At Perdeberg we believe in ethical farming and uplifting of our local community to build a flourishing and sustainable future for our agricultural business and its future generations.

 

FOUR WAYS PERDEBERG AIMS TO BE SUSTAINABLE:

1

BIODIVERSITY &
CONSERVATION

Perdeberg is located in the fertile winegrowing Agter-Paarl area between Paarl, Swartland, Wellington and Durbanville. The area also forms part of the six Cape Floristic Regions that make up the Cape Floral Kingdoms. Various conservation efforts have been established to save not only the endemic fynbos and fauna in the area, but also endangered animal species like the Cape Mountain Zebra and Geometric Tortoise. Due to the close heritage link between the company’s origin, name and logo and the Cape Mountain Zebra, Perdeberg has committed to assist Cape Nature’s long-term biodiversity conservation efforts in the Western Cape, which have seen the Cape Mountain Zebra population in the region increase to approximately 4 000.

1

BIODIVERSITY &
CONSERVATION

Perdeberg is located in the fertile winegrowing Agter-Paarl area between Paarl, Swartland, Wellington and Durbanville. The area also forms part of the six Cape Floristic Regions that make up the Cape Floral Kingdoms. Various conservation efforts have been established to save not only the endemic fynbos and fauna in the area, but also endangered animal species like the Cape Mountain Zebra and Geometric Tortoise. Due to the close heritage link between the company’s origin, name and logo and the Cape Mountain Zebra, Perdeberg has committed to assist Cape Nature’s long-term biodiversity conservation efforts in the Western Cape, which have seen the Cape Mountain Zebra population in the region increase to approximately 4 000.

2

VINEYARD SUSTAINABILITY

OUR PRIMARY FOCUS IN THE VITICULTURE SIDE OF THE BUSINESS CONSISTS OF THREE AREAS, NAMELY PLANTING ADJUSTMENTS, SOIL HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND LEAFROLL CONTROL.

PLANTINGS

For optimal performance in terms of production and quality, it is a priority to ensure that our vines are perfectly matched to the soils in which they are planted along with the surrounding climate. We also plant alternative cultivars to evaluate which will perform best under climate change.

SOIL HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Healthy soil ensures a healthy plant; thus, it goes without saying that the healthier your plant is the more sustainable it will be. We place extensive focus on root development to extend the lifespan of our vineyards. Cover crops are used to increase organic content, suppress summer weeds, lessen chemical use, conserve soil moisture and keep soil loose for optimal growth.

LEAFROLL
CONTROL

To control the leafroll virus which is a major threat to South African vineyards, mealybug must be controlled. To do this, we use natural enemies to suppress mealybugs that translate to not having to use strong chemicals in the vineyard. In 2020, we are experimenting in using organic fertilizers and sprays that will offer various long-term benefits in the vineyards.

WATER
CONSERVATION

Through dryland vineyard practices our vineyards
are dependent on the rainfall it receives through the season and the water-holding capacity of the soil in which it is planted. We determine the need for watering of our irrigated vineyards through special sensors that indicate when and how much water should be applied, to ensure conservation of this precious resource.

PEST CONTROL IN THE VINEYARDS

We uphold our dedication to conservation through various efforts and support sustainable farming practices. In our effort to be environmentally friendly, we only use substances that are accepted by IPW (Integrated Production of Wine certification) and that have a low impact on the environment. We avoid chemical use as best possible and opt for a more biological and organic approach and the use of complementing products.

3 ETHICAL WINEMAKING

TO CULTIVATE PERDEBERG’S PREDOMINANTLY BUSH VINE DRYLAND VINEYARDS, LABOUR WILL ALWAYS BE NEEDED. WHILST WINE PRODUCERS INCREASINGLY AIM FOR VINEYARD MECHANIZATION, LABOUR CREATION REMAINS A MORAL IMPERATIVE FOR OUR GRAPE PRODUCERS PROVIDING LIVELIHOOD FOR OUR RURAL COMMUNITY.
Fairtrade accreditation is held by key producers within the Perdeberg Wines value chain, ensuring a high standard of ethical and sustainable farming. Worker remuneration and fair labour practices are in line with international Fairtrade standards, with each registered farmer having to undergo a stringent auditing process to ensure renewal of this highly regarded certification.

BEE
CHAMPION

Perdeberg is the strategic partner of the state in developing Klein Môrewag, a local grape producing farm in the Swartland district, to the benefit of its workers. Our Earth & Grape Collection pays tribute to Farmer Dawid “Dappies” Diederiks, a former labourer of Klein Môrewag who now owns farming rights on this very farm. Currently, the farm supports 20 individuals with transport and after-school care facilities for the children.

IPW
ACCREDITED

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) is a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme established by the South African wine industry in 1998. The 2000 vintage was the first to be certified under this scheme. Perdeberg and all its members are registered members of IPW. As part of the IPW scheme, Perdeberg aims to improve its carbon footprint by reducing emissions annually.

WIETA
ACCREDITED

The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA) is a multi-stakeholder, non-profit voluntary organisation which actively promotes ethical trade in the wine industry value chain through training and audits to assess members’ compliance with its code of good labour practice.

4 SOCIAL & ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT

KERSBOSLAAGTE

Making a difference in our local community, Perdeberg supports its local primary school to enrich the lives of its children and families in our Paardeberg farming community.

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GOEDGEDACHT TRUST

Supporting the Goedgedacht Trust, Perdeberg contributes towards their initiatives to transform the impoverished rural communities by addressing poverty that affects the lives of rural children and the youth. This is achieved through an integrated and holistic programme that provides safe spaces for children to live in until they are ready to enter the working world.

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