ReGenWine: A transdisciplinary project to assess concepts in regenerative viticulture

Abstract

Regenerative agriculture is a set of agricultural practices that focus on improving the health of the soil, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. It is essentially farming in harmony with nature rather than against it. Regenerative agriculture is still a relatively new concept, but it is gaining traction as farmers and consumers alike become more interested in sustainable food production. The ReGenWine project will test the concept of regenerative agriculture in vineyards, building on a pre-trial that was instigated in 2022 on a commercial farm in the Western Cape, South Africa. A 3.69-hectare vineyard block with Merlot and Shiraz grapes, situated on Hartenberg (GPS coordinates: -33.893392° 18.795124°) will be used for the trial. The pre-trial tested the viability of grazing Dexter cattle on a mixed inter-row crop with and without fertiliser, comparing this to zero cattle and zero fertiliser. Expanding on the pre-trial, the project goals are to (i) assess the impact of regenerative agriculture on soil health, soil function, vine health and performance, wine quality, and the economic viability compared to conventional vineyard management practices; (ii) develop a comprehensive understanding of how regenerative practices can contribute to a circular economy within vineyards; and (iii) identify future regenerative practices that can be tested and adopted in the wine industry. The study is being conducted over three seasons and include five work streams: Soil systems; Animal Systems; Grapevine to Wine Systems; and Economic and material circularity analysis. This project is in all aspects practical in nature, dealing with the comprehensive evaluation of an alternative production system to evaluate the possible benefits to the environment, the producer, the maintenance of product quality, while pursuing avenues towards sustainability and circularity. Given the scarcity of quantitative data regarding regenerative viticulture in South Africa, the project will break new ground and deliver new information relevant to scientists, and producers. The project will also deliver workflows and potential guidelines in terms of the adoption of regenerative farming practices for grape and wine producers.