Our Vision
At African Nurseries, we believe in shaping the future of grape cultivation through excellence, sustainability and innovation. We are committed to addressing industry challenges with forward-thinking solutions and to fostering lasting relationships with our clients.
Mission Statement
“Our mission is to empower grape growers and agricultural partners by providing exceptional plant material, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices. We strive to address the evolving challenges of the wine, table, and raisin grape industries while fostering long-term relationships and contributing to the growth and success of our clients.”
The African Nurseries nursery is situated on the farm, Heuwelfontein in the Sandveld, halfway between Hopefield and Velddrif. It is far from other grape growing areas and this isolation reduces the risk of the spread of vectors of harmful viruses significantly. The presence of nematodes is completely excluded because of the underground water source from the West Coast Aquifer. The fine sandy soil is ideally suited for the development of a large and branched root system, something that is uniquely different from other nursery regions. This is our pride and joy.
There is ample land availability and therefore it is possible to cultivate the same nursery field only once every four years. In the long-term, soil health is ensured by this rotational system.
Our Products
At African Nurseries, we proudly collaborate with leading grape breeding programs worldwide, granting us access to a wide selection of premium grapevine varieties developed through extensive research. Using the reliable long whip grafting technique, we ensure strong and durable unions. To promote plant health, all cuttings and scions undergo hot water treatment to eliminate pests and pathogens, providing a clean foundation for growth.
We offer a diverse range of high-quality, SA-certified plant material tailored to growers’ unique needs and are licensed distributors of most cultivars within the South Africa’s wine industry.
Plant Improvement and Excellence
Advanced Plant Improvement
At African Nurseries, we are dedicated to providing grape growers with plant material of the highest phytosanitary and genetic quality.
Our plant improvement initiatives are integral to our mission of supporting sustainable vineyard development and meeting the diverse needs of the grape-growing industry.
Our plant improvement unit adheres to the South African Plant Improvement Scheme (Plant SA), ensuring that all material is certified and compliant with the Plant Improvement Act, 1976. This guarantees genetic purity, authenticity, and top-tier quality.
Key Services Include:
• Importation and Quarantine: Assisting with the importation and quarantine of new clones, ensuring compliance with local standards.
• Virus Cleansing: Employing advanced techniques such as heat therapy and in vitro methods to produce virus-free plant material.
• Gene Pool Maintenance: Conserving and enhancing our genetic resources for the future.
• Nucleus and Mother Blocks: Establishing and maintaining nucleus and foundation units to propagate certified mother plants.
• Inspection Services: Conducting rigorous inspections to meet national certification requirements.
Micropropagation Expertise
We specialize in micropropagation, a sterile laboratory technique used to multiply clean plant material. The process involves:
1. Harvesting live shoots (nodes) from DNA-tested mother stock.
2. Multiplying clonal plantlets in a sterile medium.
3. Hardening the rooted plantlets in greenhouse tunnels.
This ensures a consistent supply of certified, clean, and robust plant material.
Comprehensive Support Services
We go beyond plant material production to offer tailored support to our clients, including:
• Farm and Vineyard Planning: Advising on soil suitability, clonal selection, and rootstock compatibility.
• Technical Viticulture Solutions: Addressing long-term challenges such as leaf roll management and wood health.
• Post-Planting Support: Conducting inspections and providing ongoing technical assistance.
Collaboration and Innovation
Our partnerships with leading breeding programs worldwide allow us to access elite cultivars and rootstocks, keeping us at the forefront of innovation in viticulture. By regularly evaluating market demands in collaboration with nurserymen, producers, and consultants, we ensure our offerings meet evolving industry needs.
Commitment to Excellence
African Nurseries is committed to empowering grape growers with top-quality, SA-certified plant material, expert guidance, and a comprehensive range of services. Whether you are planning a new vineyard or managing an existing one, we are your trusted partner in achieving vineyard health, productivity, and longevity.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At African Nurseries, we prioritize environmental stewardship and community upliftment.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: From water conservation to organic growth methods, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint.
• Community Engagement: We are committed to supporting the families and communities who work with us, reflecting our belief in the harmony between nature
