Delheim Wine Estate Receives Conservation Pioneer Award at Cape's Best of Wine Tourism

Best of Tourism Awards South Africa

The Best of Wine Tourism Awards annually recognize wineries in the member cities of the international Great Wine Capitals Network for excellence in seven categories. A total of 81 wineries in the Western Cape participated in the 2024 Best of Wine Tourism Awards. Delheim was honored as this year's Conservation Pioneer. Sponsored by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the award emphasizes the importance of ecological and social sustainability in innovative travel experiences. Nora Thiel, co-owner of Delheim, states that the accolade is the outcome of over seven decades of dedication to sustainability.

South African Wineries Committed to Conservation

"The modern wine industry has placed conservation and sustainability at the forefront over the last 20 years," says Thiel. "Delheim has been able to play a leading role as the region began to protect natural habitats and promote sustainable farming practices."

Conservation Champions in South Africa

Delheim spans 375 hectares at the Simonsberg of Stellenbosch, with 89 hectares dedicated to conservation. In 2008, the winery was awarded Conservation Champion by WWF and is part of a select group of South African wineries actively protecting flora and fauna. Their conservation efforts are supported by regenerative viticulture. Victor Sperling, co-owner, emphasizes the close connection between viticulture and the natural environment: "The more natural the surroundings, the healthier and more expressive the grapes."

Delheim and the Fynbos

Farming and viticulture at Delheim adhere to sustainable practices. Fynbos plantations ward off pests, parasitic insects control harmful species, and cover crops minimize weeds and chemical fertilizers. Decomposed granite soils allow for grapes that express the terroir, while diverse cover crops regulate nitrogen, sequester carbon, and provide mulch. "We do not plow between the vines, and fertilizers are applied selectively," explains Victor.

Half of the vineyards are farmed dry. Irrigation only occurs as needed, supported by precise pressure pump measurements. The water used in the winery is treated and reused. Delheim is also committed locally: in 2004, the winery founded the Klapmutskop Renosterveld Conservancy, now the The Greater Simonsberg Conservancy, to protect the 300-year-old Yellowwood forest and the environment. Nora emphasizes: "As wine producers, we are guardians of our natural surroundings."

Delheim – A Refuge for Flora and Fauna

Thanks to sustainable methods, Delheim thrives with a rich array of flora and fauna. Over 50 bird species, 120 plant species, as well as porcupines, duikers, rock hyraxes, snakes, lizards, and even the Cape leopard have been recorded. The Conservation Pioneer Award recognizes the integration of conservation into the tourism offering. Visitors can engage with the natural environment through mushroom foraging, tractor rides through the vineyards, or vineyard tours. Delheim wines reflect this commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, making conservation tangible for visitors.