Question 1

What weather data sources does Vineyard Intelligence use?

Accepted Answer

We integrate multiple sources including Open-Meteo for hyperlocal forecasts, satellite imagery for regional patterns, and can incorporate your own on-site weather station data. All sources are cross-validated to ensure accuracy for your specific microclimate.

Question 2

How accurate are the vineyard disease risk predictions?

Accepted Answer

Our models are calibrated for South African viticultural conditions and common varietals. We use established epidemiological models (like the Mills table for downy mildew) combined with real-time weather data. Accuracy improves as the system learns your specific vineyard context over the pilot period.

Question 3

What is involved in onboarding to Vineyard Intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Onboarding takes about 1-2 hours of your time. We'll need your block layout, varietal information, and access to any historical spray records you have. We handle all the technical setup — you just need to add our WhatsApp number and you're ready to receive intelligence.

Question 4

Do I need to install any software or apps for Vineyard Intelligence?

Accepted Answer

No. Everything is delivered via WhatsApp, which you already have. PDFs and compliance documents are sent as attachments. There's no app to download, no dashboard to learn, no passwords to remember.

Question 5

What happens after the 90-day Vineyard Intelligence pilot?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the pilot, you decide if you want to continue. If you do, we move to a standard monthly retainer (same R12,000/month). If not, you keep all the compliance documents and spray logs we generated — they're yours. No lock-in, no penalty.

Question 6

Can the Vineyard Intelligence AI make spray decisions for me?

Accepted Answer

No — and that's by design. The system provides intelligence and recommendations, but you always make the final call. We believe vineyard managers know their land best. We just help you see what you might miss and save you time on analysis.

Question 7

What vineyard diseases and pests does the system monitor?

Accepted Answer

Currently we focus on the major fungal diseases: powdery mildew, downy mildew, and botrytis. We also monitor frost risk and heat stress. We're expanding to include additional pests and physiological disorders based on pilot feedback.

Question 8

How much does Vineyard Intelligence cost?

Accepted Answer

Vineyard Intelligence offers three tiers: Standard at R12,000/month (1 WhatsApp number), Team at R16,000/month (up to 3 numbers), and Estate at R20,000/month (up to 5 numbers). All plans include a once-off R20,000 setup fee. The 90-day pilot package is R56,000 total (setup + 3 months Standard).

Vineyard Diseases in South Africa

Powdery Mildew

Downy Mildew

Botrytis