Top Winemaking at Reyneke

By JN Wine 15/09/2015 - 20:15

Tags:Biodynamic,Organic,Reyneke,South Africa,

Johan Reyneke is South Africa’s leading biodynamic viticulturist and currently the only certified biodynamic producer in the country. He is also a keen surfer (which gives him extra points for bravery – there are sharks swimming in those waters!) as well as something of a martial arts expert, husband and father.

His approach is a return to the old ways: as his website proclaims, “We’re nearly back where we started” which resonates with the ‘pre-industrial’ winemaking philosophy of Paul Draper at Ridge Vineyards. Winemaking without all the chemicals and technological advancements is at the heart of the Reyneke way which means putting all the effort into growing fruit that is naturally well-balanced, healthy and tasty that can be turned into wine with minimal intervention. Healthy soil is promoted with lots of microbial life and a healthy earthworm population. Ducks earn their keep by gobbling up all the snails and fertilizing the soil and even the ‘weeds’ are part of the plan.

An erstwhile farm worker himself, Johan is intimately acquainted with the difficulties of social mobility and has instigated a programme for his team, empowering them towards home ownership and education.