Biodiversity throughout the system

DATE:

More and more South African wine-lovers are becoming familiar with the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI) logo appearing on the labels of many of their favourite wines.  Avondale was one of the first Cape wine producers to obtain BWI certification.  Founded by the Botanical Society of South Africa, and nowadays formally incorporated into the World Wildlife Fund’s South Africa’s activities, the BWI is a partnership between wine farmers and conservationists to protect the unique natural heritage of the Cape Winelands.   At Avondale, we actively strive to re-establish indigenous fynbos species not just around, but in amongst our vineyards.  We make use of only indigenous plants as wind breakers, for beautification and as cover crops.  The measure of the robustness of any ecosystem can be found in its biodiversity.  Multitudes of life forms reduce vulnerability, protect the ecosystem from shocks and enable it to restore and regenerate more quickly.  Avondale was one of the first South African wine producers to be awarded the Biodiversity in Wine certification.   While we do have an ongoing restoration project to clear alien vegetation on the farm and plant hundreds of indigenous trees, we do not confine our efforts to promote biodiversity to just the marginal uncultivated areas of our land.  We strive for biodiversity throughout the farm, and particularly in our actual vineyards.  Our intricate cover cropping system throughout the seasons, which includes the nurturing of indigenous fynbos plants, fosters micro-life in the soils and attracts an abundance of beneficial insects.  The land also supports a variety of naturally occurring birds, frogs, reptiles; small and larger mammals.  The Cape Foxes which breed on the farm, the shy foraging of Common Duiker, Grysbok and Steenbok, the night-time wanderings of Red Caracal, Porcupine and Spotted Genets, and the pair of Black Eagles that soar down from the mountain cliffs to hunt Rock Hyrax are all testimony to the health of our environment.

The latest blogpost in our Camera! Lights! Avondale’s Biodiversity in Action! series shows the return of an old friend who was scarce after our big fire more than ten years ago.

Classical Melodies Under the African Skies

29th March 2025 Join us at Avondale Wine Estate for an enchanting evening of classical melodies under the stars at FABER restaurant, a captivating celebration of music and conviviality set against the breathtaking backdrop of Avondale’s scenic vineyards and mountains....

Celebrate Love this Valentine’s Day Dinner at FABER restaurant

Friday 14 February 2025 Indulge in a romantic evening with a contemporary farm-to-fork six-course tasting menu specially crafted by Chef Dale Stevens. This exceptional dining experience is designed to immerse you in culinary delights, featuring aphrodisiac-inspired...

New Years Eve Dinner 2024

Wave 2024 goodbye and step into the new year at your favourite restaurant in the heart of the Winelands, with a farm-to-fork meal, organic and biodynamic Avondale wine, live music and views of gardens, vineyards and mountains. GENERAL INFORMATION: 6 course tasting...

Carols in the Garden

SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 2024 Join us at Avondale Wine Estate for our annual “Carols at Avondale” event—an enchanting evening of carols by candlelight at FABER restaurant, spreading the Christmas spirit throughout Paarl. Experience an unforgettable night filled with...

FABER Celebrates Cullinary Excellence and wins Prestigious Award

FABER continues to make waves in the culinary world with a series of prestigious awards and nominations, recognising its unwavering commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to announce that FABER has been selected as a winner in the Culinary Experiences category of...

Sustainability is a way of life on Avondale

Situated in the Western Cape region, on the fynbos slopes of the Klein Drakenstein mountains lies Avondale, Paarl, South Africa – a unique parcel of land we call home. Our family-owned and run wine estate Avondale is committed to the practice of organic, biodynamic,...

Avondale Wine Estate Achieves Full Energy Independence with Cutting-Edge Solar Installation

Avondale proudly announces a significant leap forward in environmental responsibility with the successful implementation of a state-of-the-art solar power plant.

The importance of water at Avondale

At Avondale Wine Estate, we raise a glass to the incredible power of water! After the extensive storms that have hit the Cape Winelands, our dams are all full.   Join us as we dive into the essential role that water plays in creating our wines and maintaining the...

FABER Restaurant receives the nod from Gourmet Guide and Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards

It has been an exceptional few weeks for FABER Restaurant! Situated on the beautiful Avondale Wine Estate, this award-winning restaurant has once again been heralded as one of the best.  We’ve been plated! The Gourmet Guide is South Africa’s original and respected...

Sustainable Farming – preserving the land’s integrity for future generations

Increasingly, wine farmers are putting sustainability at the heart of what they do – and South Africa is no exception. As far back as 1998, South Africa introduced guidelines on sustainability which is adhered to by over 95% of growers and cellars. Sustainable wine...

Avondale Members Club

Avondale Members Club

Our Avondale Members Club offers exclusive rewards to those who share in the love of our wines. Enjoy bespoke wine releases, special offers, and unique events designed for our loyal friends and family.