The Cape winelands are situated within the Cape Floral Kingdom, a biodiversity hot spot and the smallest and richest plant kingdom on earth. The constant interplay between the ancient soils, soaring mountains, valley slopes and coastal breezes results in a natural environment exceptional in its biodiversity. It also ensures that the Cape winelands are a varied treasure trove of winemaking possibilities.

Preserving this unique heritage is in the nature of the South African wine producers, many of whom have farmed their land for generations. This is why the South African wine industry supports the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI) in partnership with various conservation bodies.

To date an area larger than the vineyard footprint, over 100,000 hectares, has been set aside for conservation. The Biodiversity & Wine Initiative aims to minimize the further loss of threatened natural habitat, and to contribute to the South African wine industry’s sustainable wine production, through the implementation of biodiversity guidelines within farm management practices.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is home to around 9,600 different plant species, that’s more than in the whole of the northern hemisphere. Table Mountain, Cape Town’s iconic backdrop, is home to more floral species than are found in the UK. 70 percent of the plants found in the Cape are not found anyway else on earth. As such, it is essential that the wine industry works with the conservation sector to ensure this special place is protected and preserved.

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