Shoot for the Moon
Biodynamics integrates organics with ecological principles and cosmic rhythms. While many farms may practice it, not all have the international Demeter Certification as it may be too expensive, or not felt necessary.
Reyneke Biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc 2023
From the only South African farm with a Demeter certification comes an hypnotic expression of blackcurrant leaf and wet stone with textural heft from subtle oaking and lees contact.
Avondale Qvevri 2022
Originating in Georgia, a qvevri is one of the most ancient forms of winemaking, featuring an egg-shaped clay vessel buried underground. Into this went grenache, mourvèdre and syrah, for a refreshing, light-bodied red, flush with cherries.
Nativo Amarillo 2021
An orange wine with heady aromatics of jasmine, spice and citrus-rind. Chenin, roussanne and grenache blanc radiate lush ripe pear and nutty undertones.
Animal Farm
Regenerative agriculture is focused on the farm as a living organism working in harmony with nature. Grazing animals are used as a method for carbon sequestration.
Hartenberg The Eleanor Chardonnay 2022
From a special single vineyard site where cattle roam free; intricately tailored with struck match and pithy nuance.
Lowerland Vaalkameel Colombard 2023
At 1 000 metres above sea level in the Northern Cape, kudus help with vine pruning and pigs with carbon sequestration. Wines are made by Lukas van Loggerenberg, and this one is a peachy-fresh stunner.
Down to Earth
Organic winemaking disallows the use of synthetic chemicals, GMOs and any artificial inputs.
Radford Dale Organic Revelation Semillon 2023
Grown in the Cape since the 17th century, this heritage variety has been given new wings at this beautiful Elgin farm.
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022
Perfumed Swartland syrah with magnified red-berry intensity from 50% wholebunch fermentation.
Longridge Maandans 2020
The last vintage from a vineyard planted in 1972; a succulent, new wave style of pinotage.
Testalonga El Bandito Skin Chenin Blanc 2024
This variety by the renowned wine brand is scented with potpourri, peach and is appetisingly dry.
All Creatures Great and Small
Many winegrowers embrace a philosophy of biodiversity: fostering a variety of plant, animal and microbial life to protect the natural ecosystem and thereby the vines.
Art of Creation Pinot Noir 2023
Creation in the Hemel-en-Aarde boasts some of the most pristine vineyards in the Cape — and has all the birds and bees to prove it.
Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc 2022
This Bot River estate has set aside a significant portion of land to conserve critically endangered fynbos. The wines shine with this inherent light, illustrated by this luminous yet complex cab franc.
Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin Chardonnay 2019
Paul Clüver Family Wines have long been leaders in sustainability, devoting over 1 000 hectares of their Elgin concern to conservation. From their home farm, enjoy this rich yet refined ageworthy chardonnay, a collaboration with Domaine Jacques Prieur of Burgundy.
Stronger Together
Bosman Family Vineyards is deeply committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across their wine production. Their Bosman Adama land transformation act is the largest land reform deal in the South African wine industry, where workers own a 26% share of the agribusiness, among many other initiatives.
Bosman Optenhorst OVP Chenin Blanc 2023
This evocative bushvine site was planted in 1952, making it South Africa’s third oldest chenin blanc vineyard. Layered and complex with notes of orange blossom, sun drenched hay, full with a pithy acidity.
Text by Malu Lambert
