Biodiversity at its best: Vergelegen takes home global award
Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, celebrated for its exceptional sustainability initiatives, has triumphed over four international wine estates to take home the Amorim Biodiversity Award.
This coveted accolade was announced in London on Tuesday, 26 November, 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's short-listed competition included Emiliana Organic Vineyards (Chile), Te Kano Estate (New Zealand), Familia Torres (Spain), and Sogrape (Portugal).
Estate biodiversity
An extraordinary alien vegetation clearing programme, initiated in 1995, is at the heart of Vergelegen’s biodiversity.
This privately funded initiative, the largest of its kind in South Africa, culminated in a 1900-hectare nature reserve managed in partnership with CapeNature. The reserve enjoys the same protection status as the Kruger National Park.
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.
Biodiversity outreach
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.
Vergelegen also shares its expertise through an informal Centre of Learning Excellence, and collaborates with researchers from both local and international universities.
“It is an honour to receive this recognition on behalf of the Vergelegen team,” said Vergelegen managing director Wayne Coetzer.
“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.
“This recognition inspires us to continue safeguarding and enhancing our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.”
The guided environmental tours are weather permitting, departing from the wine tasting centre at 10am, and can be booked at 021 847 2111 or winetasting@vergelegen.co.za
Vergelegen is open to the public daily from 8.30am to 5pm, and entry is R20 (and R10/ for pensioners and pupils. Pensioners enjoy free entry on Mondays.