Nature lovers can now connect with life on a green farm, the natural way
For a different kind of walk on the wild side, Waterkloof Estate, the sustainable wine farm on the outskirts of Somerset West, invites nature lovers and eco enthusiasts to lace up for its new, monthly Circle of Life Biodynamic Walks and learn about its green philosophy, every step of the way.
More than just a typical ‘organic vine to organic wine’ experience, these hour long, guided walks unearths this biodynamic bastion’s way of life on the crest of the Schapenberg, where it works in harmony with nature to produce its pure, untamed wines of vitality.
“The concept of biodynamic and organic farming can be daunting, but with these edu-eco-walks, we show visitors how it is really done and explain the philosophy behind it all, whilst sharing with them our slice of precious Cape Floral Kingdom. Disconnected from their devices, they learn how working with nature allows one to experience its natural cycle each year. Our walks are inspired by this ongoing cycle that exists at Waterkloof,” explains Christiaan Loots, Waterkloof’s own green guru who personally conducts these walkabouts with zeal.
A ‘green celebrity’ in his own right, Christiaan, is the driving force behind Waterkloof’s cutting edge biodynamic endeavours and environmentally responsible farming methods. It took him and his green brigade ten years to transform the once depleted, conventionally farmed land, covered in alien tree species, infected vines and eroded roads, into the healthy, sustainable life-force it is today.
Waterkloof has a whole zoo working its vines and its green team includes Percheron horses that are used in place of tractors to plough, compost, spray and harvest. Cattle provide manure for biodynamic preparations and compost. Sheep graze in the vineyards, eating weeds and enriching the soil with nitrogen and potassium from their manure. And hens roam freely among the vines, eating vine weevils and laying fresh eggs for use in the estate’s restaurant.
“On our Circle of Life Walks you will admire peacock beauty and the brute force of our sturdy stallions; get the scoop on our biodynamic preparations; stick your hands in our earth worm farm, get the dirty on how we produce our own 100% natural fertiliser and much more. Not to mention the clean air, scenic splendour and awesome views of False Bay in the distance,” adds Christiaan.
The enlightening walks are ideal for permaculture passionistas and gardening clubs wanting to learn some green tips; wine enthusiasts who actually want to know where the bottle on the shelf comes from, or for families and friends in search of unadulterated, bucolic bliss.
The Waterkloof Circle of Life Biodynamic Walks will be on offer until the end of April 2016 and cost R100 per person. Pre-bookings are essential and a maximum of 12 guests per walk is allowed. It starts at 10am and remember the sunscreen, hat and comfortable walking shoes.
Or why not extend your Winelands walking experience and treat yourself to a relaxed wine tasting and Waterkloof Platter after a morning spent amidst fynbos and vines at R250 per person.
Dates to diaries for the Waterkloof Circle of Life Biodynamic Walks:
- Friday, 25 September
- Friday, 30 October
- Friday, 27 November
- Friday, 18 December
- Friday, 29 January
- Friday, 26 February
- Friday, 25 March
- Friday, 29 April
Waterkloof has been farmed using biodynamic and organic practices since 2007 and was awarded its official biodynamic certification by Demeter – the world’s only certifier of biodynamic farms and products – and official organic certification by Ceres in 2015. It was also one of the first wine estates in South Africa to be awarded WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Champion status for its efforts in preserving the unique and precious Cape Floral Kingdom.
