Oak Valley Wines has become the ninth Cape wine farm to achieve Champion status, conferred by the Biodiversity Wine Initiative (BWI), a pioneering partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector. In fulfilling a testing set of criteria, Oak Valley is hereby acknowledged for its proven and long-standing track record in the conservation of its natural resources. Particularly notable in this regard is their preservation and ongoing restoration of large tracts of mountain fynbos found in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Ingé Kotze, BWI's project co-ordinator, has praised Oak Valley's outstanding role in the conservation of threatened fauna and flora, "It is with great pleasure that BWI has awarded Oak Valley Wines the exemplary BWI Champion status. Oak Valley encapsulates BWI's central philosophy of conservation and continual improvement of all aspects of environmental management on the farm. Oak Valley Wines entered the programme as a member in 2005, and since then, has worked consistently and very effectively at their continual environmental improvement, including significant alien-clearing activities and a comprehensive and forward-looking waste management plan for the farm. They are also playing a significant role in conservation, with 282 hectares of pristine mountain fynbos, including the largest known remaining colony of Protea Stokoei in the Western Cape. From the BWI project perspective, it is incredibly rewarding to see members progressing from entry membership to Champion level, thereby demonstrating how this project is all about action on the ground, affected through the ongoing dedication and commitment of producers to conserving our Cape winelands."

Anthony Rawbone-Viljoen, Managing Director and owner of Oak Valley is naturally very proud of their achievement, saying, "It is very heart-warming and satisfying that the Oak Valley culture of conserving our natural resources, an ethos we have adhered to and emulated for over a century,   has been recognised in this way. As a multi-faceted farming operation, we have always been rigorously committed to producing our range of agricultural products in an environmentally-sustainable way: a practice we will continue by improving techniques wherever possible."

BWI Champions and Biodiversity

BWI Champions are exemplary producers who have earned additional recognition and status for their excellent track record of environmental responsibility. They are be regarded as leaders in the industry with respect to the conservation of biodiversity. These flagship farms have put in place a comprehensive conservation management plan with a team of dedicated staff implementing these initiatives, which include: extensive alien clearing; fire management; and voluntary conservation agreements, pledging their natural areas to a long-term commitment to conservation. Champions have all the necessary permits and authorisations in place, because they have successfully passed an external IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) audit.

Biodiversity refers to the interrelatedness of all the genes, species, ecosystems and processes that allow life to persist over time. When biodiversity is intact, species and ecosystems are resilient, enabling them to adapt to environmental changes. When biodiversity is absent, nature responds unpredictably, making it difficult for growers to plan production and protect natural resources.

Formalised in 2004, the BWI's main objective is: to minimise the further loss of natural habitat of the Cape floral (fynbos) kingdom to vineyards, while simultaneously making a formal contribution to sustainable wine production. This is attained through the incorporation of biodiversity ‘best practices' into the South African wine industry. The total area conserved amongst all the members and champions is now approximately 70 000 hectares, representing some 70% of the total vineyard footprint in the Cape winelands.

The Western Cape is the smallest and richest of the world's six significant floral kingdoms, supporting 9 600 plant species, more than is found in the entire northern hemisphere. The Cape floral kingdom is a world heritage site and, as a global diversity hotspot, its conservation is of critical national importance. Because 80% of the kingdom exists on privately-owned land, landowner participation is an essential part of the conservation drive.

(source http://www.bwi.co.za/. see website for further information on criteria for champion status, ipw etc.)

Oak Valley's BWI story

All applicants for BWI Champion status need to present their farm's ‘BWI story'. By identifying what is unique and special in terms of the biodiversity found on the farm, they create their ‘story' to tell visitors, buyers, clients and media, and in this way enhance marketing opportunities. here are the highlights of Oak Valley's ‘story':

•·         Oak Valley farm is 1 786 hectares in extent and current crops grown include: deciduous fruit (341 ha); wine grapes (45 ha); natural pasture-reared, free-range cattle (600 ha); and fresh-cut flowers in greenhouses (14 ha). The farm also boasts 30 hectares of historic oak trees, which are protected in perpetuity in terms of the last will and testament of the founder.

•·         Oak Valley has 282 hectares of pristine Kogelberg Sandstone mountain fynbos. As detailed in their conservation plan, this pristine area will be enlarged as mountain areas of less accessible, alien-infested land - mainly steep klowe (wooded gorges) - are rehabilitated.

•·         A comprehensive conservation management plan for Oak Valley was drawn up in 2000 by environmental consultant Janette du Toit. She will continuously update and monitor implementation of the plan together with Oak Valley management.

•·         A start has been made in compiling a species list of the mountain fynbos, which already contains 5 Red Data plant species, including the largest known colony of Protea Stokoei in existence, and the very rare Linconia Cuspidata of Bruniaceae family.

•·         Oak Valley is a founder member of the Groenlandberg Conservancy and is also a member of the local fire protection association. Oak Valley is likewise a founder member of the Green Mountain Eco Route, which was established in 2005 to promote and preserve the fynbos heritage of the region.

•·         Although Oak Valley lease cellar space from neighbours Paul Cluver Wines, the cellar had to meet the 75% threshold of the IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) criteria, which it did.