Nederburg was granted WWF Conservation Champion status because of  its exceptional water stewardship measures. These water-saving ways  improve water quality and reduce water use – amounting to water savings of up to 40% in some instances.
 
The water stewardship process required initial investment in sophisticated water consumption measurement tools so that they could precisely calculate the water-saving impact. These include moving towards night irrigation, monitoring  cover crops planted in and amongst the vineyards as well as measuring the use of drought-resistant rootstocks, water-stress deficit irrigation and pressure bombs which measure leaf water respiration. Plus they have introduced several climate-resilient Mediterranean grape varietals.
 
The Nederburg team has also worked diligently to improve the management of streams and drainage lines that run through the farm, while continuing with the rehabilitation of the land to indigenous vegetation. In the cellar, recycled water is used for the cooling tanks, with more efficient chilling processes applied. Water-wise cleaning regimes are rigorously followed to eliminate water wastage. Rain-water harvesting has been stepped up and filtered effluent water is diverted to irrigate the farm’s extensive gardens. 


Location: Paarl
Membership date:  26 May 2020
Website: Nederburg Wines