenerative farming impact: Our commitment to sustainable viticulture goes beyond the vineyard. From using ducks for natural pest control to incorporating cattle and sheep for soil enrichment, we ensure that our ecosystem remains thriving and resilient for generations to come. Read more about our sustainability measures below.
The harvest is a testament to our dedication to quality, sustainability, and heritage, each bottle telling the story of our land, our people, and the passion that goes into every vintage.
Sustainability at Vergenoegd Löw
At Vergenoegd Low, sustainability is at the heart of winemaking, ensuring that each vintage is produced in harmony with nature:
• Dexter cattle & Dohne Merino sheep: These animals graze the vineyards, naturally managing cover crops and weeds while enriching the soil with organic matter.
• Indian Runner ducks: Over 1 000 ducks roam the estate, including the vineyards, acting as natural pest controllers by feasting on snails and insects, reducing the need for pesticides.
• Indigenous habitat preservation: Sections of the estate are dedicated to restoring and protecting native flora and fauna, contributing to the region’s biodiversity. We’ve earned WWF Conservation Champion status for these initiatives.
• Regenerative practices: Cover cropping and minimal intervention farming help maintain soil health and enhance vine resilience against climate challenges.
With nature, tradition, and sustainability guiding the way, this year’s harvest is set to produce wines that not only taste exceptional but also embody a deep respect for the land.
Stay tuned for more updates from the cellar as the winemaking process unfolds!
In the meantime, visit us and try our famous Indigenous Tasting, featuring a selection of our latest vintages with a selection of heritage-inspired fare, from bokkoms, amasi and spekboom, to dune spinach, mebos and roosterkoek. One for the books, as they say!
We hope to see you soon.