A Van Rhynsdorp wine farm on the West Coast will be among the lots for Rawson Auctions Western Cape’s multi-property auction on September 25 at noon at 222 Main Road Rondebosch.
Sonnekus Farm, comprising three portions of the Olifants River Settlement farmstead, grows a large variety of different grapes with “Farming for the Future” certification from Woolworths, and supplies grapes to Stellar Organics, a major organic cellar.
“The income generated from producing certified organic grapes is around R70000 a month in terms of a payment plan Stellar Organics has in place with the current owner.
"Further income for the farm is generated from a 0.35ha Bearss lime grove and 2.2ha of lucerne fields, with 2.5ha more under development for additional lucerne,” says Tanya Jovanovski, franchisee of Rawson Auctions Western Cape.
Sonnekus - which comprises Portions 801, 419 and 78 of Olifants River Settlement Farm - covers 6.53ha, 9.89ha, and 10.43ha respectively, for a total size of 26.85ha of farmland.
Jovanovski says the vineyards are split into eight blocks, each growing different grapes or similar grapes from a different year.
The vineyards are drip-irrigated and fully-automated by radio with central probes for moisture reading to ensure perfect farming conditions.
“Water is no problem. The farm has an allocation for 13.7ha annually from the Lower Olifants Water User Association, and a borehole that can pump 32000 litres an hour, a brick-enclosed pump station, and a lined dam,” Jovanovsky says.
The many facilities on site include four horse paddocks, a lunge ring, a pig sty, a chicken run, a horse tack room, a chemical store, stables and a number of sheep pens.
Accommodation includes a two-bedroom main dwelling and two guest cottages which are ideal for renting to employees of a nearby mine.
The main house kitchen has a six-burner Smeg gas hob and its open-plan entertainment area features an indoor braai and Jotul wood-burning stove.
Jovanovski says some farm equipment will be part of the sale.
For more details, call Tony Bredenkamp on 0836026113 or mail [email protected], email Tanya Jovanovski at [email protected] or call 0824119599. - Auctions Writer