Biodiversity

A broad environmental and sustainable development for the future generations.

In the South African winelands, the constant interplay between ancient soils, valley slopes, soaring mountains and coastal breezes results in an extraordinary biodiversity which is reflected in our indigenous flora. With more than 9 600 plant species, 70% of which are endemic, the Western Cape is recognised as the smallest and the richest of the world’s six great floral kingdoms. The same conditions which support this remarkable biodiversity can in turn support a large spectrum of wine varietals and styles.

At Kingsriver Estate we grow our grapes and produce our wines in the most eco-friendly way possible, with minimal "interference". In this way we maintain a balanced and sustainable environment free of diseases.

We are doing this by implementing certain biodiversity guidelines that minimise the loss of threatened natural habitats and ecosystems on the farm.

Our incredible biodiversity is due to our unique physical features. Most of the country is situated on a high-lying plateau, between two very different oceans.

Most of the Cape’s winegrowing regions are influenced by one of the two mighty oceans which meet at this southernmost tip of Africa: the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. Combine beneficial maritime influences like regular coastal fog and cooling sea breezes with a moderate Mediterranean climate, distinctive and varied topography, and diverse soils, and you have the ideal conditions in which to create wines of unique character and complexity.

Coupled to this, a winemaking tradition and history dating back more than 300 years blends the restrained elegance of the Old World with the accessible fruit-driven styles of the New, making for wines which eloquently express the unique terroir of the Cape. No wonder that this extraordinary wealth of natural assets and tradition should instil South Africa’s wines with a unique sense of place.

Click here to see "Why South African wines are so special"