As Earth Hour draws near on Saturday, 23 March 2024, we're excited to honour our magnificent planet with a toast of our award-winning wines and shed light on Benguela Cove's dedication to sustainable practices. Situated amidst the stunning landscape of Hermanus, we're acutely aware of the critical role the environment plays in nurturing our vines, allowing us to produce exceptional wines. 

About Earth Hour and WWF 

Earth Hour represents a moment of collective action, where individuals, communities, and businesses acknowledge their environmental impact and take steps towards carbon footprint reduction. In 2023, an estimated hundreds of millions of participants worldwide engaged in Earth Hour, resulting in the conservation of a significant amount of energy. 

This year, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is challenging South Africans to extend their commitment beyond merely turning off their lights for one hour. They're encouraging us to dedicate 60 minutes to activities that benefit the planet, such as nature walks, community clean-ups, or discussions on sustainability. 

Earth Hour at Benguela Cove 

On Saturday, 23 March, Benguela Cove is proud to partake in this global initiative, symbolising our commitment to energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction. 

We invite you to spend an hour on the Earth with us. Participate in the Benguela Cove Park Run for an invigorating outdoor exercise amidst our beautiful vineyards. This event is open to everyone - whether you prefer walking, jogging, or running, and yes, your pets are welcome too! Afterward, indulge in a treat from our Moody Lagoon restaurant, where you'll enjoy dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients, perfectly paired with our award-winning wines. 

Beyond the Hour: Benguela Cove's Sustainability Journey 

For us at Benguela Cove, sustainability is not just an annual event but a fundamental principle that influences our daily operations. We're committed to being responsible custodians of the land, aiming to leave a positive impact for future generations. Here are some of the sustainability initiatives we're proud of: 

Sustainably Farming - Our commitment to environmentally friendly practices is unwavering. We follow the guidelines of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), avoiding harmful pesticides and chemicals. Our treatments, supervised by experts, are designed to be safe and eco-friendly. Discover the flavour of sustainability and explore our wines today, enjoying the finest grapes grown in a cool climate at cellar-door prices. 

Natural Pest Control - We employ owl boxes to manage rodent populations naturally, avoiding chemical use. Join us for a vineyard safari to learn more about our sustainable vineyard practices and enjoy bird watching. 

Reducing Water Usage - We utilize slow-releasing fertilizers, which minimize the risk of contaminating natural water sources through the unchecked dispersal of nutrients. 

Environmental Protection - Benguela Cove is nestled within a 200-hectare farm, part of one of South Africa's most scenic residential and wine estates, surrounded by a nature reserve. Located in the UNESCO-recognized Kogelberg Biosphere, our estate is committed to preserving the area's natural beauty, home to one of the world's most diverse floral kingdoms. Our vineyard, spanning 70 hectares, not only adds to the estate's beauty but also underscores our dedication to conservation. Visitors can see our commitment to the environment in action, such as our summer use of ducks to naturally manage pests. 

Discover Sustainable Wines 

Immerse yourself in Benguela Cove's approach to sustainable winemaking. Our award-winning wines are crafted with the highest regard for environmental stewardship. Select a bottle that not only pleases your taste but also supports a winery committed to sustainability. 

Together, We Can Make a Difference! 

By uniting our efforts, we can secure a thriving planet for future generations. Discover more about Benguela Cove and our approach to sustainability by visiting our estate. Book a vineyard tour to learn about our vineyard management practices, enjoy a meal at Moody Lagoon Restaurant featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and savour our estate wines.