How to drink to save the planet

The Paul Cluver farm in the Elgin Valley is extraordinarily mindful of the environment. Over 60% of the total farm is under active conservation through a stewardship agreement with CapeNature in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The farm is known for initiating the Thandi Project, enabling workers to own orchards and vineyards and creating jobs through their local bicycle racing track.

THE WINE TO TRY: Paul Cluver Ferricrete Pinot Noir is a cool-climate wine showing ripe cherries and youngberries with hints of white mushroom on the nose.
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La Motte in the Franschhoek Valley is home to a stunning array of threatened mountain fynbos. Since 2007, La Motte has rehabilitated over 35 hectares of the mountain vegetation, clearing alien flora and creating an indigenous nursery to allow for the transfer of various species back to their native mountains. With an integrated sustainability policy that includes soil management, water and waste management, recycling and energy efficiency, they’ve made their commitment to the planet clear. On their wine farm, one can also find a hiking trail, encouraging visitors to explore the pristine mountain fynbos and learn more about the vegetation’s natural cycles.

THE WINE TO TRY: La Motte Merlot has a bouquet of redcurrants, cherries and a spicy oakiness.
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Since 1692, Spier has made wine. The estate is now also renowned for an innovative approach to responsible tourism. With 93 hectares under conservation, this Stellenbosch vineyard boasts many environmental initiatives, including recycling all wastewater and 80% of solid waste. One million bulbs, 87 000 trees and shrubs, and 6 000 succulents have been grown and replanted at Spier over nearly 15 years. Their various social initiatives, such as supporting entrepreneurs in creating enterprises linked to Spier and aiding local communities to grow trees in exchange for essential goods, are further evidence of their care.

THE WINE TO TRY: Spier Chardonnay Pinot Noir offers strawberries, white peach and yellow apple on the nose.
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At 1 036 metres above sea level, the Cederberg Private Cellar vineyards are among the highest in the Western Cape. Of the total 5 200 hectares, only about 300 are used for farming, the holiday resort and staff housing with the remainder placed under CapeNature’s care, forming part of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor. This vineyard is known for farming sustainably and, due to the isolation of the area, there is a minimal risk of disease. This allows for little to no chemical intervention in the making of the wines. Cederberg Cellars is also known for its initiative in fighting the spread of alien vegetation.

THE WINE TO TRY: Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc is a delicate combination of green fig and white asparagus with hints of gooseberries.
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Boschendal Wines is in stunning Franschhoek, shaded by the crowns of striking indigenous trees. Having set aside almost half the total land on the farm for conservation, as well as clearing more than 500 hectares of alien vegetation, they’ve had a significant impact on the birdlife, free movement of wildlife, and on the flow of the small rivers that are fed by the nearby mountains in their surrounds. Outside of their use of cover crops to aid in natural compost production, Boschendal also has a herd of Black Angus cattle, which contribute to soil quality by trampling manure and other decaying organic matter into the soil.

 

THE WINE TO TRY: Boschendal Jean Garde Chardonnay has ripe pear and stone fruit flavours and is balanced with a firm, yet gentle acidity.
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Not too long after Graham Beck Wine Estate was established in 1983, it set aside a considerable portion of its land as a private nature reserve in this semi-arid region near Robertson. Many other vineyards followed its lead, resulting in the collaboration of 27 neighbouring landowners to create the Rooiberg-Breede River Conservancy for the greater good of the local biosphere. Graham Beck focuses on veld management, bio-energy solutions, environmentally sensitive pest and disease control, as well as environmental education and upskilling in the community. Outside of their significant range of ecological initiatives, they’ve also installed an impressive solar array that entirely powers their cellar.

 

THE WINE TO TRY: Graham Beck Brut Rosé has a charming silver-pink blush and exuberant character with aromas of raspberries and cherries.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The Cape Winelands is home to 95% of South Africa’s vineyards, as well as two global biodiversity hotspots – the Succulent Karoo and the Cape Floral Kingdom. Through a voluntary membership model, the WWF-SA works with environmental leaders in the nation’s wine industry, known as the Wine Conservation Champions, who commit to biodiversity-friendly farming practices, conserve their natural areas and continually improve their water and energy efficiencies.

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