De Doornkraal

In the year 2008 De Doornkraal Estate established its Syrah vineyard of 2050 vines. A single block of two Syrah clones was planted.  A biodiversity strategy is strictly followed by utilising environmentally friendly farming practices that enhance the suitability of the vineyard as habitat for biodiversity. Viticulture practices that have negative impacts on biodiversity are not tolerated. No pesticides or herbacides are allowed in the proximity of the De Doornkraal Estate. Spraying of the vineyard is done manually and only organic substances are used. No chemical fertilisers are applied to the soil, instead organism friendly organic materials are administered through the irrigation system to stimulate growth.  Positive results are already  achieved judging from the large number of dragonflies, ladybirds and bees inhabiting the vineyard. Moreover, in November 2009 there was a sudden influx of African Openbilled Storks Anastomus Lamelligerus for the first time in living memory. A tall tree overlooking the De Doornkraal Estate's vineyard and pond has become their favourite perch. They feed primarily on molluscs and naturally keeps the vineyard and surrounds free of snails. The unusual looking bill is specialised for extraction of snails from their shells.

Harvesting is done manually to prevent oil and exhaust fumes from polluting the environment. Natural gravity processes are planned for the production of the wine.  The winery is in the process of being erected in the 150 year old barn with its almost 1 metre thick clay walls and 6 metre high roof. This old barn will also serve as a cellar where the oak barrels for the ageing of the wine will be kept. It will also be equipped to house the bottled wine after maturation. Viticulture is an old tradition of the De Doornkraal Steyn family. At the turn of the nineteenth century Pieter Steyn, grandfather the current owner of the Doornkraal Estate, was a wine farmer in the lower Langstraat area of Riversdale. His smallholding was named "De Wingerdt" which is Dutch for "vineyard". The wine garden and restaurant at De Doornkraal Historic Country House bear this name.

The first commercial crop is scheduled for harvesting in 2011.