Vineyards at Bosman Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde.
Through a voluntary membership model, World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF SA) works with the environmental leaders in South Africa's wine industry, known as the Conservation Champions. These landowners commit to conservation of their natural areas, biodiversity-friendly farming practices, and continual improvement of their water and energy efficiencies.
To date, there are over 60 wine farms that are recognised as WWF Conservation Champions. Collectively, these Champions own 48 156ha of land, of which 25 626ha are conserved as a pristine part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The smallest of the six plant kingdoms in the world, it is considered a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 9 000 species of which 70% are only found here.
The good news is that you can help to protect the important biodiversity of the unique Cape Floral Kingdom: simply follow the sugarbird to support the now 60-strong WWF Conservation Champions!
Choosing WWF Conservation Champion wines is as easy as looking for the distinctive sugarbird and protea logo on wine bottles when buying wine, or shopping the wines from WWF Conservation Champions partners like wine.co.za. Browse our curated collection of WWF Conservation Champion wines at our online store, tastewine: tastewine.co.za/collections/wwf-conservation-champions.
To inspire you to follow the sugarbird, we've put together a selection of top WWF Conservation Champion wines below.
This list includes a certified organic Shiraz from Stellenbosch, an Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir, a white from an extreme coastal area, and more. Prices range from R115 to over R300 per bottle.
Proteas at La Motte, Franschhoek.
WWF Conservation Champions: Top conservation wines to try
Spier Wine Farm's Good Natured Organic Shiraz shows that when you treat the earth well, it rewards you with goodness. This certified organic red was crafted with minimal interference using grapes grown without artificial pesticides or fertilisers. It offers intense berry and spice flavours and a soft, smooth finish. Bold without being overbearing, this sultry tango for your tastebuds dances beautifully with Farmer Angus charcuterie, tapas plates and seared ostrich.
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Boschendal produces all their wines in an environmentally responsible manner, and this Merlot from Boschendal's 1685 Range is no exception. The elegant, cool-climate red wine greets you with rich red cherry and plum notes and pronounced ripe mulberry flavours. Good natural balance between primary fruit aromas, colour and structure extraction, rounded and integrated by subtle oak aging from 300-litre barrels.
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Extraordinary things happen where the ocean meets Vergenoegd Löw's vineyards. This wine is an expression of their unique terroir and dedication to excellence. The Vergenoegd Löw Chardonnay 2023 is a classic and elegant Chardonnay with lemon highlights and lanolin undertones. A gold-coloured wine, butterscotch on the nose is the threshold to slightly tart citrus marmalade on the palate with its pleasing weight and texture. Yellow limes and pineapple waltz you through to a round, soft finish.
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Bosman Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir 2021 is a beautiful Pinot Noir from the secluded, cool-climate Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Overberg region. It has rich, bright berries, a slight earthiness and subtle spicy notes on the nose. Medium to full-bodied palate where soft tannins contribute to a fine structure. A balanced wine with a lingering, memorable finish. This red is an excellent match with sustainable seared tuna.
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Cederberg Wines' Ghost Corner range is inspired by the extreme coastal area around Cape Agulhas, known as "Spookdraai", where many ships have been wrecked. Folklore claims that the ghosts of sailors can be seen wandering the wild waters... The Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc is as intriguing and extreme as the story of the range's origin at the southernmost tip of the Winelands. It's a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with lemon grass, white blossom, gooseberry and asparagus. A wine showing great minerality and balance on palate with loads of concentration in flavour that lingers with a creamy finish.
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La Motte's Pierneef Syrah/Viognier 2018 is a blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier. It shows an intense red flower perfume, with aniseed spice. Mulberry fruit and savoury leather complement the complex nose. The palate is characteristic of a typical cool climate, with medium body, and fine tannins adding a lively presence. Green peppercorn spice on the palate contributes to a lengthy finish.
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Indian Runner ducks at Vergenoegd Löw, Stellenbosch.
Choose wines for your palate and the planet. Shop our selection of WWF Conservation Champion wines HERE and give back to the planet.