Growth control by topping and irrigation is now applied to ensure maximum ripeness. Preparations for the harvest are begun in the cellar and when the grapes are ripe, they are harvested and pressed. When harvesting is complete, the vine gathers reserve stocks of nutrients for the winter and wood grows hard to enable the shoots to resist winter cold. The leaves colour and fall and growth ends. Fertilisation is again necessary and in areas where irrigation is used, the vineyards are thoroughly sprayed to encourage development of reserves.
Winter is the resting period of the vine and no visible growth takes place.
After good rains have fallen, the vines are heavily pruned and the soil fertilised where necessary by ploughing crops and natural weeds into the soil. More than 300 years ago Jan van Riebeeck, the first Cape governor, planted grape-bearing vines at the Cape. Other early cultivars were Pontac and Muscat de Frontignac -both apparently used in the famous Constantia wines. In those days the importation of varieties depended on the individual farmers and there was a high risk of bringing in pests and diseases. Today, imports of varieties are strictly controlled and subject to legal requirements.