Our Carbon Heroes

WINE FARM

THREE YEAR

Slanghoek Cellar is located in the Slanghoek valley, and produces and supplies wine to local and international markets. Since 2012 Slanghoek Cellar has been lowering their carbon emissions by reusing by-products as fertilizer on the farms, and changing old lights to LEDs with timers to limit electricity usage.

3 Year Label - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Napier Vineyards is located in the unique region of Wellington in the Western Cape of South Africa, and is named after Sir George Napier, Governor of the Cape of Good Hope from 1837 to 1843. The region’s rich soil diversity allows for the perfect combination of grape variety versus terroir. Napier Vineyards’ focus is on consistent yield and quality as well as careful interaction with nature.

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Spier is a family-owned wine farm in the Stellenbosch Winelands with a recorded history dating back to 1692. High-density grazing in Spier’s pastures sequesters carbon, while the farm typically sends 0% of their waste to landfill. In February 2022, their recycling and recovery efforts resulted in 6782kg less CO₂e in the atmosphere. In 2021, Spier’s nine solar installations generated over 280,000 kWh, resulting in 107,808kg of carbon dioxide savings.

3 Year Label - WWF - Conservation Champion - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Vergelegen Wine Estate is a 322-year-old provincial heritage site in Somerset West which has won two awards in the prestigious 2022 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards. After a 14-year alien clearing project, 2000 ha of the land was proclaimed into a private nature reserve, home to many rare and endangered species. Vergelegen calculates their carbon footprint annually to see where they can improve, and their next step is to have the cellar run completely on renewable energy to reduce the farm’s carbon footprint even more.

3 Year Label - WWF - Conservation Champion - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Neethlingshof is located just outside the town of Stellenbosch, in the renowned Cape Winelands. With roots dating back to 1692, Neethlingshof produces superior, terroir driven wines for local and international markets. Climate and vines co-exist at Neethlingshof in perfect harmony, and sustainable management practices are employed to enhance this relationship and ensure top vine performance from year to year. Neethlingshof is committed to biodiversity-friendly and regenerative farming practices, conserving natural areas and continually improving water and energy efficiencies.

3 Year Label - WWF - Conservation Champion - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Springfield Estate is a family-owned wine estate located in the Western Cape of Southern Africa. Springfield Estate’s commitment to quality is reflected in their motto, Made on Honour, which guides every aspect of the business. Springfield Estate believes that the character and individuality of their grapes should shine through in their wines, which are made using natural yeast and single vineyard techniques.

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The Komati Group is a family business that originated in 1954 when Theodore Maximillian Thalwitzer (Snr) bought his first farm along the banks of the Letaba River in Letsitele. The initial 100 hectare citrus farm has since been expanded. Today, the Komati Group consists of a number of farms, packhouses, and a citrus tree nursery, in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. They pack and export over 7 million cartons of citrus annually to 30 countries worldwide.

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Wellington Wines’ history dates back to 1906, 1907 and 1941 when Wellington Co-operative Winery, Bovlei Co-operative and Wamakersvalley Wines were founded respectively. These three wine giants, with years of knowledge and passion, joined forces in recent years to form Wellington Wines.  Wellington Wines is a wine producer of outstanding characteristics, implementing innovative methods to ensure the region is experienced with every sip.

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Situated on the cool slopes of the Dorstberg, with Table Mountain as backdrop, Diemersdal Wine Estate produces unique, soulful wines. The farm covers 340 hectares of land, with 200 of those under vines. A sizeable area of the farm consists of Renosterveld. Diemersdal signed a 10-year biodiversity agreement with Cape Nature to establish a 16,8 hectare conservation area, consisting of Swartland Shale Renosterveld. This vegetation type is classified as Critically Endangered, having lost more than 90% of its original extent.

3 Year Label - WWF - Conservation Champion - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Over the past 80 years, Fyvie Farming has transformed from a traditional Eastern Free State farm into an extensive, modern family-in-business enterprise. Fyvie serves the local and export market for apples, berries, pure juices, maize, wheat, minimum-till cropped soya beans, as well as Bovelder Cattle of the finest stock. The farm approaches every element of their family-run farm with meticulous attention. Fyvie are innovators who work hard and with precision to achieve consistently efficient and sustainable production. This ensures premium-grade products, which adhere to their personal standards of excellence.

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Achtertuin Farm was established in 1917 and is situated in the Ceres region. Achtertuin is passionate about sustainability and have implemented biological practices for the past 20 years. This approach has increased soil carbon significantly. To reduce energy use, they have retrofitted VSD starters to all pumps and installed grid tied solar panels that generate 15% of their annual irrigation demand. They are investigating an off grid, hybrid solar system to increase their renewable energy component.

 

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The Kirsten family has been farming table grapes in the beautiful and historical town of Paarl since 1916. This legacy, which spans over a century, continues today with the fourth generation currently at the helm of the business. Brothers Altus and Niël Kirsten both have equal shares in JDK, which currently consist of four production units. Together they follow in their late father JD’s footsteps in further growing the JDK brand with a continued focus on quality and sustainability.

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Droomland Landgoed is situated in the Tulbagh region of the Western Cape province, South Africa. The farm consists of 35.3 hectares producing stone and pome fruit. Droomland Landgoed works toward reducing their carbon footprint every year. Their aim is to be fully off the grid in the future and to use only reputable service providers. Droomland Landgoed strives for a greener more sustainable planet.

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La Rhone is a family owned business with 115 ha stone fruit in production.  In order to reduce carbon emissions, transfer to solar energy is currently investigated.  The use of recyclable packaging material is high priority to management, as well as responsible disposal of waste.

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www.misgund.co.za ​

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Dutoit Agri owns 26 farms which are situated in the Langkloof and Ceres area. Du Toit packs their own fruit and vegetables. The farm does the Farming for the Future audit, and their carbon footprint for fruit and vegetables on both farm and packhouse levels. Du Toit is serious about saving water by using the best scientifically proven practices. The farm also does soil and leaf analyses to determine which fertilisers are needed, and IPM principles are followed in crop protection. Solar panels have also been installed for the packhouses.

3 Year Label - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

J&L Construction CC Mooihoekspoort Bessies is located near Mookgophong in Limpopo. The farm currently produces OZblu blueberries on 16 ha of land. All plantings are done directly in the soil.

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Mont Rouge is located in the Winterhoek Mountains in the Tulbagh area. It is a beautiful family fruit farm, including guesthouses and a wedding venue. Mont Rouge believes that the little things matter, like closing a dripping tap or recycling empty wine bottles after a wedding. Mont Rouge makes use of solar panels at their packhouse, and all lights have been replaced with LEDs. Environmental conservation is very close to Mont Rouge’s heart, and they try to preserve the natural vegetation where they can.

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Naranja Packers is a specialised citrus packhouse situated close to Burgersfort. They pack fruit produced by Indigo Fruit Farming in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as fruit for other farmers within the Burgersfort region. Every year Naranja sets their environmental goals and targets according to their CCC carbon footprint report. They are currently in the process of installing solar panels, which will lead to significant reductions in their carbon footprint.

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Located in Wellington, Western Cape, the management team at Indigo strives to be informed about sustainable farming and the positive impact this style of farming has on the environment. The farm, including resident employees, is an active member of the Drakenstein recycling scheme and spearheads a riparian area reforestation project.

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Situated in the Waterberg Mountains, Limpopo, Lepalala Berries is passionate about conservation, working proactively with specialists to preserve the ecosystem and enhance biodiversity. Soil erosion is addressed through new technology and beneficial insects are used as an alternative to agrochemicals. Additionally, the farm supplies 120 residents with energy from a hybrid solar solution.

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Lulamanzi Berries, near Randfontein, Gauteng, uses biological products as much as possible, and manages pesticides carefully, avoiding the unnecessary application of pesticides and their impact on pollinators and other non-target species. Solar panels have been installed for the farm and its residents, and used paper towels are innovatively used to create fire bricks.

3 Year Label - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Metsi Berries, Limpopo, is as passionate about biodiversity and sustainable farming as they are about producing top-quality blueberries. The farm is completely off grid, with solar panels and invertors for storage of solar battery backup, and actively encourages natural pollinators and beneficial insects in their conservation areas.

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Nyami Berries is adjacent to the Magaliesberg biosphere, and a portion of the land is dedicated to the protection of indigenous plant species and wildlife. Water efficiency is one of their key performance indicators, and preparations have been made for solar panels, which will supply over 60% of the energy demand.

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Waterberg Berries is situated in the majestic Waterberg range of Limpopo, South Africa. “Customer First” is our motto. Using the latest technology and the best consultants and knowledge, we strive to achieve optimal production with the least impact on the environment. We love what we do – sustainably produce superior quality blueberries.

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Wolseley Berries in the Western Cape embraces sustainability by reducing herbicide usage and ensuring that the Sandspruit River, which flows through the farm and hosts many insect, amphibian and bird species, is kept in its natural state. The management team prioritises plant health and the present biodiversity.

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Amandalia Farm is a family owned farm producing stone fruit, wine grapes, olives and almonds, lying against the foothills of the Langeberg mountains. Amandalia is committed to managing their natural asset with a strict alien clearing programme, solar power supply for their brewery and by respecting their natural resources.

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The Rabiesberg farm, Leipzig, is situated in the Nuy Valley just outside Worcester. The farm has been in the Rabie family for six generations. It spans 804 ha, with 91 ha under irrigation. Rabiesberg cultivates 48 ha of wine grapes, 18 ha of plums, and 25 ha of citrus. The farm delivers their wine grapes to Nuy Winery.

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Founded in South Africa, Halls is a global fresh produce supplier trusted for over 130 years. Halls strives to be responsible stewards of the land entrusted to them. From soil to shelf, Halls has five environmental goals: responsible water use, improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, reduced carbon footprint and waste reduction.

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Since 1694 Rust en Vrede has stood peacefully among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. At various times over the centuries wine was produced, but the modern era of winemaking started with the Engelbrecht family in the 1970s. The Engelbrecht family has shaped Rust en Vrede Wine Estate with a distinct vision for the future – to create a legacy of quality red wine, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Our wines have excelled to become the best expression of Rust en Vrede’s terroir.
Shielded from the prevailing winds by the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area, which is why we specialize in reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. These varieties lend themselves to full bodied wines with powerful structure and excellent aging potential.

3 Year Label - WWF - Conservation Champion - Sustainability - Carbon Heroes - Carbon Footprint - Blue North

Goede Hoop Citrus’ journey began in Citrusdal in 1926, nestled in the Olifants River valley just 165km from Cape Town.  Goede Hoop Citrus established themselves as a world class citrus packing facility and their expansion over the years reflects not only diversified interests but also a modern management style dedicated to incorporating the latest technological advances. Goede Hoop places a strong emphasis on sustainability, implementing practices that prioritize environmental and community well-being.

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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 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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

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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.

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Avinier is a leading blueberry producer dedicated and driven towards continuous improvements and achieving top quality standards in providing their global partners with premium quality fruit. Avinier started to plant blueberry plants in 2015, and has been producing top quality fruit ever since. Avinier continues to be one of the leaders in South African and International farming whilst creating numerous jobs and making a sustainable impact in their surrounding communities, as well as the environment.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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.

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Unifrutti SA: Dunbrody Packhouse is a citrus packhouse situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape. Dunbrody Packhouse packs a variety of oranges, lemons and soft citrus for the local as well as export market. The packhouse was established in 2001 starting off with only 1 packhouse and expanding over the years to now with 4 packhouses.

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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.

Platkloof Boerdery is a well-established table grape farm located 137km from Cape Town, South Africa, outside of Piketberg. The farm has been owned by the Kotze family for over 200 years with table grapes in production from 1993. Platkloof Boerdery prides itself on its four red, four black and three white seedless varieties.

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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.

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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.

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