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RECENT ARTICLES   |   WYNBOER HOME Graham Beck Wines - new biodiversity champion Sue Winter by Sue Winter, Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Graham Beck Wines in Robertson has become the second wine farm in South Africa to achieve Champion status, conferred by the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI). Besides fulfilling a testing set of criteria, GBW is being acknowledged for their excellent environmental track record and efforts in restoring large tracts of Robertson Karoo vegetation. It must not be forgotten that succulent Karoo veld is also one of the three major types of vegetation found within the Cape Floral Kingdom, besides fynbos and renosterveld. Gary Baumgarten, general manager of GBW, believes that the wine industry needs to take its share of responsibility in conserving our natural heritage. He says, "We are proud to be one of the early drivers of the initiative to conserve the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It is an industry imperative and is in all of our long-term interests." Having qualified as champions in March 2006, GBW were officially awarded their champion status at a function held at their game reserve. Seen here are Gary Baumgarten (general manager, GBW), Sue Winter (Biodiversity & Wine Initiative) and Mossie Basson (Graham Beck conservation manager). Graham Beck Wines' huge conservation commitment stands out with their setting aside of 1 885 hectares of natural vegetation, which comprises nearly 50% of the 3 800 ha estate. 1 396 ha of the natural land has been fenced off as a game camp and Mossie Basson was employed in 2002 as conservation manager for the estate. Mossie is dedicated to restoring the condition of the veld which had been degraded after a previous owner's poor grazing regimes on the farm caused extensive soil erosion. However, GBW report that the erosion problems have shrunk by 42% since 2002, and the palatable vegetation cover of the entire reserve has increased by 34% due to the restoration activities. All unnecessary roads on the property have been closed and restored, and two full-time game rangers have been trained to patrol the area daily and perform monitoring and rehabilitation functions. Champions must successfully pass an external IPW audit, which means GBW is now one of the few wineries in South Africa to be fully compliant with all environmental legislation. Among others this includes being in possession of an authorisation from the Department of Water Affairs for their waste water treatment and having an upgraded chemical store room which complies with all legal requirements. A detailed conservation management plan has also been written for the estate which includes specific targets for achieving certain management activities and continual improvement. Nearly 50% of the 3800ha Graham Beck farm near Roberston has been set aside for conservation. Through rehabilitation a healthy habitat has been created for all forms of biodiversity, plants and animals alike. Since 2003, GBW have drastically reduced the use of chemical sprays and switched to environmentally friendly pest control methods, with excellent results. Natural predators are returning and helping to control pest populations. Mealy Bug presence has been reduced from 55% to less than 2%, and ants are no longer controlled by full deck sprays but through target-specific bait spots. Mossie Basson, a passionately committed environmentalist, says, "The Cape Floral Kingdom was for many years regarded environmentally as 'free goods'. Today, the loss of one plant species can lead to a 10 to 30 fold loss of other organisms dependent on it. Mankind, as the senior species on the planet, has the moral obligation to preserve all other organisms sharing the earth. This philosophy drives my passion for conservation and I cannot think of a more worthy project than that on our Robertson farm, to fulfil my life's work." The Gamekeeper's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon generates funds for conservation activities on Graham Beck property. GBW have released a Cabernet Sauvignon label in 2003 called Gamekeeper's Reserve. A portion of the proceeds from this range are directly allocated to the conservation budget for the property, and used on reserve management activities. One of the vegetation types in their game reserve area consists of breede sand fynbos, which is regarded by conservation authorities as endangered and is the only area in SA that is being formally conserved on private land. Graham Beck and neighbouring farms, including Rooiberg Winery, the first co-operative cellar to obtain BWI membership, are now working beyond their boundaries to establish a conservancy that will conserve larger tracks of valuable vegetation in the Robertson Karoo area. In May 2006, the first meeting was held about establishing a conservancy with 28 surrounding landowners, where the idea was enthusiastically received. For more information on Graham Beck Wines visit www.grahambeckwines.co.za. Mossie Basson, the conservation manager, can be reached on 082 885 1570 or mbasson@grahambeckwines.co.za. Membership momentum! At the time of writing, in May 2006, BWI had enlisted 40 members (individual farms or estates), two co-operative cellar members and two Champions. And these numbers are increasing monthly! Newest members to come on board since Cape Wine 2006 in April 2006 include Eikenhof farm in Elgin, Lourensford Winery, Bouchard Finlayson and three farms from the Darling area including Oranjefontein, Contreberg and Ormonde Estate. The total area conserved collectively among these 44 members and Champions is 18 100 ha, which represents some 18% of the total vineyard footprint in the Cape winelands. For an updated list of the current members, as well as the biodiversity highlights and achievements of each producer, go to the "Members & Champions" page on www.bwi.co.za. For more BWI information phone (021) 886-8428 or e-mail bwi.joan@sawb.co.za.

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