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. Rust en Vrede’s wines have excelled to become the best expression of Rust en Vrede’s terroir.
We are reducing our carbon footprint through various sustainable practices, including using solar energy to supply 40% of our winery’s power and replacing diesel generators with a solar-powered battery bank. Our vineyard operations focus on hand farming, soil health, and water conservation, including efficient drip irrigation and recycling wastewater. By conserving biodiversity and reducing environmental impact, the Confronting Climate Change carbon calculator helps us track and enhance these efforts in managing our carbon emissions and sustainability goals – Rust en Vrede
Rust en Vrede has a solar plant on the roof of the winery which supplies 40% of their energy requirements in the winery. Rust en Vrede is a WWF Conservation Champion, with 12 hectares of the property identified by the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, which is conserved and maintained. Ongoing removal of alien vegetation and replanting of indigenous flora encourages natural biodiversity and soil health. Rust en Vrede practices Sustainable Vineyard Operations with most farming activities being done by hand. Cover crops are planted annually for soil health and structure. Biological control of pests with augmentation of natural predators is implemented on the farm. Water Conservation is practiced with drip irrigation and Rust en Vrede’s waste water is recycled through an effluent plant.
A solar plant on the roof of Rust en Vrede’s winery supplies 40% of the energy requirements in the winery. A battery bank charged by solar has replaced the farm’s diesel generators.
We limit the use of generators.
Compost tea is used as fertiliser, increasing vine health and resilience, as well as improving soil health, structure, and biodiversity.
Drip irrigation is used in vineyards only when necessary. Both quantity and quality of wastewater are consistently monitored and recycled through an effluent plant. Once clean, it is used for irrigation in the vineyards.
Rust en Vrede is committed to sustainability in their packaging by reusing wine cartons, reducing waste and extending their life cycle. Additionally, the farm recycles corks, plastic wrapping, glass bottles, and capsules, ensuring that materials are repurposed and not disposed of unnecessarily.
Most farming activities are done by hand at Rust en Vrede. Use of tractors in newly planted vineyard blocks is avoided for the first 3 years to prevent compaction, cover crops planted annually to improve soil health, structure and to create a positive environment for soil organisms to flourish, and compost tea is used as fertiliser, increasing vine health and resilience, as well as improving soil health, structure, and biodiversity. Biological control of pests with augmentation of natural predators is also implemented.
At Rust en Vrede, 12 hectares have been identified by the International Biodiversity & Wine Initiative and are conserved and maintained by the Engelbrecht family. There is ongoing removal of alien vegetation, replanting of indigenous flora and encouragement of natural biodiversity.
Through this digital recognition platform, we celebrate the Carbon Heroes taking part in the Confronting Climate Change (CCC) Initiative for their considerable effort in calculating and understanding their carbon emissions.
Each Carbon Hero has their own digital QR code that can be displayed on their website and other marketing material, linking directly to their individual profile on the Carbon Heroes website.
The QR code provides a simple and innovative way for customers to learn about each Carbon Hero’s carbon offsetting and other sustainability initiatives, as well as engage with them on social media and other marketing channels.
With the Carbon Heroes QR code we aim to support a global transition towards sustainable development by recognising and celebrating the positive environmental impact of each Carbon Hero. By having a transparent display of their commitment to reducing emissions, Carbon Heroes demonstrate their dedication to a sustainable future, while building trust in their brand.
Find out more about the Carbon Heroes and CCC
Carbon Heroes is a recognition platform built on the ethos of transparency and trust. While only emissions datasets graded by Blue North qualify for the platform, we do not independently verify all the information our Heroes choose to post. By signing up to the platform each Carbon Hero acknowledges that they are responsible for the information they share and that, by sharing their sustainability credentials, their information is in the public domain and open to be scrutinised. We welcome such scrutiny. We have a clear set of guidelines for the use of the platform and the qualification for the various digital labels, and reserve the right to revoke the use of the platform where it is found these guidelines are not being followed and/or the information posted is misaligned with the stated ethos. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity of the Carbon Heroes platform and our efforts to promote greater transparency and sustainability.
