Restoring Rabo de Lobo and Verandas
In 2018, Wolf's Own Estate started the journey to revive Rabo de Lobo and Varandas to their former glory and establish them as ecologically sustainable vineyards that are centerpieces for eco-tourism in the Alentejo region.
Wolf's Own Estate's vineyards origins are traced back to some of the foundations of wine growing in the Ervidel parish. It was important for the new owners of Rabo de Lobo and Verandas, Anthony Ross and Michelle Moss, to restore the magic of vineyards and perserve the proud heritage of the region.
Environmentally sustainable farming
South African-born Anthony Ross spent his childhood at the feet of his oupa (grandfather) as he tended to the family-owned Orchard in Vereeniging, outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Oupa Ross had a simple philosophy. Everything in the orchard had a job: from the crops and where they were planted, the animals that were natural pest control and fertilisers as they roamed the estate. Literally everything had a role to play in the running of the estate, right through to even his grandson.
Under his oupa’s watchful eye, Tony learned the art of grafting plants to organically cultivate robust, sustainable and high yielding crops that would survive the harsh African climate to grow to nurture and support the ecosystem surrounding it.
This same philosophy flows through everything Wolf’s Own Estate does.
Economical catalyst
Rabo de Lobo is a Catalyst for the environment. It provides employment, knowledge and expanding opportunities for the entire region.
On a socioeconomic level, Rabo de Lobo is highly profitable. It allows for high-density production, the capture of several high-value niche markets, and savings on technological inputs. Rather than focusing on the large-scale production of a single, relatively valuable crop, Rabo de Lobo produces several high value products that usually have a limited local market (herbs, mushrooms, berries) and niche international market (distillery, ice-cream, winery).
By combining Rabo de Lobo with a local and online shop we are able to sell directly to customers. Shrinking the distance between producer and consumer also translates into higher profits. The village and local restaurants profit as immediate partners.
Rabo de Lobo is designed to last a minimum of 30 years, largely because it relies on perennial crops that do not need to be replanted every year. This means that an investment can be made in its physical structure and appearance, ensuring that it provides a positive aesthetic contribution to the built environment.
Zero-waste
A job for everyone and everything
Wolf's Own Estate is designed to be fully zero-waste. As we continue to restore and rejuvinate the vineyards, orchards, and farmhouse and buildings, we are replacing the old, warn-out infrastructure with eco-friendly solutions that will give us a zero carbon footprint.
Eco-Farming
In real terms, it means we’ve had to think differently about how and what we plant and produce to take advantage of what Mother Nature does best.
We have a wide variety of crops and animals, taking advantage of every inch of the land while eliminating the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. It maximises food production and variety by operating more like a self-maintaining ecosystem than an industrial farm.
It's about birds...
We actively look for ways to reduce the use chemicals and commercial fertilisers. They're not good for us or the environment.
For us, the answer literally comes back to the birds and the bees.
Wolf's Own Estate is home to a flock of Indian Runner Ducks that are employed as our residential pest control and fertilisers.
...and the bees!
We have 100 bee hives that guard the boundary of the Rabo de Lobo Vineyard keeping unwanted visitors out of the vineyard and gardens.
Aside from centaury duties, our bees also keep busy supporting a healthy eco-system on the Estate.
A delicious added bonus on the hard work of our bees is their amazing honey.
Buy our honey from the online store.
Zero Carbon
Even our Wolf's Own Tripled Distilled Brandy was born from our mission to create a zero waste eco-farm.
We started a distillery to guarantee that we can turn leftovers into a highly valued product.
→ Find out more about our eco farm.
Wolfs Own Estate Online
Looking for organic produce straight from our eco-farm?
Wolf's Own Estate reguarly attends the Ervidel local farmers markets with organic seasonal produce freshly picked for our eco-farm. Find out when we're next there.
