The Pinot Noir blocks are planted on flat vineyards, lending warmer conditions ideal for Pinot Noir. The vines are in east-west row directions at an altitude of 280 metres, with just a tiny piece with a western aspect. 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 decomposed 450- million-year-old 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.