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Vondeling Fynbos Survey

The Paardeberg Mountain - our vineyards fan across its slopes and foothills - is rich in indigenous fynbos. Notably there are four species that are endemic as well as unique to the area: the Babiana noctiflora, Erica hippuris, Oscularia paardebergenis and Serruria roxberghii.

Vondeling`s flagship white and red wines have been named after two of these red data listed plants, namely the Babiana (white) and the Erica (red). In addition, a new, still to be named, Micranthus species has been discovered.

Following a fire on the Paardeberg in January 2011, a botanical survey was commissioned by the Paardeberg Sustainability Initiative (PSI) in collaboration with Vondeling Wines to record the plant species growing on the mountain. The post fire fynbos regrowth was documented for 18 months through plant collections and photographic records. To date, over 900 species in over 70 families have been collected. Approximately 10 per cent of these species are listed as threatened.

The collection is housed in a field herbarium on Vondeling, with a duplicate collection stored in the Compton Herbarium at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

All of the species have been photographed and geo-tagged, and the spectacular array of blooms inspired the coffee table book, Fire to Flower; A Chronology After a Wildfire in Fynbos written and photographed by Ruth Garland and Greg Nicholson. This beautifully put together book also acts as a species identification field guide for the for the Paardeberg and surrounding areas. To purchase a copy of Fire to Flower, Click here. (The project was funded by Vondeling partner, Anthony Ward.)

Biodiversity At Vondeling

Vondeling was a proud supporter of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative,  established in 2004 to promote awareness and participation in driving conservation minded farming practices. In 2014, Vondeling was awarded Championship status within this organisation.

Between 2005 and 2015, with the support of the WWF and BWI extention officers, a strong foundation of wine farms implementing biodiversity-friendly farming practices has been established. One third of the wine industry now has environmental management plans in place, co-developed with WWF, together with training to deliver on these guidelines.

In 2016, the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative ceased to exist as its initial mandate had been fulfilled, however, Vondeling continues its commitment to conservation of our unique biodiversity under the banner of the WWF as “Conservation Champions.”

For more information about WWF Conservation Champions, click here.

Paardeberg Sustainability Initiative

The PSI was established by Dr. Bridget Johnsen in 2001 as a response to threats to the biodiversity and natural resources of the Paardeberg. PSI is currently registered as a Non-Profit Company pursuing PBO Section 18A status. It is aligned with several enterprises, which share its vision and operate in the Paardeberg, and in this sense can be defined as a partnership venture.

Through fundraising for various integrated non-profitable projects, the PSI seeks to promote sustainability of the greater Paardeberg area. The PSI also encourages local profitable enterprises to contribute generously and tax-efficiently to a central fund that is managed by the Board of Directors of the PSI.

Some of the projects funded and/or managed by the PSI include

  • The establishment of the Paardeberg Fire Protection Association
  • Erosion repair project in 2010
  • Post fire fynbos survey conducted in 2011/2012
  • Renewable energy projects
  • Establishment of aftercare facilities in the Paardeberg area

Vondeling Waste Water Management improvements ...EIA completed in 2012
For more information on the Paardeberg Sustainability Initiative, visit http://www.psiprojects.co.za/

Cape Leopard

In August 2012, a camera trap, installed with the support and assistance of the Cape Leopard Trust, confirmed suspicions that Cape Leopard are residing in the Paardeberg Mountain.

The leopard alerted us to his presence, with paw-prints and faecal scat, demonstrating a diet including bones and porcupine quills! A roofing team working on an elevated house, claimed to have seen him some months before this. Then, typical territorial scratch marks were discovered on a tree by the team working on a post-fire Botanical Survey, commissioned by the Paardeberg Sustainability Initiative (PSI) and Vondeling Wines.

The camera trap also photographed some small antelope, a Civet Cat, a Caracul with a "Dassie" kill, porcupine and several baboons.

Cura

Cura, meaning to care in Latin, is a Shiraz based blend produced as a fund raising initiative by Vondeling wines in partnership with WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa). The aim of this venture is to raise funds to support WESSA’s continuing conservation and environmental education work. Wine-lovers will now have the opportunity to return nature’s generosity and become partners with WESSA in caring too. Profits from sales of the wines will go directly to the organisation and help WESSA to work for the continued conservation of our natural heritage and a sustainable lifestyle on a healthy planet.

Vondeling Wines is a fitting partner for this WESSA initiative due to its long‐term commitment to conservation. The estate has over 400 hectares of indigenous fynbos on its mountain slopes, including critically-endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld.

Cura 2010 is a blend of 85% Shiraz, 8% Mourvèdre, 3% Carignan, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Viognier. It is deep red in colour with purple hues and a smoky depth, which forms the backdrop for a plump bouquet of refined spice and wild berry flavours. Polished oak and restrained tannin ensure a long, gentle finish.

Vondeling is a proud Gold Business Supporter of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA)

For more information contact Jane: info@vondelingwines.co.za

WESSA

Vondeling is a proud Gold Business Supporter of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa
Vondeling Wines
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