Skilpadvlei Wine Farm derives its charming name from the legendary colony of tortoises that was found in the vlei in the 1800’s. The beautiful piece of land was dubbed Skilpadvlei and has been in the hands of the Joubert family since 1917. Willem Daniel Joubert is the fourth generation currently managing the farm. Facilities at Skilpadvlei include a farm style restaurant, beautiful wedding and conference venue, and country style accommodation with views of the farm landscape and 31.47ha of vineyards.
Paul Clüver is a family business dedicated to producing world-class wines and fruit, whilst being mindful of their impact on the environment and community. Set within the Kogelberg Biosphere, half of Paul Cluver’s estate is under conservation in perpetuity. Preserving their natural heritage is part of who they are, and the farm strives to lead sustainable farming for the future.
Francois Joubert bought his farm in the Schoemanskloof Valley, Mpumalanga province, in 1966. It was called Geluk (“Luck” in English). In 1990, the first citrus orchards were established. A total of 1605 Midknight Valencia trees were planted which are still in production today. The two Joubert sons, Kobus and Francois (jnr), continue to grow their father’s legacy and are one of the biggest citrus producing farms in South Africa. They have partnered with Croplife and Buhle Waste to guide them towards a more sustainable and carbon friendly business.
Hadeco takes pride in their extensive collection of flower bulb varieties, which are cultivated across seven flower farms located in the Highveld region of South Africa. Hadeco is also committed to promoting the growth of the local flower and plant industry by collaborating with other producers across the country.
Located in the Western Cape, Hex Berries is a pioneer in optimizing its water-use efficiency and carrying out trials with innovative technology. The farm also clears invasive alien plant species, accompanies plant trials with pollinators and trials soil moisture probes.
Located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, the United Exports Packhouse embraces a circular waste economy and implements various initiatives to reduce, re-use and recycle waste. The packhouse also supports a local community crèche and retirement home through donations.
The Karsten Group is a leading agri-business respected both locally and internationally for the excellence of their products, innovation, and integrity in its dealings with staff, service providers and customers. Karsten has 13 business units who are Carbon Heroes. Each business unit will have its own Carbon Heroes profile soon.
Bonnievale Wines is a producer-owned enterprise based in the village of Bonnievale and district of Robertson, South Africa. Bonnievale is comprised of four cellars located across the region, supplied by some 100 member farms. Their focus is on improving water and energy use, as well as effluent management. Bonnievale Wines is proud to state that their carbon footprint is well below the average for the region.
Denbi Fresh Produce is located near Mookgopong in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Denbi Fresh Produce produces Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Gooseberries. Their motto is sustainable agriculture and to farm with nature; planting directly into the soil and covering the beds with mulch produced on the farm. The farm also plants green cover crops between rows to use as mulch. The carbon content in the soil is carefully monitored and regular microbial activity analyses are done to enhance the soil and root health.
Mabunda farm is situated in the Limpopo province on the Northern banks of the Great Letaba river. The farm consists of 291 hectares of grapefruit, orange and lemon orchards. The Lona Group exports Mabunda’s fruit and provide loan funding and administrative support. Mabunda Citrus (Pty) Ltd is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions.
Namoneng farm is situated along the banks of the Vyeboomhoek and Kaspersnek annual streams about 20 km north of Ohrigstad in the Mpumalanga province. 237 hectares of land are planted with mandarins, clementines and oranges, with 69 hectares under net. A further 85 hectares will be planted over the next two years. The Lona Group is responsible for exporting Namoneng’s fruit. Namoneng Citrus (Pty) Ltd is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions.
The New Dawn farm group is spread over various portions west of Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province. The 585 hectares of orchards on the farms comprise of 360 hectares of citrus and 225 hectares of mango. The Lona Group packs and exports New Dawn’s fruit and provides loan funding as well as administrative support. New Dawn Farming Enterprise (Pty) Ltd is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions.
Orchard View Packers is a specialised citrus packhouse owned by the Lona Group, which is one of the largest exporters of citrus in South Africa. The site packs fruit from different producers of the Sekhukhune Region near Ohrigstad in Limpopo Province. Environmental goals and targets are set annually according to Orchard View Packers’ CCC carbon footprint report. The packline of the packhouse runs on generator power, which is less carbon intensive than grid electricity. Orchard View Packers also aims to be sustainable in all that they do.
The Zalo Beleggings farm is located 17 km south of the town of Burgersfort in the Limpopo province. 142 hectares of mandarins, satsumas and oranges are planted, with 53 hectares under net. The Lona Group is responsible for the exporting of Zalo’s fruit. Zalo Beleggings is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions
Orange Falls is situated next to the lower Orange River, Augrabies, Northern Cape. Orange Falls grows and supplies a variety of Table Grapes and Pecan Nuts internationally and locally. Table grapes are packed in the farm’s own packhouse, and certified by multiple certification organizations. Orange Falls is trying to reduce their carbon footprint by using low carbon energy, choosing energy efficient appliances, and reducing, reusing, and recycling their waste.
Since Southern Farms began in 1996, a pledge to “farming in harmony with nature”, and their commitment to responsible farming methods, have always been the driving force in their operations. Today, Southern Farms’ stringent environmental scorecard reflects: responsible water usage and waste management; monitored electricity control backed by solar support; a move towards eco-friendly packaging where possible; carefully maintained soil and plant health; and reducing their carbon footprint, to name a few. Southern Farms is honoured to be a Carbon Hero.
At Bosman Adama, near Wellington, they believe that the natural environment is integral to the sustainability of the community, and that the responsibility for pro-active care and conservation rests with each one of us. From the propagation of grape vines in the nursery, to the growing of grapes on their land, and ultimately the making of Bosman Family Vineyards wines in the cellar, Bosman Adama consciously employs practices at every level that conserve resources, reduce waste, facilitate growth and promote regeneration.
Laeveld Boerdery Trust (LBT) produce and export quality avocados and macadamias. LBT’s history goes back to 1935, when Merensky High School opened its doors as an agricultural school in Tzaneen. The school and the farming land they use belong to the state, and LBT, created in 1996, manages the farm on behalf of the school. Since LBT started using the CCC carbon calculator they have become much more aware of the impact fuel use and fertilisers have on their carbon footprint.
Van Loveren believes sustainability is the foundation on which to build a secure future for their farms and the world around them. Van Loveren strives to improve environmental stewardship through solar energy, conservation of farmland for natural ecosystems and the farm implements sound agricultural practices, from grape production to manufacturing. A family-run wine and fruit farm situated in Robertson, Van Loveren believes that by considering the environment, the people and the production of wine, they will help preserve their natural resources and provide prosperity for future generations.
Lomond is situated on The Agulhas Plain near the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Lomond’s vineyards were planted on previously cultivated land within sight of the ocean. This maritime climate ensures that the vineyards are kept cool which results in late ripening intense fruit. Lomond is actively involved in the bigger conservation landscape, being the first SA wine Farm to enter into a Conservation Servitude with Fauna and Flora International to ensure the long-term preservation of the critically endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos and Overberg Sandstone Fynbos.
Lourensford Wine Estate is situated at the foot of the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains in Somerset West. This property is steeped in history and dates back to the 1700’s. The magnificent soils and diverse micro-climates create the ideal terroir for world-class wines. Lourensford aims to be more sustainable in everything they do. Just one example of their many initiatives include a solar PV plant consisting of 2 000 solar units installed on the winery roof in May 2014 to aid in their Green initiatives.
Situated in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Creation Wines is blessed with one of the most biodiverse wine regions in the world. Creation is passionate about the preservation of the natural environment for generations to come through sound practices that not only maintain but also renew. Creation is one of only nine wineries in South Africa to have received EnviroWines accreditation and was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence as WWF Conservation Champion.
Botha Kelder is situated about 100km from Cape Town en route to Ceres in the Breedekloof Wine Valley. The farm is located at the foothills of rugged mountains, where snow and sun play their intense role during the seasons. Botha Kelder’s winemaking is based on the art of reading nature, combined with science, to make wines of distinction. The farm is staying coordinated with innovative technology, and working smarter to sustain a healthier, happier, and more prosperous future for all at Botha Kelder.
Glentana Citrus Estate is a 3rd generation family run citrus farm in the fertile Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape province. Glentana aims to reduce their carbon footprint over time to ensure the sustainability of the business and look after the environment. The farm has partially converted to renewable energy sources (30% of all energy is off-grid), reduced their inorganic fertiliser applications, and moved towards the use of organic fertilisers and biological products.
Robertson Winery is situated in the town of Robertson, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Robertson Winery is proudly calculating their carbon footprint as a bottling company that fills bottle ready wine, grape juice and de-alcoholised wine in glass, bag in box and combi packaging.
Taaibosch Wines is situated high on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains. Making wines that embody origin is the ultimate outcome Taaibosch strives for. Furthermore, Taaibosch respects nature and the preservation thereof; it is an endeavour of their team to rehabilitate the flora of the estate to that which is indigenous to the Cape, so as to maintain a balance between the natural environment and agriculture.
Villiera is located in the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa and produces award-winning Cap Classique and still wines. Villiera has a strong focus on sustainable farming practices. Solar installations provide nearly all of our energy requirements, recycled water is purified through marshes and used for irrigation. Most of our vineyards are drip irrigated and we utilize a rainwater harvesting system. Our greening project to rehabilitate fallow land entailed planting thousands of indigenous trees on the farm which further mitigates our carbon footprint.
Alicedale Berries is situated in the Buffelspoort Valley in the Northwest province of South Africa. Alicedale is a blueberry farm and packhouse where different blueberry varieties are cultivated for local and export markets. Alicedale’s mission is to add value to their suppliers, shareholders, customers, and country by taking care of their produce and its needs in time. They recognise that to achieve their mission they have a responsibility to conserve their environment and natural resources, and to protect the surrounding ecosystem; ensuring the sustainability of their operations.
Socotra Island Investments (Pty) Ltd, also known as Komsberg, is located in the hot district of Ariamsvlei in southern Namibia. Komsberg’s primary focus is on table grape production, however the farm has recently expanded into soft and hard citrus and blueberries, starting in 2023.
Stellenbosch Vineyards is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa, based on the historic Welmoed Farm in Stellenbosch. Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of our approach, with a specific focus on innovative packaging, renewable energy and a reduced carbon footprint. With access to vineyards throughout Stellenbosch from 17 dedicated growers, this winery is also the house of brands for global commercial brands including Welmoed and Arniston Bay, as well as specialised, single vineyard and niche crafted wines.
Unifrutti SA: Blyderiver Farms, is situated in the Greater Kruger to Canyon Biosphere near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, South Africa. Four farms were acquired from the Van den Berg Family in 2004, which now comprise Blyderiver Farms. With 574 hectares of citrus production, including lemons (166ha), grapefruit (108ha), and oranges (301ha), citrus are exported to various international markets through Unifrutti South Africa’s marketing division. Approximately 527 workers are employed during the season at Blyderiver Farms.
Unifrutti SA: Dunbrody Farm is located in the heart of the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This was the first investment the Unifrutti Group made in South Africa. Dunbrody Farm consists of 1230 ha of land, of which 604 ha consists of citrus orchards, mainly for export. Dunbrody makes use of their own export company which form part of the Unifrutti Group worldwide. Currently holding silver carbon footprint status, Dunbrody Farm strives to conserve and enhance the environment.
Unifrutti SA: Matroozefontein is part of the International Unifrrutti Group and produces exceptional quality table grapes and citrus. Unifrutti SA bought the farm Matroozefontein, nearby Redelinghuys, in 2004. Based in the rugged Sandveld in the Western Cape, nature motivates Matroozefontein to focus on sustainability. Solar energy supplements about 20% of the farm’s needs and a well-designed grey-water system ensures that all water is utilised optimally. Matroozefontein invests in people, reduces chemical usage, and recycles 60% of all household waste.
Beyerskloof Wines is situated in the Koelenhof area of Stellenbosch. Beyerskloof’s focus is to produce the best Pinotage and Pinotage blends through traditional winemaking practices and minimal intervention. They strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Located on South Africa’s Garden Route, in the gentle dairy and nursery stock growing area of George, Haygrove Eden is situated about 350 km from their Hermanus site. The farm began operating in 2010 to spread weather- and drought-risk and to meet a growing South African berry demand. In addition to raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, Eden also focuses on growing strawberries all year round.
Doolhof lies at the confluence of several expansive mountains. Thanks to sheer gradients, the valley benefits from lower average temperatures that encourages slow ripening. The shape and aspects of the various parts of the estate allow for several distinct micro-climates. Doolhof generally experiences cooler winters and moderate summers. This confluence of viticultural conditions allows the winemaking team to work with an exciting range of top-quality varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Doolhof’s flagship Malbec.
Mouton Citrus is proudly owned by the Mouton family and its empowerment partners, including Mgro – a company representing Mouton Citrus’ employees. The farms are situated around Citrusdal, along the Elephants River and flanked by the imposing Cederberg Mountains. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for the production of novel varieties and citrus of the very highest standards. The region is free of phytosanitary citrus pests such as Citrus Blackspot, Greening and Citrus Canker.
The history of Kleine Zalze dates back to 1683 when Nicolaas Cleef settled on the banks of the Blaauwklippen River and started cultivating the land. Today Kleine Zalze Wines is a modern, proudly Stellenbosch premium wine cellar offering honest authentic wines to the global market. Still situated on the banks of the Blaauwklippen river, Kleine Zalze is mindful of their impact on the environment as well as their role in the broader community. Kleine Zalze is committed to systematically reducing their carbon footprint.
Klein Constantia is a world-renowned producer of fine wines, located in Cape Town’s historic Constantia Valley, the cradle of South African wine dating back to 1685. Klein Constantia is most famous for our Vin de Constance dessert wine, an iconic modern recreation of legendary Constantia wine, and they also specialise in cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, producing various expressions. Klein Constantia’s owners since 2011 are Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman with minority shareholders Bruno Prats, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and Hans Astrom.
uniWines Vineyards, established in 2007, is a progressive wine company in the Breedekloof Wine Valley, South Africa. uniWines has four producing cellars and being able to control their grape supply allows the farm to be responsive, flexible & market-focused. uniWines offers variety within their own brands and private labels, ranging from entry-level, premium, Old Vines, Fairtrade and their portfolio is consumer-driven. uniWines Vineyards prides themselves in delivering quality, value and nurturing long-term relationships. uniWines delivers quality in every glass to make every occasion an enjoyable one.
Agristar, a fourth-generation farming business was founded in 1948, starting with Sugarcane and Subtropical fruit in the eastern regions of Mpumalanga. Today they specialize in growing, processing and marketing tree nuts of the highest quality. The founder of their company was one of the first farmers to plant Macadamia nuts in Mpumalanga. In addition to this, he is a founding member of SAMAC. According to Agristar, the business has enjoyed contributing to South Africa’s tree nut industry for more than half a century and they continue to support this growing and prosperous industry.
AP Vos & Seuns is a family business that was first established in 1953. The third generation is currently in management and the fourth generation has recently started getting involved. The farm is situated in Mpumalanga in Kiepersol, about 20km from Hazyview and 60km from Nelspruit. The farm produces Macadamia Nuts and all the trees are bearing.
Montagu is situated in the Little Karoo, where the famous Route 62 begins. Montagu is surrounded by mountains and the different valleys add to the complexity of the wines. Montagu Winery has turned partly to solar power as an alternative energy source from 2021. Grape suppliers of Montagu Winery are turning to more biological practices and regenerative farming has become more common recently.
Groep 91 Uitvoer is a family-owned grower and exporter of citrus and macadamia nuts from Letsitele, South Africa. The business was founded in 1984, but the operating company was only established in 1991, which is where the “91” in the name originates from. Today, Groep 91 is owned equally by 4 family members, with the second generation having been involved in the executive management of the company since 2010. Total citrus under irrigation is 760 hectares, while macadamia plantings total 180 hectares.
Situated along the West Coast of South Africa, Lutzville Vineyards has been producing cool climate wines since 1961. Lutzville’s flagship variety is Sauvignon Blanc and the farm has won many accolades as a result.
