in the vineyard : Climate: Summer afternoons are fanned by a cool breeze from the Agulhas Coast. Nights are chilly and mist often shrouds the vineyards until late morning during high summer.
Soils: The gravelly soils are extremely rich in lime with a 7.8 - 8pH.
Irrigation: The vineyards are scientifically irrigated with the aid of a fully computerised irrigation system. Thanks to the most modern technology, irrigation on De Wetshof has been turned into an asset promoting the quality of the grapes.
Rainfall: Robertson is a winter rainfall area with aproximately 300mm per annum.
Pest Control: Due to a very dry climate, spraying is minimal compared to other wine growing regions.
The ideal soil conditions for vineyard cultivation in the Cape allows Danie de Wet to match specific cultivars to their ideal soil requirements, in the belief that good wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar.
Rootstock: Richter 101/14
Age of the vines: 8 years
Yield: 6 - 8 tons per hectare
Soil type: Gravel lime
Vines per hectare: 4,000
Trellising style: 6 Wire fence system, cordon with spur pruning