Greenpop hosted its annual restoration event, Reforest Fest, at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in Stanford this Easter weekend (29 March - 1 April 2024).
The Reforest Fest is a transformative event that brings together families and individuals of all ages to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of tree planting, wellness activities, wholesome food and wine experiences, and a celebration of nature.
The festival not only offered a unique and enriching experience in tree planting but also presented an opportunity to delve into the world of conservation wine. As attendees immersed themselves in the festivities, they discovered the vital link between sustainable practices in agriculture and winemaking and the preservation of our environment.
The experience underscored the importance of conscious consumer choices, emphasising that our decisions can contribute significantly to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Reforest Fest becomes a celebration not only of nature's restoration but also of the power each individual holds in making environmentally responsible choices, highlighting the interconnectedness of conservation and our everyday lives.
Discovering the sensual charm of South African wine, a riveting tale of joy and tradition
In South Africa, a deep passion for wine is characteristic of different environments and customs that date back centuries. South Africa’s winemaking history is rooted in a 17th-century legacy, characterised by tenacity and passion.
With wine being so deeply rooted in our identity, even for those who don’t drink it, it becomes onerous to avoid. Tied to many beautiful and culturally rich moments, wine farms are used for more than the wine itself. Locally, our treasured Cape Winelands are utilised for things such as fine dining, events, fruit picking, adventuring, markets, sports and escaping into the sublime scenery of vineyards and surrounding mountains.
WWF Conservation Champions
WWF South Africa is an inspiring organisation renowned for its efforts to preserve our natural resources and environments. They started the WWF Conservation Champions initiative, and are doing an outstanding job of encouraging wine farms to conserve the natural environment, by switching to environmentally-friendly farming methods.
The conservation wines are a true testament to what is possible when industries change their practices to promote a greener tomorrow and showcase the work done by a collection of environmentally-minded wineries, heading in the right direction for future generations.
"When we come together change is possible. By altering behaviours and shaping consumer habits, individuals wield the transformative influence needed to drive industry shifts. Collaboration is a powerful tool we can use to really change the narrative of wine production and its relationship to the communities and natural environments it impacts." - Shelly Fuller, WWF South Africa, fruit and wine programme manager.
Following a structure of voluntary membership, wineries are encouraged to better their farming practices to be more biodiverse and environmentally friendly. WWF assists them in formulating appropriate management plans, and realistic targets, and implementing action-based initiatives concerning their wine farms' environmental risks.
This initiative in turn both protects biodiversity within South Africa's winelands but also sets an inspirational example for other wine farms, both locally and globally, and encourages consumers to invest their money into feasible and green industries. The wine industry forms a significant part of our South African culture and economy and thus such an ethical initiative ensures the wine industry has a sustainable future ahead of it.
Sustainable winemaking methods today usher in a new era, producing delightfully tasting wines that support regional economies and protect the environment. In partnership with WWF South Africa’s Conservation Wine Champions, conservation has been implemented in wine production.
As part of a campaign to promote biodiversity and water stewardship, WWF offers help to qualified and dedicated wine farms and recognises those who are dedicated to farming in harmony with, rather than opposition to, the environment.
The WWF Conservation Champions, some of whom will be featured at Reforest Fest, were handed their title due to their dedicated efforts in utilising regenerative and environmentally friendly farming methods, conserving their land’s natural areas and bettering water and waste management. In exchange for their committed engagement with WWF and their programs, the champions can label their bottles with a Sugarbird and Protea logo for easy recognition – so keep an eye out the next time you buy a bottle of wine.
Conservation wine brand partners
Boland Cellar
Boland Cellar, a wine farm close to our Greenpop hearts, has continuously proven their commitment to sustainable farming and the bolstering of natural ecosystems. The Paarl wine farm has a particular focus on collaboration and togetherness, more particularly the partnership of winemaking and nature.
Their conscious and environmental practices include actively focusing on reforestation through their partnership with Greenpop’s Forests for Life programme. Furthermore, they implement water-saving techniques and biological pest control. They also focus on soil-related health and preparation in their vineyard practices.
Speaking to manager Anneen du Toit from Boland Cellar, we chatted about land management practices and the benefits they have found on their wine farm:
“By understanding the vineyard plant and its water need through the year, and measuring water which gets applied for irrigation, up to 30% of the water used for general irrigation, could be saved and utilised elsewhere. [...] Controlled alien clearing on farms, contributes positively to water retention in general, but together with this practice, proper replanting of indigenous trees is important. This attracts and sustains wildlife, birds and bees. In this process, natural wetlands are also maintained."
During Anneen’s time with Boland Cellar, she noted some of the most anecdotal changes within the winery since implementing sustainable practices, focusing mainly on mindset:
"Over the past 10 years since applying deliberately sustainable practices in vineyards, it became second nature. Initially, the concepts had to be explained and the first thing when farmers get approached with different practices they used, is the question: 'What is in it for me?' We quickly deviated from that mindset, and sustainable practices are now the first point of departure prior to establishing a new vineyard."
Strandveld Vineyards
The wind-swept, coastal belt, better known as the Strandveld, reaches as wide as the Kleinriver Mouth at Walker Bay, to Infanta where the Breederivier mouths out. At the heart of this region, Strandveld Wines lies 8km from the ocean, nicknamed “Die Dam”, where they proudly produce Africa’s southernmost grapes and wine.
Both wineries and vineyards face year-round wind which acts as a natural aircon to upkeep the health of their vineyards. They lovingly refer to this phenomenon as Adamastor (also the name of their white wine blend), the tempestuous mythological god of storms and wind. Knowing that nature knows best, we do not stray too far, and do not hinder natural predators, such as the Pofadder snake (this is where you reach out for a glass of our award-winning Pofadderbos Sauvignon Blanc to calm the nerves) to mingle in the vineyards to keep birds and nagmuise under control.
Strandveld Wines' motto is: "Where Earth and Ocean meet, there lies the Magic." They endeavour to make this relationship known in the form of their wines, Strandveld Vineyards as well as the First Sighting range.
Along with neighbouring farmers, they are part of the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, custodians of the natural landscapes that are invaluable in terms of biodiversity, complex ecosystems and water networks within the Agulhas Plain. They intend to allow nature to rejuvenate and flourish. Since inception in 2002, hippopotami, water buffaloes and Rau quaggas (yes, you know, those zebras that look like they forgot to wear pants?) were reintroduced, creating natural channels feeding new life into all fauna and flora allowing rediscovering of endangered birdlife, and thought to be extinct species.
Lubanzi Wines
In 2014, friends Charlie Brain and Walker Brown embarked on a captivating backpacking journey along South Africa's remote wild coast. The adventure took an unexpected turn when a wandering dog, locally known as Lubanzi joined them, becoming a steadfast companion for 6 days and 100 miles, before mysteriously disappearing just before their final morning. This remarkable experience inspired the duo to make a bold move, relocating to South Africa in 2016 to establish Lubanzi Wines, a socially responsible wine company dedicated to sharing the country's allure and delivering exceptional wines.
Teaming up with accomplished winemakers Trizanne Barnard and Bruce Jack, the founders infused Lubanzi with a spirit of collaboration and exploration. The business takes a proactive approach to building a fair supply chain by partnering with the Pebbles Project, a non-profit organisation changing the lives of children in the winelands.
With a commitment to turning every sip into an adventure, Charlie Brain and Walker Brown express their hope that Lubanzi Wines not only evoke a sense of home in new places but also transform the ordinary into extraordinary in the daily lives of their patrons.
"Lubanzi is the story of those partnerships, of our travels, and of this wandering dog in the middle of nowhere, who by some stroke of luck, brought it all to life. We hope our wine helps you make a home in the newest places, and an adventure out of the home you know by heart," says Charlie and Walker.
Lubanzi Wines is now Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% For the Planet. A testament to its commitment to neutralising and minimising the adverse environmental effects of wine production from vine to glass.
Bosman Family Vineyards
For eight generations, the Bosman family has been rooted in Wellington, with a rich heritage serving as the foundation for their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Beginning in 1707 with Hermanus Lambertus Bosman, the family's legacy of care started, as he became the caregiver for the Drakenstein community. The family crest bears the motto "faith, hope, and love," guiding their work in the community.
The philosophy of Bosman Family Vineyards is to farm regeneratively. Within that they are constantly looking for new and better ways to reduce their carbon footprint and find solutions to mitigate climate change. Their efforts in this respect, are far-reaching as well as comprehensive, and include:
- Improving soil health by reducing the use of chemicals and facilitating carbon sequestration
- Eradicating alien vegetation and encouraging the proliferation of indigenous fynbos
- Creating eco corridors so that naturally occurring plants, insects and animals can migrate and multiply
- Employing a herd of sheep to keep weeds at bay between the vine rows
- Experimenting with early-ripening, disease-resistant grape varietals
- Recycling bottles, paper, cardboard, oil, plastic and steel
- Harnessing solar power
“Bosman Family Vineyards reflects a proud heritage of a farming community working together over many generations to a rhythm dictated by season, tradition and a respect for each other and the land on which they find themselves.” - MD of Bosman Family Vineyards, Petrus Bosman, 8th generation.
Van Hunks
Reviving the allure of the sparkling category, Van Hunks, a vibrant drinks brand, emerged in 2020 with a groundbreaking sparkling mead, followed by a remarkable Cap Classique in 2021. Crafted by 12th-generation winemaker Matthew Krone in the scenic Stellenbosch, South Africa, the Van Hunks Brut and Brut Rosé Cap Classiques exude innovation and modernity.
Inspired by the legendary Jan Van Hunks, known for escaping the ordinary, the brand embodies his spirit for adventure. Whether by the sea or lounging on Table Mountain, Van Hunks joins every celebration, infusing life with a sense of adventure. Rooted in the fruitful vineyards of Stellenbosch, their Cap Classiques pay homage to Jan's wanderings, accompanied by ducks, guinea fowls, and the melody of honey bees.
Noteworthy aspects of their commitment include pesticide-free growing methods, water conservation, the incorporation of advanced sustainable farming systems, and the exclusive use of locally hand-harvested grapes. This collective dedication reflects their unwavering commitment to caring for nature while consistently producing exceptional wines.
Skipskop Wines
The youngster of the Overberg wine farm region, Skipskop Wines a small-scale and handcrafted winery that with the fewest manipulations, produces outstanding wines with little sulfur, both in Napier and the Swartberg mountains in the Klein Karoo. These vineyards are watered and maintained through local spring water from the neighbouring mountains, using their local resources as carefully as possible.
Speaking to winemaker Jonathan de Thierry from Skipskop Wines, we dove into how their wine farm actively pursues measures to positively impact nature:
"At Skipskop Wines, our ethos is to create handcrafted, low-sulfur fine wines with minimum interventions. Our vineyards are irrigated by natural leiwater sourced from the surrounding mountains. Skipskop seeks to grow and produce wines in natural harmony with nature and surrounding landscape."
There are plenty of good news stories from the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these positive and uplifting stories. We dedicate the month of April to our #wineforgood campaign each year, sharing a good news story every day. Join us in spreading the good news about South African wine. If you'd like to submit a story, please email editor@wine.co.za.