Mooiplaas Wines recently became the first World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Conservation Champion in the Bottelary ward of Stellenbosch. This outstanding achievement follows the submission of their latest IPW-audit (Integrated Production of Wine), which acknowledges the environmental responsibility of their production practices. The audit includes factors such as carbon … [Read more...]
Water and wine in the spotlight at SAPICS 2019
Recognising the importance of water as a life-sustaining resource and reflecting its commitment to the critical drive for environmentally sustainable supply chains, SAPICS, The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management, has put water management in the spotlight at the upcoming SAPICS Conference. This event, which is Africa’s leading knowledge sharing and networking event … [Read more...]
Much to celebrate for SA’s Fairtrade wine producers
All's fair for Earthbound Wines and A Place in the Sun, two of the 20 South African Fairtrade wine producers who are preparing to celebrate national Fairtrade Week, 10-16 March, 2014. And there is much to celebrate, with South Africa ranked as the world's largest producer of Fairtrade wines, producing two-thirds of the world's Fairtrade wine. In 2012, local production was … [Read more...]
Tentative hope for Stellenbosch air quality
A touch of tentative hope in the air surrounds the more than six year long battles in the Stellenbosch area by sensitive residents, who have and are suffering from the ill effects of toxic spray drift from neighbouring wine farms. The event which gave me hope that things will now be moving towards giving effected residents a proper hearing and respite from their troubles was … [Read more...]
Rolling hills bring forth heavenly organic wine
There’s a lot to be said about winemaking the way it used to be. There were no chemicals, no “technological advancements” that made the process a process, and natural balance was far more important than balance sheets. It’s an approach that’s not just better for the earth, it’s also better for the wine – as respected critics have confirmed. So, while it may be somewhat … [Read more...]
Organic farm pays tribute to extraordinary man
The late Chris du Toit was one of the pioneers of the South African wine industry and was employed at Stellenbosch Farmers Winery for 29 years, where he ended his career as Director of Operations. He was one of the founding members and first generation owner of Brenn-O-Kem (Pty) Ltd. Brenn-O-Kem plays a vital role in the South African wine industry, recycling the by-products … [Read more...]
Wine drinkers help protect Cape environment
Drinking wine is one of life’s great pleasures, but there’s even more pleasure when you know that your favourite tipple is not harming the environment. Through the WWF-SA Biodiversity Wine Initiative (BWI), a pioneering partnership between nature conservation groups and some of the country’s wine producers, savouring wine is more environmentally friendly than ever. So highly … [Read more...]
Is carbon neutral farming possible?
How on earth do you farm intensively without producing carbon dioxide? A colleague tells me about Backsberg's carbon neutrality (since 2006) and I hear something about it on the radio. A whole new concept for me. I'm making an appointment with Mr Michael Back. His first question to me: "How serious are you about organic farming?" It catches me off guard and I mumble … [Read more...]
Back to basics with slow wines
What attracted me to Waterkloof wines, as a horse lover, was that they use horses in their vineyards. I reckoned it was to lower their carbon footprint, but Christiaan Loots, the farm manager, assured me that it was economically motivated. Waterkloof is situated just outside Somerset West on the old Sir Lowry’s Pass road, about halfway to the village. 32 of the 53 hectares … [Read more...]
Time to explore our beautiful area
There are some great cycling routes in and around the green Winelands expanse of Stellenbosch. The maps were developed to encourage more people to cycle as a mode of transport. They aim to do this by: identifying a network of safer, connected routes locating bicycle lanes and parking educating cyclists about their rights and responsibilities … [Read more...]
Organic farm spreads the green message
This month Waverley Hills organic farm near Wolseley, in association with Cape Nature started a community environmental education programme. The aim was to provide children in the local community with a sense of pride and to create a 'greener' environment. Over 150 children participated from 6 schools - Drostdy Primary, Twee Jong Gezellen, Montrouge VGK Primary, Steinthal … [Read more...]
Solar-powered winery puts sunshine in each bottle
Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch has done the largest roof-mounted solar installation in South Africa. The 539 solar modules installed across three of the Cellar's roofs will generate enough energy to power the Winery's entire daytime requirement out of harvest time, providing electricity to its staff housing, offices, kitchens, processing and bottling facilities, cellars and … [Read more...]
Wine club tree planting event
On a recent Saturday morning a group of members of our wine club and their family and friends gathered at the farm for a day of tree planting, wine tasting and a well-earned lunch. Part of being a Backsberg Wine Club member involves the opportunity to plant a tree in your family's name, on the farm. This ties into our philosophy of care for the environment; it was important for … [Read more...]
