Our Vineyards
Glen Carlou’s vineyards are located less than 15 minutes from Stellenbosch. Our 145-hectare property falls within the Simonsberg-Paarl region of South Africa’s Western Cape Province.
Of the current 31 blocks planted, reaching up to 230m above sea level, each is nurtured according to its own unique location. Our vineyards benefit from the cold Southern wind, which blows off False Bay. This almost daily phenomenon enables our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to grow particularly well as the cooler night temperatures preserve the grapes’ natural acids and all-important pH levels.
Marius Cloete Viticulturist @ Glen Carlou
Marius is a man who is happiest with his hands in the soil of Glen Carlou’s vineyard blocks. He has an extensive and in-depth understanding of every vine planted and every square meter of our wine farm. His insights are wide-ranging and proven as he delights in guiding each vine to maturity.
Marius routinely checks weather forecasts for rain, wind and shine but has an instinctive feel how the day, week or month ahead will unfold. His appreciation for and nurturing of vines ensures he protects and monitors each plant so that they keep on delivering exceptional grapes. Grapes which under the watchful eye of Glen Carlou’s Cellarmaster, Johnnie Calitz, become extraordinary wines.
In The Vineyards
Significant investments have been made in the vineyards since 2016 with the change in ownership of the property, back into South African hands. Extensive soil mapping was completed to embrace precision farming further. Amongst several innovative and data driven practices undertaken, was the installation of soil probes. These read the soil moisture content back to Marius every 30-minutes. With this advanced approach to soil science there is a direct link to water and electricity cost savings as irrigation is reduced.
A vineyard replanting programme is currently underway, with hardier rootstocks and new varietal clonal selections being planted. New block foundations were laid to optimise the prevailing North – East and South – West winds. With the probes and a pressure monitoring system, Marius still trusts the feel of the leaves. Even on the hottest day of the year, sun facing leaves which feel cool to the touch, signal a vine that is not water stressed.
