At Beaumont Family Wines, located in the picturesque Bot River region of South Africa, farming is a deeply personal and passionate endeavor. For Sebastian Beaumont, the farm’s owner and winemaker, two aspects of this work bring him the greatest joy: pruning and planting.
“Pruning has always fascinated me,” Sebastian shares. “Whether I’m working with our vines or tending to our fruit trees, each plant has its own unique story to tell. It’s like a conversation—reading the plant and adjusting my approach to suit each individual branch. There’s something incredibly satisfying about helping the plant find its best form.”
Equally rewarding for Sebastian is the process of planting a new orchard or vineyard—a task that demands meticulous planning and preparation. “Planting is where the journey really begins,” he explains. “We start planning at least two years in advance. It begins with ordering the plant material from the nursery and moves on to soil testing. We need to understand what our soils need—lime and gypsum are usually key additions for us.”
During this extensive preparation phase, Sebastian and his team make critical decisions about row direction, plant density, and the type of trellising to be used. “There’s a lot that goes into it—irrigation planning, soil preparation, installing poles and irrigation systems. All this needs to be done before we even think about planting,” he says.
By mid-August, everything is ready, and the vines are collected from the nursery. But even then, the process requires careful attention to detail. “When planting, we’re very mindful of the soil. We have to be careful with wet soils, making sure we don’t smear the holes for each vine,” Sebastian notes. “We add a bit of slow-release fertilizer, place the vine in the hole, and cover it gently. It’s a delicate process, but it’s also an opportunity to really get to know our land.”
Through this hands-on approach, Sebastian gains an intimate understanding of Beaumont’s soil. “You start to learn where the rocks are, how deep the clay is, and if there are any wet patches. You even notice if there are earthworms already working the soil. Healthy soils mean strong, balanced vines in the long term,” he says. “We’re very careful not to compact or damage the soil, which is why we don’t allow tractors into our new vineyards for at least the first year.”
This week, Beaumont Family Wines embarked on an exciting new project—planting new clones of Chenin Blanc in a vineyard adjacent to the Hope Vineyard. “I’m really excited about this,” Sebastian shares with a smile. “The site has great potential, and I think we’re going to produce something truly special from these vines in the future.”
For Sebastian, farming at Beaumont is more than just a profession—it’s a way of life deeply rooted in respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable practices. “Every step, from pruning to planting, is a chance to connect with the land and ensure we’re setting up our vineyards for long-term success,” he reflects. “There’s a real sense of fulfillment in knowing that the work we’re doing today will yield exceptional fruit for years to come.”
