Sustainability is not just a concept for us at Rust en Vrede Wine Estate; it's a way of life. As a recognised World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion, we are committed to preserving our estate's natural beauty and biodiversity while producing exceptional wines.
Rust en Vrede is home to 12 hectares of undisturbed natural habitat, identified by the WWF as an essential ecological area. The Engelbrecht family has made long-term commitments to conserve and maintain these spaces, ensuring that the Bonterivier River system and its surrounding environment thrive.
Our conservation journey began with the removal of invasive pine trees, making way for indigenous flora and allowing native species to regenerate. In 2014, a significant alien vegetation removal project further strengthened our efforts. Ongoing annual maintenance ensures that alien species do not re-establish themselves. Instead, indigenous plant life continues to flourish.
Sustainability goes beyond preserving landscapes. At Rust en Vrede, we follow eco-friendly viticulture practices that minimise environmental impact. Pesticide and insecticide use is kept to a minimum, and natural predators are encouraged to manage pests through biological control, particularly targeting mealybugs.
Cover crops are planted seasonally to enhance soil health, prevent erosion, and promote biodiversity. These crops are rotated and green-mulched to nourish the soil naturally.
Additionally, we employ compost tea as a fertiliser, delivering nutrients to the vines through drip irrigation systems that conserve water. This nutrient-rich compost tea not only nourishes the vines but also encourages soil health and fosters biodiversity within the soil, creating a balanced and thriving ecosystem that will retain its vitality for future generations.
To further reduce our carbon footprint, most farming activities are carried out manually. Tractors are prohibited in newly planted vineyards for the first three years to prevent soil compaction. We track our fuel consumption and carbon emissions, continuously seeking ways to improve energy efficiency. As proud carbon heroes, we’ve also installed a solar plant and battery bank that provide 40% of our electricity needs in the cellar, significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
While we use synthetic fungicides only as a last resort, we strictly adhere to the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) standards. When necessary, we apply these substances during flowering, ensuring they are used responsibly to protect both our vines and the surrounding ecosystem.
At Rust en Vrede, our passion for winemaking is matched by our dedication to sustainability. Through our ongoing conservation efforts, we are committed to protecting our land for generations to come.
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