We have recently introduced Neutron Moisture Guages into our vineyards at Seven Springs. What this will do is to allow us to measure very accurately the ground moisture in all parts of our vineyards. Thus we can irrigate our vines at the optimum time and apply the exact amount of water required to maintain healthy plant growth. Our water comes from boreholes drilled into Shaws Mountain behind our vineyards, using underground streams. Accurate measurement of the ground moisture it will allow us to use our water resources responsibly ensuring increased fruit quality. We are working closely with Bokkeveld Besproeiing ( http://www.irrinet.net/ ) who have developed the software programmes for measuring soil moisture. The company is jointly owned by Piet van der Merwe, who is father of our winemaker Riana, and Jac Le Roux, with Piet being responsible for running the business in South Africa. The company specialises in irrigation scheduling for fruit, citrus, perrenials, lavendar, olives, table grapes and, of course, wine grapes. Accurate measurements and targeted irrigation (we can apply water to individual parts of our vineyards) will allow us to produce the optimum size and quality of grape which in turn will allow us to make first class wines. We are on a quest to produce some of the best wines in South Africa and this is one way we can help manage that process.
