South Africa Wine Technical Yearbook 2025

considers the complex interplay between soil, plants, microbes, animals and climate. Figure 1 illustrates the potential impacts of selected RV practices on aspects of vineyard soil health and GHG emissions. This review reveals that while interest in RV is growing, the scientific literature is still in its infancy – particularly when it comes to studying entire vineyard ecosystems as interconnected wholes. Most studies to date have focused narrowly on individual practices, often assessing their effects on isolated variables such as soil chemistry or vine growth. As a result, there’s a critical need for broader, longer-term, and more integrated research to truly understand how RV functions across different contexts and climates. The case for holistic and collaborative research To build a more robust evidence base for RV, future studies must adopt multidisciplinary and multi-location approaches. Investigating how RV practices – like cover cropping, compost application, or livestock integration – interact with variables such as grapevine physiology, grape and wine quality, pest dynamics, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, would paint a clearer picture of system wide effects. Collaboration between scientists and growers, including participatory research across regions with differing soils, climates and pest pressures, will be crucial to developing actionable, locally relevant guidance. Soil health as a foundation One of the most consistent findings in the literature is the positive impact of RV practices on soil health. Cover cropping and reduced tillage have been shown to improve soil organic matter, structure, water retention and microbial diversity – all key indicators of a thriving vineyard ecosystem. These practices can also support vine performance indirectly by influencing the soil microbiome, which in turn affects nutrient availability and even the flavour compounds found in grapes and wine. However, research on how these soil improvements translate into tangible outcomes like wine quality or vine resilience, is limited. Similarly, more context-specific studies are needed to help growers tailor their cover crop selections and management strategies to local conditions and goals, such as reducing vegetative growth or enhancing natural pest control. alternatives to conventional herbicides and tillage. Not only do they suppress weeds, but they also support soil health and provide habitat for beneficial organisms. While the long-term ecosystem impacts of herbicide use and tillage remain contentious, mulches stand out for their positive contribution to vineyard resilience, especially in buffering vines against heat and drought. Weed management, mulches and alternatives Cover crops and organic mulches offer RV-aligned

That said, emerging weed control technologies, such as electric weeding or targeted flame weeding, show potential compatibility with RV principles, but require further evaluation. More research is also needed into how these methods interact with soil health and biodiversity to determine their true value in regenerative systems. Biostimulants, BCAs and the vineyard microbiome Biostimulants and biological control agents (BCAs) are increasingly seen as promising tools to reduce reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. Yet, this review highlights a lack of field-based data on their efficacy in vineyards, especially concerning soil-borne disease suppression and impacts on the grapevine microbiome. Future studies could explore how these products interact with rootstocks and influence vine traits, as well as how they perform across different soil types and climates. Molecular tools could shed light on the interactions between microbial communities and vine phenotypes, helping refine these products for use in RV systems. Functional biodiversity and climate resilience RV’s emphasis on functional biodiversity – whether through livestock, birds, bats, or beneficial insects – has clear potential to deliver ecological services such as pest control, nutrient cycling and climate adaptation. Yet the review also underscores that more data is needed to understand the context-specific benefits and risks of these interventions. For instance, attracting certain predator species may inadvertently support pests in some scenarios. Final reflections – toward a regenerative future There are many reviews concerning agroecology and regenerative agriculture. This is however, the first review to specifically assess the literature regarding regenerative practices and the potential of these practices to help achieve the goals of RV within vineyard systems. The findings are clear: RV offers multiple pathways to improve ecological and production outcomes simultaneously. Although significant knowledge gaps remain – particularly in areas like agroforestry, wastewater reuse and socio-economic impacts – there is a growing foundation upon which future research and policy can build. For policymakers, this review provides a timely opportunity to broaden the scope of regenerative agriculture initiatives to include viticulture, aligning environmental goals with the needs of one of the world’s most culturally and economically significant agricultural sectors. As climate extremes increasingly threaten viticulture, practices that bolster vineyard resilience are likely to become essential for both economic viability and environmental stewardship. As we look to the future of winegrowing in a changing climate, regenerative viticulture holds the promise of a more resilient, biodiverse, and sustainable path forward. 

For more information, contact Anel Andrag at anel@sawine.co.za. Reference https://www.wineland.co.za/rooted-in-research-what-science-says-about-regenerative-viticulture-part-3/

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2025