releaf - made with organically grown grapes

In 2001, Pieter Vercuil and partner Nico Bacon, who had been growing and trading table grapes for twenty years, decided to follow their dream of producing wine made from organically grown grapes.  Their passion for growing grapes, drinking red wine and living a healthy life style led them to purchase an old neglected grain farm.  The farm, located in the Swartland region at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain and Berg River in the Cape Region of South Africa, became the home for Org de Rac and releaf.

The estate, with its undulating terrain, was ideal from the start to produce organic grapes for releaf. The property had been uncultivated for 17 years and was strictly used as dry land pasture for grazing cattle.  Most vineyards must wait a minimum of three years from the last use of chemicals before applying for an organic certification, making this the ideal spot.

For more than 24 years now, chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides have not been used anywhere on the property.  The only fertilizer used is compost and organic materials supplied by the farm and neighboring farms combined with indigenous vegetation, grown between the rows of vines, for mulching.  To guarantee the organic qualities, the estate is continually monitored and certified by Soil Association, known for their very strict organic production methods.

Everything about the property, from the vineyard design, to the climate and the soil of the property, makes it an ideal location for organic grape growing.  During the vineyard design process, the estate was able to capitalize on the 360 days of wind the property receives every year.  The vineyard rows and trellising were planted in an east-west direction to ensure maximum leaf exposure to the sun and proper ventilation.  The strong winds prevent stagnant water from gathering, reducing the risk of fungal and mildew growth that could damage the vines or grapes.

The Mediterranean-like climate of cool wet winters and dry warm summers, with no extreme conditions, is also proving ideal for organic grape production.  With most of the rain occurring during the winter months, the risk of fungus and mildew during wet summer months that is common for other growing regions is reduced.  The needed water for the vines, during the summer months, is supplied by the moisture retention properties of the very rare red colored soils found on the property.  The soil provides just enough water for vines to grow deeper in search of nutrients to maintain its vitality and production of grapes.

As part of Org de Rac’s mission of sustainable organic farming, it maintains a policy of being a constant job provider for the local community through their 100% hand harvesting program, the labor intensive organic production, and the conservation efforts being undertaken on the property.  The property is approximately 645 acres, with 104 acres planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz, with Chardonnay planned for the future. Hand harvesting allows for the vineyard to be more selective during harvest by picking only ripe bunches and leaving un-ripe bunches to hang days to weeks longer to fully develop their flavors.

Environmental stewardship of the estate is not limited to the organic farming and hand harvesting.  To contribute to the local ecosystem, throughout the year the estate removes non-native plants and trees and replaces and reestablishes with indigenous trees. When the property was purchased, very little of the indigenous vegetation remained.  Now, 153 acres of the estate, designated for conservation is seeing the return of the native Eland, Oryx, and Springbok (antelopes) and the threatened Renosterveld, a grassy shrub land dominated by members of the Daisy family.

Releaf symbolizes the true meaning of sustainability and harmony within nature by focusing on the soil, maintaining healthy plants, responsible use of water and energy, and creating nature reserves. It has led to a sustainable business for Org de Rac that has benefited the employees and the local community.  To experience this for your self, you will need to either visit the winery or simply enjoy a bottle of releaf!

Community Lending Releaf Projects

Going beyond Releaf's environmental stewardship, a socially responsible program dedicated to helping the children at the Releaf Crèche "Nursery" and Day Care Facility has been developed to assist the children of the vineyard workers. 

The Releaf Crèche "Nursery" and Day Care Facility have very basic means to teach and care for the children.  The basic conditions make learning very difficult and leave the children exposed to extreme conditions that are not conducive to a healthy learning environment. The facility has identified the following needs for immediate upgrading; a kitchen cabinet to prepare food and bottles for the babies, two air-conditioning units to provide some Releaf from the hot temperatures, disposable nappies, books & stationary, book shelves, and an educational computer.

A portion of the proceeds are dedicated to upgrading the Releaf Crèche "Nursery" and Day Care Facility, with every glass you are directly helping the children, the growers and the environment.