The Hooper family has enthusiastically embraced the principles of biodynamic wine production since the earliest days of Cape Jaffa Wines. Biodynamic agriculture is a holistic approach to farming focused on creating a harmonic relationship between the produce and its surrounds. After 15 years of wine production, our biodynamic vineyards will receive A-grade certification from February 2008.

 

Also a focus in the vineyard is an ongoing aim to increase biodiversity, stemming from the Hooper’s philosophy of minimal human intervention. At Cape Jaffa Wines biodiversity has been achieved by using native vegetation and trees as wind breaks, retaining microflora in the soil through avoiding the use of chemical sprays, the responsible use of water through drip irrigation and through reusing the waste water from the winery. Weeds are controlled by grazing sheep, milk sprays are used to prevent undesirable fungal attack and biodynamic ‘preparations’ and on-farm composts are used to improve soil and plant health. We believe that cultivating the vines in this way is what allows them to achieve balance within their environment. Achieve balance, and the vines are able to fully express themselves – leading to a wine that bares a true and remarkable resemblance to its environment.

At Cape Jaffa Wines we craft our wines from the following grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and the soon to be released Petit Verdot and Pinot Gris.  Winemakers Derek and Anna Hooper take a very hands-on approach to their winemaking.  At the forefront of Derek and Anna’s winemaking philosophy is a commitment to achieving a balance of old and new world winemaking principles, and it’s very much a labour of love.

 

In line with biodynamic certification requirements, gentle winemaking practices are used to reduce the requirement for the preservative sulphur dioxide and only fining agents derived from natural products are used. This limited use of automation in the winery helps the Hoopers to achieve their terroir-driven, elegant and complex wines.
 
Derek and Anna are currently in the process of producing the company’s first certified biodynamic wines, making Cape Jaffa Wines the first biodynamic wine producer in the Mount Benson region.