By the time we drove into the estate, the rain had abated, but the clouds were swirling and lurking in the mountain peaks overlooking the farm. We made our way to the unusual-looking Earth Centre building, with a living ‘green roof’ covered in grasses, where we were greeted by Simon and Pia. Inside we found chilled jugs of water filled with berries from the farm, which delighted the Danish and English friends we had brought with us.

A group of 20 Slow Fooders assembled and started the day sitting comfortably in the Earth Centre, while the rain resumed outside, and Simon gave us an introduction to Backsberg and its environmental initiatives. Just as we needed to set out on our walk, the rain stopped, and we enjoyed a half hour of strolling about the farm, with Simon showing us the interventions that have been made to help Backsberg achieve its status as the first carbon-neutral winery in South Africa.

We saw simple things like smaller, more fuel-efficient tractors (which Dax did a fine job of posing next to like a tractor calendar model) and experiments with various types of bamboo which could be used to offset carbon. Everyone loved the wedding venue on the farm, which we all agreed will probably grow in popularity as more brides begin to demand ‘greener’ weddings, as well as the glass workshop which had beautiful pieces for sale from recycled glass.

We had a brief squizz into the cellar, dodging the bats who live there, before Simon left us in the capable hands of the Cellar Door Manager, Danwin James. Danwin was the highlight of the tour for many of us – aside from being very knowledgeable about the wines, he kept us throroughly entertained and laughing all the way through the tasting. We all know the correct method for tasting brandy now and the taste of the world champion ten year old left some of us gasping with delight!

After a frenzied spending spree after the tasting, and clutching boxes of the delicious wines, we staggered back to the Earth Centre where a delicious finger lunch buffet awaited us. The sun had made its way through the clouds and we lolled about on the lawn in front of the Earth Centre munching and chatting. There was a sense of gentle camaraderie among all the attendees by this stage, and we eventually left, full and happy, having learnt and tasted for ourselves how Backsberg is trying to lighten its footprint on our planet while still producing wines of the highest quality.

Slow Food Mother City has organised a picnic lunch at Backsberg Estate on Saturday 27 March 2010, with a presentation on their environmental initiatives and some wine tasting (of course!).

Backsberg has been concerned with its environmental impact for a long time already, way before it became trendy.

Backsberg invested heavily in a carbon audit so that they could reach their goal of becoming carbon neutral. This goal was soon achieved, making them the first carbon neutral wine estate in South Africa and one of only three in the world.

Most of us enjoy a glass of wine on occasion (or often!), but most people don’t realise the impact of wine farming on the environment. The removal of fynbos to plant vineyards is one aspect of that. Backsberg is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative, setting aside part of the estate for conservation of fynbos.

Backsberg has also built an Earth Centre on the estate which serves as an education centre as well as offices for Food and Trees for Africa, who assist Backsberg with offsetting projects.

These are some of the initiatives that Backsberg has undertaken, but there are many more. For this reason Backsberg has won, and continues to win, many environmental awards both locally and abroad.

EVENT DETAILS

Date and time:
Saturday 27 March 2010. 11.00am

The schedule for our visit looks like this:

• 11h00: Arrival (refreshments served outside the Earth Centre)
• 11h00-12h00: Environmental Tour of the Estate with Simon Back
• 12h00-13h00: Wine Tasting in Historical Vat Cellar hosted by Cellar Door Manager, Danwin James
• 13h00: Finger Lunch outside the Earth Centre

The event is child friendly.

Cost:
The cost will be R80 for members, R85 for guests and R35 for children aged 3-12. Wine will be available for purchase to take home or enjoy with your picnic. Cool drinks will also be available for purchase.

Location:
Backsberg Wine Estate – www.backsberg.com

Bookings:
If you would like to come, please email us at: events@slowfoodmothercity.co.za and let us know how many people you are bringing (and whether you are members or guests). We will then send you banking information to make your deposit and confirm your place/s.

Directions:
From Cape Town: Take the N1 towards Paarl. Take Exit 47 – Klapmuts, Stellenbosch R44 offramp. At the Stop street turn right (underneath the N1 towards Stellenbosch). Go over the next 4-way stop and over the bridge. Take the next left on Franschhoek (R45). About 5km down that road on your right you’ll see Backsberg.

Event feedback

We’d love your feedback on our events! If you’ve attended a Slow Food Mother City event, please let us know what you thought by emailing events@slowfoodmothercity.co.za. All comments and suggestions are welcomed.