Farming & Ecology

Olives at Hidden Valley

The fertile soils on the Hidden Valley Farm made a perfect home for these trees and they grew vigorously. A fusion of table and oil varieties now make up the beautiful silver textured environment around the impressive stone wall of the wine cellar.

The Olive processing at Hidden Valley includes oil, table olives and Tapenade of very high quality.

It is with excitement that we are currently exploring the many alternative and interesting products that an olive can be turned into.

Our new 2L Integrity pack was specially designed to seal the oil from light and oxygen. This will extend the shelf life of the oil and you buy in bulk and there for also save money.

Download Olive Oil Product Sheet

Conservation

Hidden Valley Wines are farmed in accordance with ecologically sensitive farming practices. This entails careful consideration as to how we prepare the soils, nurture the vines and conserve non agricultural lands. This considerate approach is part of the core philosophy of “working with nature”, where we produce wines sustainably and responsibly.

Landscaping at Hidden Valley Farm

The gardens on the Hidden Valley Farm have been created with care and sensitivity for the environment. The indigenous wild olive forests in the valley inspired the creation of an indigenous and environmentally sensitive landscape. The raw clay slopes and remnants of the building site were transformed into a landscape which has the feel of eternity. All the plants are indigenous and most are endemic to the area. The Fauna and Flora of the environment is treated with respect. All exotic and alien plants were removed and a totally organic philosophy now encourages total recycling of all plant materials. Birds and small animals roam freely in the valley.   

Nature Trail

In addition to the landscaping, careful attention has been given to allowing access to these areas. A nature trail has been laid that allows visitors to experience the natural beauty of the farm. This trail has been laid out so that people can wander around the reclaimed dam, restocked with fish. We are currently doing an audit of the bird species that have made this valley their home. The reintroduction of natural and endemic fauna has made the valley attractive to countless creatures, all of which have helped correct the imbalances created by farming.

Recycling

Recycling has almost become a mantra at Hidden Valley. Whether it be in the cellar with our specialized water treatment system, which includes a special reed bed recycling system through which all effluent water is treated prior to going back in the valley, or the restaurant, where all waste vegetal matter is made into compost. All waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Bottles, plastics and paper are all recycled in line with company policy. Dave has recently introduced a worm farm that aids the development of natural decomposition of waste matter.