07/05/2026
We’ve talked a lot about harvest, but let us give you a peek behind the scenes of what actually happens once the grapes are in. As autumn settles in and a new season quietly begins, the real work continues — out in the vineyard, in the cellar, and yes, occasionally by the fire. Swipe to see what keeps us busy when the vines go to sleep. 🍂
Invasive alien trees compete with indigenous fynbos for water and nutrients, so we clear them by hand — and nothing goes to waste as their wood will keep us warm during winter. Between the rows, we’re sowing cover crops that protect the soil against winter erosion and get rolled back into the earth come spring, feeding the microbes that quietly build our terroir from the ground up. Because bare soil is dead soil.
We’re also clearing drainage channels to handle the serious winter rainfall the Hemel & Aarde is known for. Meanwhile in the cellar, the 2026 vintages are settling quietly into barrel. And when the day’s work is done, you’ll find us in the tasting room, fire going, Pinot poured, very happy to talk wine with anyone who walks through the door. 🔥
