Villiera Wines is located in the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa and produces award-winning Cap Classique and still wines. They have a strong focus on sustainable farming practices and have pioneered environmentally responsible vine growing and winemaking. In 2009, they set a goal of reducing energy consumption by 50% in five years, which they achieved. They have also allocated around half of their 400-ha estate for a wildlife sanctuary, emphasising their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Solar installation began in 2009, contributes 50% of Villiera’s consumption and equals 325 kVA or 616 850 kWh.
Villiera has 7 electrical vehicles and multi-row spray pumps in the vineyard. They do not cultivate their vineyards.
Villiera monitors soil moisture with neutron probes and 25% percent of their vineyards are not irrigated. Rainwater harvesting off cellar roofs provides twice as much water as the cellar’s use.
Villiera focuses on building soil organic content by allowing indigenous grasses and natural weeds to grow as mulch, while avoiding cultivation in the vineyards. Fertilisation is based strictly on soil analysis, with organic fertilisers used in unirrigated blocks to support soil health naturally.
With two neighbours, 220 ha have been set aside for wildlife; over 100 000 indigenous trees planted; boundary fences planted with Acacias to act as natural biodiversity corridors.
Grape waste is composted. Vegetable matter and other plant waste is eaten by wild animals in the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary. Only a small amount of waste goes to landfill.
