Stellenzicht nurtures the vast, micro-climate soil pockets of its farm to steward and sustain what nature provides each year. Its wines truly are expressions of its terroir. As custodians of the beautiful Stellenzicht farm, they believe in protecting its natural resources through sustainable farming.
These efforts help create an ecosystem that protects its dragonfly population and the farm’s fauna and flora. This philosophy of sustainability drives their daily activities, as they consistently pursue balance in winemaking.
Acheulean hand axes
Acheulean hand axes are an integral part of the Stellenzicht story. When the farm was revived by its new owner in 2017, Stellenzicht looked at what made its story unique but still part of its rich history. When sharp stone objects were found scattered around the farm with no real explanation, they took a deep dive.
When they looked at the original title deed for the Stellenzicht farm, it was noted that it was ‘not good for crops, only cattle. Too many rocks’.
They then realised that their unique soil and terroir were what made their wines special, that the soil they had was actually perfect for their vines and that the sharp, rocky objects found on the farm were prehistoric tools made in the Stone Age by early humans.
Thus, the Acheulean Range was born. Stellenzicht’s flagship range pays homage to their ancient heritage and the footprints that early humans left on the farm.
Fynbos
With a focus on regeneration at the heart of the estate’s revival, vineyards have been replanted, alien vegetation removed, and indigenous flora gradually re-established.
Proud of its continuous hard work and dedication, Stellenzicht brought Fynbos back down from the Helderberg mountain onto the farm, where many species now flourish, aiding the restoration and balance of the ecosystems at play on the farm.
Nourishing the re-emergence of Stellenzicht’s native flora over the past few years has allowed its vineyards to also reap the benefits of biological diversity, creating balanced, terroir-driven wine.
Cattle
Stellenzicht is home to a happy family of cattle! Its mission is to continually take steps to honour a commitment to sustainability through regenerative farming.
Keeping cattle on the farm naturally assists in its essential upkeep by assisting in weed control, which conventionally requires the use of chemicals or tractors to cut grass and weeds in unused blocks.
The farm is also able to assess the impact of cow manure on the soil with regard to reintroducing essential nutrients and proper grazing management to enhance overall ecological function.
History and soil
In honouring its history and existing soils, Stellenzicht spent a great deal of time determining its soil types in order to plant the right varieties on the ideal site. This gives the vines the best possible chance to root themselves within the ideal terroir.
In order to nurture this terroir and the biodiversity around the vineyards, Stellenzicht looks to nature and its natural indicators, adjusting its sustainable farming and winemaking practices in order to best express its soils and terroir through its grapes and wines.
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Stellenzicht serves unearthed history and sustainability from soil to sip
Picture: Supplied