Through a voluntary membership model, WWF works with the environmental stewards of South Africa's wine industry, known as Conservation Champions! These landowners commit to biodiversity-friendly farming practices, preserve their natural habitats and continuously improve their water and energy efficiency. WWF supports these farms in their environmental efforts by co-developing detailed environmental management plans, setting specific targets and helping them prioritise actions to address their most pressing environmental risks. WWF's work also supports the South African wine industry's existing environmental certification scheme, which in turn is jointly marketed through industry organisations. In return, the Conservation Champions can use the distinctive Sugarbird Protea logo on their wine bottles, so consumers can make an informed decision to support the environmental friends! We do not have some of the Conservation Champions in our range: Cavalli, Glenwood, Hasher, Kloovenburg, Koelfontain, Lourensford, Merwida, Mooiplaas, Oak Valley, Paardenkloof, Schalkenbosch, Tierhoek Organic, Uitkyk Estate, Waverley, Wildekrans.
Almenkerk, Elgin
The winery is proud to be recognised as a WWF Conservation Champion. The winery protects the local flora and fauna, promotes biodiversity and is actively committed to sustainable viticulture in Elgin.
Anthonij Rupert Wines, Franschhoek
Since 2020, 300 hectares of unspoilt nature reserve have been protected. Nature and wildlife have undisturbed peace and quiet and attention is paid to environmental protection, recycling and organic farming methods.
Bartinney Private Cellar, Stellenbosch
The Bartinney Private Cellar winery on the Helshoogte Pass firmly believes in sustainability and the balance between nature and agriculture!
Benguela Cove, Walker Bay
208 hectares of land are protected. The winery pays particular attention to the protection of national birdlife and the Cape honeybee, which is so important for pollination.
Boland Cellar, Paarl
Boland Cellar has 8 sustainable development goals to invest in natural, human and social capital. This is the way for the ecosystem to thrive.
Boschendal Wines, Franschhoek
Since 2020, 300 hectares of unspoilt nature reserve have been under protection. Wildlife finds undisturbed retreats here, while the focus is on sustainable cultivation, recycling and environmental protection.
Bosman Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Since 2000, 186 hectares of the farm have been protected and over 110 Fymbos species have been identified. The land is also a habitat for many rare animals.
Bouchard Finlayson, Walker Bay
The winery in the Hemel and Aarde region maintains 100 hectares of its own land for environmental protection and the preservation of flora and fauna!
Cederberg Private Cellar, Cederberg
One of the highest vineyards in the Western Cape, it has 5200 hectares under environmental protection criteria, only 300 hectares are cultivated.
Cloof & Burgherspost Wine Estate, Darling
The wine estates pay particular attention to the conservation of the Swartland Granite Renosterveld and Atlantic Sand Fynbos, both endangered vegetation types.
Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde
Creation Wine has placed 15 hectares under nature protection and pays meticulous attention to the ecological balance in connection with winegrowing!
De Grendel Wines, Durbanville
De Grendel has built a huge photovoltaic system, works in a water-saving way, plants native plants and leaves a carbon-free footprint!
Delheim Wines, Stellenbosch
Delheim Wines is passionate about environmental protection, sustainability and community development!
DeMorgenzon, Stellenbosch
9 ha of the farm is under nature conservation. Investments are made in water and energy efficiency, chemical pesticides are limited and insects are used to control pests.
This unique partnership has raised awareness of natural biodiversity and triggered a behavioural shift towards more sustainable farming practices in South Africa's wine growing regions. Over 90% of South Africa's wine industry has integrated environmentally friendly farming practices into their business, as outlined in the Sustainable Wines South Africa integrity and sustainability label. The South African wine industry has been internationally recognised as a leader in the global wine sector for demonstrating the balance between nature and agriculture. Despite experiencing the worst drought in decades and an ever-changing climate, many Conservation Champion farms have implemented and continue to maintain sustainable farming practices. These landowners are committed to biodiversity-friendly farming practices, conserving their natural habitats and continuously improving their water and energy efficiency.
De Wetshof, Robertson
It is home to diverse wildlife along riverbanks and gorges, including caracals, otters, guenons and porcupines. One census alone recorded 92 bird species.
Diemersdal, Durbanville
Pays particular attention to sustainable farm work and thus protects 16 hectares of ecosystem. Many flower species have reclaimed land, and the trend is rising.
Gabrielskloof, Bot River
The winery in Botrivier cultivates 70 hectares under vine and 50 hectares of land under environmental protection conditions.
Graham Beck Wines, Robertson
Shortly after 1983, the winery converted a large portion of its land into a private nature reserve.
Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia
The oldest wine farm in South Africa that is heavily involved in water programmes and the conservation of indigenous plants.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Walker Bay
The vineyard in the Hemel and Aarde region takes care of the natural biodiversity in the valley.
Hartenberg Estate, Stellenbosch
The philosophy is to merge and harmonise with nature, and the land is cultivated with this in mind. Always in harmony with nature and the animals.
Hidden Valley, Stellenbosch
Since 2016, 5 hectares of the Hidden Valley vineyard have been planted with wild olives, which are a protected species. The winery pays particular attention to sustainability and environmental awareness.
Journey's End Vineyards, Stellenbosch
Protects endangered Fanbos vegetation and restores cleared areas with native plants. It was one of the first wineries to use solar energy and is Fairtrade, IPW and WIETA certified.
Little Constantia, Constantia
The winery has been a member of Conservation Champions since 2010 and works sustainably with solar energy. It is also constantly working on improvements for the 22 hectares under conservation.
La Motte, Franschhoek
The respectful treatment of nature and resources characterises the daily activities - from water management and biodiversity to sustainable viticulture in harmony with the unique flora of the Cape region.
Lomond, Cape Agulhas
The winery protects endangered flora and fauna in the Walker Bay region, relies on renewable energies and reduces its CO2 footprint!
Nederburg Wines, Paarl
Nederburg used water-saving methods to improve water quality and reduced water consumption by up to 40%.
Neethlingshof Estate, Stellenbosch
Has been a member since 2009 and protects 127 ha. Non-native vegetation was removed and Renosterveld corridors were created to allow insects to move between the vineyard and the natural region.
Oldenburg, Stellenbosch
The soil is planted with a variety of vegetation and cultivated without ploughing. Native plants and vegetation corridors promote bioversity and natural beneficial organisms such as guinea fowl and ladybirds settle here.
In 1968, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (then President of the World Wildlife Fund) approached Dr Anton Rupert, a successful South African businessman and conservationist, to become involved in the conservation of South Africa's wildlife and nature. Rupert was supported by a group of local businessmen who soon realised that something had to be done quickly to preserve South Africa's biodiversity, its plants, animals and ecosystems. In 1968, the Southern African Wildlife Foundation was founded, which later became the Southern African Nature Foundation and was renamed WWF South Africa in 1995. Since its foundation, WWF has been dedicated to the protection of South Africa's natural heritage. This includes plant and animal species, as well as humans. In 2018, WWF South Africa celebrated 50 years of successful environmental protection.
Paul Cluver, Elgin
In the heart of the Elgin Valley lies a natural paradise that has been actively protected for decades. Sustainable viticulture, reforestation and the preservation of endangered species are on an equal footing here.
Plaisir Wine Estate, Franschhoek
With 974 hectares, Plaisir Wine Estate is one of the largest wine estates in the Western Cape. Around 400 hectares are planted with vines. The rest is largely untouched to preserve native biomes.
Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch
Careful use of soil, water and resources is part of the philosophy. Sustainability here means thinking long-term - for healthy vines, an intact environment and wines of genuine origin.
Spier, Stellenbosch
Sustainability is firmly anchored - with regenerative agriculture, water recycling, biodiversity and social commitment. A holistic approach that harmonises the environment, people and viticulture.
Tanagra Winery & Distillery, Robertson
Wines and grappas with character are produced here in harmony with nature. The protection of the species-rich Karoo vegetation, gentle viticulture and a sustainable way of life have always characterised this small, fine winery.
Vergelegen Wines, Stellenbosch
The winery was the first winery to receive Conservation Champion status back in 2005, and has abandoned all non-native plants.
Vergenoegd Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Vergenoegd Wine Estate has already done a lot for environmental protection in recent years with its duck parade.
Vondeling and Bowwood, Paarl
The wine estates between Paarl and Swartland conserve 300 hectares and pay particular attention to the preservation of Boland Granite Fynbos.
Warwick Estate, Stellenbosch
306 ha, almost half of the farm is a nature reserve. They have developed a balance between nature and vines and use natural pest control.
Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch
The winery only cultivates half of the land, the rest is planted with wild olive trees and fynbos.
Waterkloof, Stellenbosch
The vineyard in Somerset West has placed half of its land, 75 hectares, under nature conservation, focussing on the endangered Boland Granite Fynbos.
It's always about the CO2 footprint that you leave behind as a person or as a wine farm. How much electricity, water, energy or fuel you use. The farm signs an environmental management plan, including farm maps, which are developed jointly by the WWF team and the landowner. Detailed targets are set to encourage continuous improvement in environmental performance and are monitored and reviewed annually.
Zewenwacht, Stellenbosch
Protects over 80 hectares of endangered Renosterveld vegetation. The family-run winery favours solar energy, efficient water use and actively supports the Bottelary Hills Conservancy's nature conservation project.
