Bouchard Finlayson’s continued focus towards conservation has meant that only 19 hectares of their most precious resource - their land, is under vines. In 2005 Bouchard Finlayson joined the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) – a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector, aimed at protecting the Cape’s rich floral kingdom. The natural indigenous fynbos - a valuable ecosystem - is being preserved in the interests of biodiversity.

BWI at Bouchard Finlayson

There are many facets surrounding sensitivity and positive action in caring for one’s environment. The BWI process encompasses the natural land areas attached to the total farm complement. The vineyard and winery functions are also formalised by way of environmental assessment.

A part-time environmental consultant and respected botanist - Frank Woodvine, has been employed by the farm to manage and coordinate all conservation activities. Plant mapping, clearing of alien plant infestations, replanting and rehabilitation of indigenous vegetation are just some of the many environmental activities that Bouchard Finlayson vineyards is dedicated to.

View Bouchard Finlayson's BWI membership certificate (PDF - 200k)

Bouchard Finlayson is IPW accredited*.

IPW is a self audited initiative where all winemaking and grape growing processes are measured and recorded. These records are then an indication of how responsible our farm is during winemaking practices. In addition to the above voluntary involvements, we have been ahead of our time in other areas of environmental caretaking.

One such commitment is our involvement with the University of Cape Town concerning a project with particular focus on researching biological control mechanisms – associated with eradicating alien plant species. This project has been highly successful and continues to be monitored by Prof. Cliff Moran.

Our winery waste water is also monitored and maintained at secure levels for redistribution through our irrigation system. The control of foraging wildlife on spring vineyards has been implemented by surrounding the property in bonox fencing, and bird control at harvest is affected through an audio system which broadcasts bird scare calls.

Bouchard Finlayson takes the stewardship of its natural environment seriously, to ensure that this beautiful piece of “Heaven and earth” (Hemel-en-Aarde) will still look untouched in years to come.

The two-year BWI membership is a source of great pride to the Bouchard Finlayson team. “It is crucial that we preserve and protect the Cape Floral Kingdom – earth’s smallest and richest plant kingdom. To further our allegiance to this valuable initiative we have now set our sites on the coveted “Champion” BWI status, which is only awarded to a handful of estates,” comments Peter Finlayson.


* IPW:  (Integrated Wine Production) All aspects of grape growing and wine making are audited and are compliant with the South African IPW system, which is a self regulatory initiative being managed by the wine industry.