About Us
History and Heritage
Vogelsang Farm
Vogelsang Farm is home to various entities, managed by family members. The farm owner and manager, Theo Landman, oversees the farm and all farming activities linked with these several organizations. The farm is the largest entity and host to the following sister entities:
KARUSA Restaurant is managed by Saretha Conradie. The Wine Cellar, KARUSA Premium Wines, Craft Brewery, and Spirits is managed by Jacques Conradie. The latest addition to the working farm is the accommodation managed by Denielle Landman.
Vogelsang Farm was purchased in 2004. A comprehensive soil and climatic research effort was conducted to determine a better understanding of the terroir. We used this information to decide which cultivars and clonal selections were best suited to the area and streamlined existing orchard upkeep. At the time, Vogelsang’s main objective was to pack and distribute its stone fruit. The only workstation accessible was a rough plot of land with a decaying frame covered with shade cloth. The farm welcomed the construction of the main structure in 2008, which houses the new packhouse and wine cellar. The old structure adjacent to the new building (once the wagon house) was renovated and converted into a restaurant. Not only was this a new prestigious feature for guests to enjoy the farm’s produce, but it quickly evolved and became a full Estate – meaning the wine produced is made from homegrown vineyards. Simultaneously, some orchards have been replaced with new stone fruit cultivars to meet the rising market and ever-changing customer demands. Vogelsang’s continual development and expansion drew an increasing number of visitors. This is the reason we opened our first Farm Cottage in 2018. The simplicity was, and continues to be, charming. The Family Farm Cottage opened soon after.
In addition to the changing agricultural economics, trends and demands, we had to reevaluate and implement new strategies derived from diverse farming. We have successfully established an expanding artichoke field in 2022. Yet another eminent element. We included livestock and established pastures in 2023. Shortly thereafter the Flavor Rosa Interspecific plum orchard were replaced with 1.66 hectares of Selma Pete Raisins, which were properly established whithin 6 months in 2024 all whilst continuing with the activities as mentioned previously.
The Orchards
Our orchards thrive on some of South Africa’s oldest soils. In combination with the soil’s specific composition and the region’s microclimate, Vogelsang flourishes and produces fruit with a taste faithful to its genesis. Low winter temperatures guarantee that chilling units operate efficiently, resulting in a stunning bud break. Minimal frost prevents fruit damage. The trees thrive in ideal conditions, producing robust, high-quality fruit thanks to an intensive irrigation program, plenty of sunshine, and strict pruning and thinning methods. Because of the arid climate, minimum chemical sprays are required to keep the fruit healthy. We are implementing farming practices on holistic, organic, and biological systems that produce uncontaminated nutritious fruit, and safeguard our resources to improve ecosystems.
INTERESTING FACT:
The Klein Karoo in the Southern Cape has the largest density of carbon-converting plants, all indigenous to South Africa known as “Spekbos” or “Spekboom”. The farm with its endemic vegetation, is home to this carbon-converting “Spekbos”. One fully developed “Spekbos” can convert almost 4 tons of CO2 each year, and we are surrounded by it!
The table below shows the variety of stone fruit grown on Vogelsang Farm, and a harvesting timeline.
Apricots
Peaches
Plums
Interspecific Plums / Pluots
Pluots are a mix of plum and prune. In general, the stone fruit is sweeter and more visually pleasing.
The Olive Hedges
Originally, the olive hedge was planted for aesthetic purposes. However, these Barnea trees quickly grew wild, beyond our expectations. We harvest the olives by hand during April and May. It is sent to a local farmer, who cold presses the olives. Hand-bottled olive oil is also available to purchase at the restaurant. We collect approximately 1.5 tons of olives, which yields approximately 250 L of oil.
The Raisins
We successfully planted 1.66 hectares of Selma Peete raisins in 11 months. Our goal is to reduce risk and increase income. The first harvest will occur in 2025. Selma Pete raisins are noted for outstanding quality, frequently scoring 95-100% B or higher. They are also an early ripening cultivar. Selma Pete vines can yield approximately 20 tons per hectare. Furthermore, studies indicate that cane severance at more than 19°Brix can increase raisin yields for Selma Pete. Raisins are in high demand since they are a nutritious food with iron and immune-boosting characteristics.
The Vineyards
After extensive soil and climatic research, we determined that the best probable site for our vines was between 440m and 540m elevation on a direct south-facing hillside with deep, well-drained rocky soil. The vineyard row orientation is northeast/southwest for minimal sun damage and fruit zone protection. The vineyards were planted with 1,5 m x 2,4 m spacing and a double triple-wired trellising system to ensure good light penetration and a healthy balance between vegetative and fruit growth. Our vineyards are cared for using the best viticulture procedures, such as strict pruning and canopy management, automated irrigation, and minimal use of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. We use a fully integrated sustainable organic strategy, including cover crop management, crop rotation, and compost manufacturing. This promotes good soil microbial activity. We prevent overirrigation by measuring soil moisture continuously. This helps to restrain over-vegetation, huge berry size, and excessive production. Our typical yield is between 6 and 8 tons per hectare. Our primary focus is Mediterranean cultivars that are well-suited to our climate. This comprises Shiraz, Viognier, Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay, and native Pinotage. Karusa is the first Klein Karoo winery to cultivate exotic Mediterranean varieties such as Mourvedre and Grenache Noir.
The Beehives
Bees play an important role in pollination. They are the primary pollinators in our orchards! Optimal fruit set is determined by how well the bees pollinate the blossoms. Although the blossoming orchards naturally attract wild bees, we prefer additional bee colonies (hives) in and around the orchards to ensure optimal fruit set. One to two (sometimes up to 6) hives are strategically placed at each orchard, covering one hectare. Pollination occurs most effectively between August and the end of October. Bees are happiest on sunny, windless days.
Vogelsang Farm, along with a private beekeeper, holds 50 beehives. The beekeeper supervises the hives all year. Some of his responsibilities include hosting the hives outside of pollination season, keeping healthy bee colonies accessible for pollination on demand, feeding the colonies and servicing the hives, transporting and transferring the hives as needed, and lastly harvesting honey from the hives. Vogelsang Farm receives a share of the honey. It is bottled and available to purchase at the gift shop. Our honey is sold as 100% pure raw honey, which means it has not been heat treated and has no preservatives or water added.
The Wool Backs
Once again, an extensive study was conducted to ensure the viability of the wool backs. Meatmasters (sheep) are recognized for their acclimatization and mothering skills (derived from the Damara breed). The primary breeding reason is meat production. Not only do the Meatmasters contribute to our environmental goal (organic and biological farming), but they also increase profitability. From time to time, they can graze freely in campgrounds. Their grazing grounds have a very exact and specialized combination of grass and cover crops to promote optimal development and fertility. In exchange, the Meatmasters provide progeny and replenish the resources required to operate and maintain agricultural equipment and chemicals necessary for sustainability.
The Packhouse
Our packing facilities are Global Gap and LEAF certified, and they meet the demanding health and quality requirements of the international export market. We are SIZA-recognized, which means we adhere to strict requirements for meeting our employees’ social duties. As a result, we guarantee high-quality products that meet international standards of excellence.
The Accommodation
When the former owner of Vogelsang farmed the land, 12 families, lived in 9 clay houses, with no running water or electricity. Members of these families, or at least some, were actively involved in farm management daily. As part of the transfer of ownership deal, the previous owner was required to move these families. So, they began a housing empowerment project. With the assistance of our government, the property was purchased, beautiful new houses were constructed, and the families were safely relocated to a two-bedroom house with running water and electricity, each with their title deed. What a proud moment! We chose to keep the two remaining units since they were the best maintained and had a high potential for future use. We named the Cottages after the head of the family who originally lived there: Flip and Freek. As a young farmer fresh out of college, Theo farmed during the week and renovated on weekends. He worked on this project alone (most of the time) for several years, aiming towards simplicity. The goal was to convey the exterior serenity through the inside design while focusing on simplicity. This was accomplished by refurbishing vintage furniture with some of the best modern textiles. Some furniture utilized was inherited and dates back to the 1920’s. The console jars (used for lighting) were passed down through generations and date back to the 1950s. Other goods, such as textiles and kitchenware, are classics mixed with current pieces. The first cottage, The Farm Cottage or Flip’s House, opened for guests in December 2018. The Family Farm Cottage – Freek’s House – opened in mid-2019.
