We strive to be a critical thinking company. Using the latest technology available to best ensure long term sustainability for the future generations.
We believe as Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Investing in our future by continuing to play an active role at De Rust Futura School, started by the late Mrs Getrude Clüver in 1957.
Our wine business forms part of larger holistic farming business called ‘De Rust Estate’. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards and a Hereford stud.Our estate forms part of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Kogelberg Biosphere, established in 1998. The 1st biosphere to be proclaimed in South Africa with UNESCO. With in the greater Biosphere we have formed the Groenlandberg conservancy in 1994 with our neighbours and have set aside 60% of our estate for conservation into perpetuity. Paul Cluver Wines has been a Conservation Champion since 2008.
Our farming practices focus on actively conserving the entire water catchment area and being cognisant of Climate Change we apply the following farming practices;
- continuously eradicating alien vegetation in water catchment area
- irrigating at night to reduce water consumption
- mulching with chipped aliens to reduce evapotranspiration and soil quality
- monitoring ground moisture via continues probe
- use of Fruitlook
- optimal irrigation via computer system and at the same time conserve energy usage
- only plant vines and fruit trees most suited to our climate and soil
- reduce electricity consumption by using solar panels since 2015
- manage insects without pesticides, using mating disruption for codling moth and bands for snout beetles
- use nets for fruit trees
- use of technology including weather station to predict risks and manage it accordingly
- plant windbreaks
In addition to these farming practices the following conservation initiates are run in conjunction with WWF, Cape Nature, Working for Water, various Western Cape Universities and Working on Fire;
- Rehabilitation
- Floating bird Islands
- Corridor
- Wetlands
- Contract Nature Reserve since
- Endangered species – Cape Leopard Trust
- Research – Phd Students