The Chardonnay blocks are planted at 270m above sea level. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean's Benguela current brings cooling south-easterly breezes to the area, as do clouds hemmed in by the surrounding mountains, trapping cool air and moisture in the narrow Hemel-en-Aarde. The soils consist of clay loam derived from ancient 450- million-year-old decomposed Bokkeveld shale. The 7-wire Perold trellis system is used to train the vines as it is the most suited to the terroir. The farming methods aim to work hand-in-hand with nature to ensure healthy soils. Organic fertilisers are used, and cover crops are planted for weed control, putting back minerals and for better water retention in soil, as there is less influence from the sun. Mechanical weed control is used instead of herbicides, and the grapes are manually harvested during the cool of the morning.