Immerse yourself in one of the top-producing wine regions in the world, the exquisite Western Cape. Join us as we explore eco-friendly vineyards that go beyond conventional practices to produce internationally acclaimed wines.
From picturesque landscapes and lush gardens to organic farming methods and a commitment to environmental stewardship, embark on a wine journey that harmonises nature, flavour, and the allure of sustainable wine tourism.
Reyneke Organic
South Africa’s first certified biodynamic winery in Stellenbosch, Reyneke Wines uses ancient wisdom to produce award-winning wines, “not only because it’s better for the earth, but because it makes for better wine.”
Waste not, want not runs deep in their sustainability philosophy. Whatever they use is carefully reused, repurposed or recycled.
Never losing sight of living in harmony with their environment, Reyneke Orangic uses ingenious methods to promote sustainability.
Instead of spraying weeds with pesticides, they carefully select and grow companion plants amongst the vines, leaving no room for weeds to grow. Natural predators, like ducks, are used to keep pests away. By allowing Dandelion weeds to grow, Mealybugs can live on their roots rather than the vines. They even name their cows instead of numbering them.
Book an exclusive wine-tasting experience at Reyneke Organic, taking sustainable wine tourism to new heights.
Visit: https://www.reynekewines.co.za/
Avondale
Embracing the ethos “Terra Est Vita” (soil is life), Avondale is where extraordinary wines meet Mother Nature’s approval.
As one of the first Cape wine producers to obtain Bio-diversity certification, they believe in going beyond organic and biodynamic practices, by including cutting-edge science and technology to enhance sustainability.
The Avondale Estate is a dynamic living system where soil, water and energy; plants, animals, people and even buildings are part of a complex web of relationships and networks.
Book an Eco Wine Safari and discover their remarkable farming methods while tasting the fruits of their labour.
Visit: https://www.avondalewine.co.za/
Botanica
Founded in 2009 by a self-taught winemaker, Botanica Wines is situated in the fertile wine region of Protea Heights, Stellenbosch. Interestingly, it was established in the late 1940s and was the first farm in South Africa to cultivate indigenous protea flowers commercially – the inspiration for Botanica Wines.
At the heart of its farming practices is regenerative agriculture, a next-generation system of organic farming that increases soil fertility, builds biodiversity, improves the soil’s water-holding capacity, and enhances the ecosystem to support healthy vineyards and fields.
To enjoy all the estate has to offer, book a stay at their Sugarbird Manor, a beautiful 4-star luxury guesthouse nestled among the protea flowers and wine grapes.
Visit: https://www.botanicawines.com/
Babylonstoren
Inspired by blending the mythological hanging gardens of Babylon and Cape Town’s Company Gardens, wander through the rows, mazes and lush green vegetable tunnels at the jaw-droppingly beautiful Babylonstoren.
Committed to reusing, reducing and developing a reducetarian lifestyle, the estate embodies sustainable wine tourism.
Water-saving mechanisms are interwoven with the everyday operations of the farm. Where possible, PLA cellophane (plant-based plastic) is used in the packaging. The paper used is made from 100% recycled material, and non-edible food scraps like eggshells and coffee grounds are worked back into the soil via compost heaps. Solar power is used across the farm, with the ultimate goal of cutting reliance on the national grid by 80%.
Great care is taken not to waste the precious harvests from the farm and garden. Fruit and veggie offcuts are re-imagined into innovative soups, sauces and flavourings.
Bees have VIP status on the farm with hives carefully maintained. Special owl houses have been erected and even insect hotels have been created to provide a safe space for them.
Have breakfast or lunch at their Greenhouse Restaurant, tucked away between towering oak trees. Or visit their different shops selling incredible products produced right on the property.
Visit: https://babylonstoren.com/
Rust en Vrede
Established in 1694, Rust en Vrede is a proud World Wildlife Fund Conservation Champion, meaning, they implement biodiversity guidelines while working hard to conserve critical ecosystems on the farm.
As part of their sustainable practices, pesticides and insecticides are kept to a minimum, and natural predators are used to control pests. Cover crops are replanted seasonally, rotated, and green mulched for optimal soil health. Compost tea is used as natural fertiliser which is supplied to the vines via drip irrigation.
Most farming activities are done by hand and tractors are banned in newly planted vineyards.
If you want to experience this multi-award-winning winery, daily tastings are guided by knowledgeable staff. Or enjoy a simple set menu called the Winemaker’s lunch, consisting of steak or salmon accompanied by a glass of their finest wine.
Visit: https://rustenvrede.com/
