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Haut Espoir occupies a footslope of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains . The aspect is dominantly south-east with slope gradients from 10% to 20%. The underlying geology is biotite granite of the Cape Granite Suite and the soils are predominantly of the Oakleaf family - coarse sandy loams, which have a high rating for vine growth.
The average rainfall is approximately 2000 mm per year. Given the farm's aspect and elevation, the temperatures are slightly lower than the valley floor.
The farm has been planted with noble red cultivars - cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot. Petit verdot and Cabernet franc.
Quality wine starts in the vineyard. Our attention to careful viticulture practices in our own vineyards and those from where we purchase fruit is the foundation of our commitment to premium wine production.
Our small vine blocks are designed on the basis of differing slope aspects, slight changes in soil and varying temperature regimes.
Vertical Shoot Positioning trellising has been implemented with drip irrigation. The trellis layout and intervine spacing takes into account the cultivar and the need to optimise bunch exposure to the sun. Careful canopy management maximises grape ripening, provides effective wind control and keep the vines "in balance". A modern neutron probe system is used to monitor soil water content so as to eliminate vine stress.
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