The Walker Bay Wine Region was afforded the honour when, on 19 September 2008, our wine farm was declared a BWI Champion by the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative  – the first wine farm in this region to receive this recognition. At this time ours was only the 11th wine farm in South Africa to be declared a BWI Champion farm.

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 It lies some 20 km east of Stanford in the Sondagskloof wine ward.

Eco-friendly farming practices have been adhered to for the past nine years, preserving and supporting the rich biodiversity of the area.

This conscientious practice has ensured that the farms comply with the strict prescriptions of the BWI. Invasive alien plants have been eradicated; endemic fauna and flora have been restored in their original biological communities.

Workers and visitors witness the farms’ rigid conservation ethics and follow a comprehensive plan under guidance of the farm manager and specialist consultants.

The BWI requirements to qualify as a champion farm are strict and onerous. Amongst others the property must comprise pristine areas of at least 10% of the total farm; at the time of assessment the farm must achieve a score of 85% on implementation of biodiversity guidelines; membership is subject to an external audit by the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) body; application must be made to the Cape Nature stewardship program for management of the targeted conservation area; a comprehensive management plan must be submitted to the BWI for approval.

Gerald McCann, author and well-known conservationist, developed a management system of critical aspects such as invasive alien plants, fire, poison and erosion control, recycling and waste, as well as the conservation of fauna and flora. Extensive fauna and flora data and records have been established for monitoring purposes.

The farm's managment pays special attention to the five natural corridors which link the pristine fynbos with vleis, dams and other plant communities which brings a unique bio-diverse dimension to the farms.

14 wine cultivars are grown over 63ha. A unique micro-climate is created with winds from the Atlantic Ocean making these vineyards some 2°C cooler than other wine farms in the region - a definitive factor influencing the terroir and adding to the exceptional character which is typical of Hermanuspietersfontein wines.

Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery presents to visitors and eco-tourists a perfect example of sustainable farming. It offers majestic mountains, pristine fynbos slopes and clear mountain streams. Birders can enjoy the rich birdlife and fynbos enthusiasts can lose themselves in the great variety. Three star graded farm cottages, mountain biking and hiking trails complete a truly tranquil country experience …

... where the nights are lit up either by the moon and stars or a simple oil lamp …