The Old Vine Project (OVP) in South Africa is awesome. It’s all about saving the old vineyards. These old vines, often decades old, make the best wines in the world. OVP celebrates the history and heritage of the old vines and sustainable viticulture and making great wine. Here’s the details on the Old Vine Project in South Africa, 1 August.

Old Vine Project

The Old Vine Project was founded in 2016 by André Morgenthal and Rosa Kruger, old vine fanatics. It was born out of a love for South Africa’s vineyards and a need to save and promote them. South Africa has the oldest vineyards in the world with vines dating back to the 1880s. These old vines, mostly planted with Chenin Blanc, Cinsault and Semillon, make wines with incredible depth, complexity and character.

The OVP will:

1. Save Old Vines: By finding, recording and protecting vineyards that are at least 35 years old, OVP will ensure the survival of these assets. Old vines are more robust and better adapted to the environment so they’re valuable in a changing climate.
2. Promote Sustainable Viticulture: OVP will promote sustainable farming practices that look after the vines and the environment. This means reducing chemicals, promoting biodiversity and conserving water.
3. Make Great Wine: Old vine wines are often better because of the intense flavours and balanced acidity these vines produce. OVP will work with winemakers to showcase old vine wines and get them into the market.
4. Educate and Promote: Through events, tastings and educational programs OVP will educate people about old vines and get them to love the wines.

Why Old Vines

Old vines are special in the world of wine for many reasons. Firstly they are a living connection to the past, a heritage of viticulture in a region. In South Africa many old vineyards were planted by early settlers and have survived wars, economic downturns and changes in farming practices. These vines are a testament to the people who have looked after them over the years.

Secondly old vines make better fruit. As vines age their root systems grow deeper and can access water and nutrients from deeper in the soil. This can result in grapes with more intense flavours and balanced acidity. Old vines also produce less fruit which can further improve the quality of the fruit.

Thirdly old vines are more robust to environmental stresses. Their deep root systems can withstand drought and their established canopies can protect against pests and diseases. This is especially important in a changing climate as it will ensure the sustainability of viticulture in a world of changing conditions.

Results of the Old Vine Project

Since the OVP started we have made great progress in saving South Africa’s viticultural heritage and promoting old vine wines. One of the OVP’s biggest successes has been the creation of a certification for old vine wines. Wines made from vineyards that are at least 35 years old can carry the Certified Heritage Vineyards logo so consumers can find and love these wines.

OVP has also brought grape growers and winemakers together. By matching growers with winemakers who love old vine wines the project has ensured that these grapes are used to make great wines that showcase their unique character. This has resulted in a growing number of amazing old vine wines that are getting recognition both locally and internationally.

Furthermore OVP has educated people about old vines. Through events, tastings and educational programs the project has educated consumers, industry and media about old vine wines. This has created a market for these wines and provided financial support for growers and encouraged the preservation of old vineyards.

Problems and Future

Despite its successes the Old Vine Project has problems. One of the biggest is the economic pressure on grape growers. Maintaining old vineyards is costly and growers may be tempted to replace old vines with younger more productive ones. To address this OVP is working to create economic incentives for growers to preserve old vines such as promoting premium pricing for old vine wines.

Another problem is climate change. Old vines are more robust than younger ones but not immune to climate change. OVP is working to promote sustainable viticulture practices that will mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the long term survival of old vineyards.

Going forward OVP will focus on finding and saving more old vineyards in South Africa. By continuing to promote old vine wines and bringing growers and winemakers together the project hopes to keep these heritage vines part of South Africa’s viticultural fabric.

The Old Vine Project in South Africa is a must do that celebrates and saves the country’s viticultural heritage. By saving old vineyards, promoting sustainable farming and showcasing old vine wines the OVP is ensuring these living treasures will continue to exist. August 1st is the day wine lovers and industry professionals come together to celebrate and support old vines. As more and more consumers get to love the character and history of old vine wines the future looks bright for South Africa’s old vineyards and the people who care for them.