Page 39 - 25 Reasons

t Vergelegen in
Somerset West in
the Western
Cape, which
earlier this
Amonth won the
best wine estate in Africa gong
at the annual World’s Best
Vineyards awards, 50 rare
bontebok are thriving.
The 319-year-old wine estate,
which was acquired by Anglo
American in 1987, plays an
important role in protecting
biodiversity in the area.
Of the 3 000-hectare estate,
1 900ha became a private nature
reserve last year, and the herds
of bontebok – once endemic to
the area but hunted to near
extinction – are one of the
estate’s drawcards, bringing
100 000 visitors to the area
every year.
“We first welcomed 13
bontebok to the estate about 10
years ago,” says Vergelegen CEO
Don Tooth.
“Care for the environment is
key at the estate. Vergelegen
was the first Biodiversity & Wine Once threatened, bontebok are thriving thanks to safe havens such as Vergelegen in the Western Cape
Initiative champion back in
2005, and we are committed to
making the estate a prime BIODIVERSITY:
destination for future
generations to enjoy.”
Vergelegen’s award this month
is significant as the annual A GOOD
World’s Best Vineyards list, which
this year analysed 1 500 wineries
from 17 countries, is designed
to raise the profile of wine
tourism. The winner overall this VINTAGE
year was Zuccardi Valle de Uco
in Argentina, with Vergelegen
coming in at number 34 overall
– the top spot for a South
African winery and one of only
three South African wineries to
make the prestigious top-50 list.
“We are absolutely delighted
by this award,” said Tooth.
“The Vergelegen team is
committed to building South
Africa’s reputation as a producer
of world-class wines, and this
win is an acknowledgment of
that passion.
“Tourism is a vital part of our
economy, outperforming many
key industries in job creation, so
this is not only a proud
moment for Vergelegen, but for
the South African wine and
tourism sectors overall.”
Vergelegen’s previous
accolades include the
International Best of Wine
Tourism, Cape Winelands,
awarded in 2016 for an
unprecedented fifth time. Vergelegen was named the best African wine estate in this year’s World’s Best Vineyards awards
ANGLO AMERICAN 25 REASONS TO BELIEVE 39