Heritage Selections

The Old Vine Project (OVP) has the goal to advocate for old vineyards. We are also attempting to develop a culture for precision viticulture and planting for the future so that all vineyards can enjoy the benefits of an old age. Preserving our oldest viticultural material is important to build a strong foundation for the future, especially in the light of climate change.  

Since 2008, Vititec in partnership with the OVP and Deborah Isaacs, viticulturist at Anthonij Rupert Wines, started to collect cuttings of South Africa’s best old vine vineyards with the goal to develop clean plant material from these old vines. 

‘The original blocks were selected due to an exceptional characteristic: Skurfberg Chenin Blanc was selected due to the phenomenal wine it makes, Grenache Noir from Piekenierskloof was selected due to the excellent wine it made and the small berries of this specific block.  In the same way a Semillon and Cinsaut Noir from the Paardeberg were selected. We believe that this will be authentic South African plant material, that will reflect our climate and landscape.’ says Rosa Kruger. 

To achieve a virus-free status, individual vines were selected in different blocks from the best old vine vineyards in the Cape. The plant material was ‘cleaned’ of any known viruses that may have been present. This process is known as heat therapy and is conducted under laboratory conditions. This is a lengthy process but will ensure that virus-free plants are available for the industry. 

These vines that are presently being propagated in experimental blocks are referred to as 'Heritage Selections’.

In 2025 a mother block of sixteen selections of Chenin Blanc was planted on a farm in Stellenbosch. This represents a strategic investment in the future of South African viticulture, a commitment to genetic preservation, a proactive measure against climate change, and a nod to collaborative innovation within the wine industry. It underscores the deep understanding that we must look to both farming for the future and the old knowledge from our vines.

Rosa explains: ‘We want to plant as closely to nature as we possibly can; rather than human begins dominating nature, we want nature to show us the way. 

‘The question remains, will the new Heritage Selection plant material carry the same qualities as the original old vineyards?  We will continue to monitor and observe these vineyards as they grow over the next few years’, says Rosa Kruger. 

By valuing and conserving the genetic resources we not only honour the past but also nurture a more sustainable future.