Old Vines, Living Heritage: Preserving South Africa’s Vineyard Legacy
Old vines are a phenomenon that has captured the attention of the global wine world. Wines made from old vines are a tribute to the grower’s commitment to the land. They exist because of the people who have farmed and tended these vineyards over many years. An old vine is defined as a vineyard of 35 years or older, a definition accepted by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). In South Africa, producers can certify old vine vineyards and wines through the Old Vine Project (OVP), creating a recognised link between vineyard age, provenance and the people who preserve them.
As a world-first, the Certified Heritage Vineyard seal certifies the planting date of a vineyard from which a wine is made. South Africa has the unique advantage of being able to verify vineyard planting dates through the South African Wine Industry Information Systems (SAWIS), with records dating back to 1900. This extraordinary database provides the foundation for the OVP’s commitment to traceability and authenticity.
Consumer research has shown that consumers are drawn to old vine wines not only for their quality, but also for the stories behind them: stories of heritage, sustainability and authenticity.
Old vines depend on the knowledge and expertise of the people who care for them. The OVP therefore places significant emphasis on skills development, including specialised pruning training that equip vineyard workers with the practical knowledge required to extend the productive life of old vineyards. Protecting viticultural heritage means protecting the human expertise associated with it.
Climate change makes preserving South Africa’s vineyards increasingly important. According to the IPCC, average surface temperatures in southwestern Africa could increase at twice the global average by 2050. Temperatures may rise by up to 2.5°C, while rainfall could decrease by up to 25%. Heatwaves, fires, floods and droughts are also expected to become more frequent. Building climate resilience requires precision viticulture and a more natural approach to farming. Old vineyards provide valuable opportunities to research long-term vineyard performance and climate adaptation. This knowledge can guide how we farm and plant for the future.
Ultimately, the preservation of old vines embodies both heritage and a forward-looking approach. It requires recognition of the provenance, viable economic value for growers, skilled people to care for the vines, and farming practices that support their longevity. The OVP’s work is therefore not only about preserving vineyards that have survived from the past. It is about creating the conditions for them to survive into the future and ensuring that today’s young vines can mature into the heritage vineyards of tomorrow.
