SUSTAINABILITY
We are very passionate about giving back to our environment and making sure that we do as much as we can to be as sustainable as possible. Over the years, we have implemented small changes that have made a big impact and we will continue to do so. We believe that if we look after our environment, our environment will look after us. Below are some of the things we do that we are very proud of.
Our EcoPool
A great way to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the benefits of a swimming pool. EcoPools use a natural filtration system, such as plants and sand to filter the water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.
This makes it better for the environment and better for the people using the pool.
Our Succulent Gardens
The gardens surrounding our Hotel and Restaurant are entirely made up of succulents and indigenous plants. These plants are drought resistant only needing very minimal water. With the temperatures in Tulbagh reaching up to 40 degrees in the summertime, these plants thrive here. We have also made it our mission to only have indigenous plants on our farm. Each plant was carefully thought out where it would be planted making a beautiful arrangement in our garden.
Bees & Honey
At the start of the 2021 summer season, we installed the first of our beehives and began the journey of producing Rijk’s Honey. Guests can enjoy the produce of these tiny buzzing insects in the Rijk’s Restaurant.
The increased bee activity on the farm is incredibly beneficial to the surrounding plant life.
Bees help the plants that grow around the vineyard thrive through pollination. These plants are essential in creating a healthy vine environment, eliminating the need for unnecessary chemicals and pesticides.
Our honey is 100% natural, raw & organic. We add nothing to it – just the good stuff.
Organically Farmed Vineyards
2023 marks our third year without the conventional spraying of any chemicals, which we are very proud of. We achieved this by naturally controlling damaging insects in our vineyards and ensuring that the soil stays nutrient-rich.
If we are intentional about how we consume and produce wine, it will have a ripple effect beyond our farm gate, and future generations will reap the rewards.
Cover Crops
One of the practices we have implemented in our vineyards is the use of cover crops.
Essentially, covers crops are planted while the vines are dormant. This ensures that while they grow they don’t take any goodness away from the vines. Once the vines start bud burst, the cover crops are rolled flat so they put all their nutrients back into the soil for the vines to use during the growing season.
The mixture of triticale, lupins, and radish feeds nitrogen into the soil, creating air pockets which benefit the micronutrients and eventually feed oxygen into the soil.
Mulch: Bales & Woodchips
There is also a benefit for weed management. Mulches block light, preventing weed germination and growth. The mulch eventually breaks down over time and adds nutrients back into the soil.
