Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, won an international award, the Amorim Biodiversity Award, beating four other Estates.
This coveted accolade was announced in London, two weeks ago, by the drinks business, a leading European publication specialising in wine, spirits and beer.
Now in its 15th year, the publication’s Green Awards, in 12 categories, honour enterprises that show outstanding commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
The Amorim Biodiversity Award acknowledges businesses that enhance biodiversity within their properties and beyond, delivering measurable, impactful results.
Vergelegen initiated an alien plant clearing Programme in 1995, over about 1900-hectare nature reserve managed in partnership with CapeNature.
As natural vegetation has returned, bird species have increased from 50 in 2000 to 146, including four pairs of breeding blue cranes. At least 279 plant species have been recorded, including 22 on the Red Data List.
Visitors to Vergelegen experience this environmental legacy on guided tours aboard game drive vehicles. They enjoy close-up views of wildlife, including rare Rau quagga, bontebok, eland, black wildebeest, and red hartebeest.
Guests also view a herd of 400 indigenous Nguni cattle, and learn about a long-standing honey bee project.
Vergelegen is home to 250 to 350 hives, depending on the season and orchard pollination requirements.
The estate is committed to planting 1000 trees annually, both in its 54-hectare arboretum and gardens, and in other areas where fallen trees need to be replaced.
In June this year, Vergelegen was a co-leader in an initiative to replace trees lost to storm damage and the shothole borer beetle in Lourensford Road, Somerset West.
Wayne Coetzer, Vergelegen managing director, said “it is an honour to accept this recognition on behalf of the Vergelegen team. This is a testament to the vision and teamwork that have guided Vergelegen’s environmental programmes over decades, and validates our commitment to protecting indigenous species and enhancing ecological diversity.”
Picture: Supplied