Sustainability
The vineyards at Roundstone are farmed organically and are in conversion to becoming certified Regenerative Organic. In practice, regenerative organic agriculture is a combination of crop rotation, low- to no-till compost, cropping, and zero use of persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
In applying these pillars of organic farming, we can rehabilitate our soil, respect animal welfare, and improve the lives of our farmers. It is further possible to sequester carbon, build healthier communities in general, as well as reap more nutritious and abundant yields through no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
We work with cover crops, mulches, and composts and plant corridors of Fynbos in our vineyards, the natural vegetation of the Western Cape. These elements keep the soil in natural balance and encourage water retention and beneficial insects in the area. In the winery we add no enzymes, tannins, acids, or other winemaking chemicals, other than minimal amounts of S02 (Sulfur dioxide). Each winery is Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) certified, which requires it to follow the scheme’s best practice guidelines in terms of energy use, cleaning practices and care for the environment.
The cellar effluent is processed via an eco-friendly stone labyrinth in a wetland on the Franschhoek property. Lees are collected for being sent to be transformed into value-added natural products that are used in the wine and pharmaceutical industries and other markets and grape skins are sent to make compost. Other waste, for example glass, paper, and tin, is also recycled.