Our philosophy The fact that this is a family farm on which their children, the 7th generation, are growing up, gives the adults a powerful incentive to preserve their heritage for the future. Responsible farming is a priority, not only in vineyard practices but also to conserve and restore the natural habitat. It has been included in the estate’s business plan. Bergsig is IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) certified as a user of environmentally friendly farming methods. This organization sets out strict guidelines to be followed in soil, water and plant management, pest control and the use of chemicals: a total of 15 aspects are covered. Practices are regularly monitored, to ensure the integrity of the certification. See www.bwi.co.za Bergsig was the first winery in Breedekloof to become a member of the Wine & Biodiversity Initiative – an initiative that aims to minimise the loss of threatened natural habitat and contribute to sustainable wine production, through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines. See www.bwi.co.za The Estate has a number of unique features.

Mountain slopes of fynbos This section of the Estate stretches for 437,4 hectares and includes parts of Kleineberg, Zwarmanskop and Lategansberg. The altitude varies between 300 and 650 meters above sea level. The property is home to a wide variety of indigenous plant species, a few of which are on the endangered list. There is an ongoing program for the removal of invading plant species such as Hakea, Black Wattle, Pine and Gum trees. About 80% have been removed, with the removal of the balance, to be completed by 2010.

Animals and birds Animals found on the farm include small antilope such as Klipspringer, Grysbok, Duiker, Vaalribbok, Steenbok, as well as Dassies, Hares, Black Backed Jackal, the Giant Otter and various kinds of mongoose and rodents. The wide variety of reptiles includes the very rare Geometric Tortoise. A number of birdwatching days are held each year, which to date have yielded 132 different species, as a result of the varied landscape. A number of new species, not previously seen on the farm, are also now putting in an appearance, such as Hadeda, Marshall Eagle and the Fish Eagle.

Land reform project During November 2007 140ha of agricultural ground was bought by a group of 116 farm workers in a company called Fynbos Vrugte en Wyn Boerdery. This company is 60% owned by the farm workers and the other 40% ownership belongs to the Lategan Family. The workers also own a 15% share in Bergsig Estate. During June 2008 Fynbos was the first black empowerment company to sign a biodiversity stewardship agreement with Cape Nature. This agreement involves the conservation of 40 ha of land that is home to several red data species. This site will effectively become a conservancy thanks to the 15 year Biodiversity Agreement signed with CapeNature.

Future plans In future consideration will also be given to fencing areas to allow the reintroduction of animals previously found here, like the Mountain Kwagga. Two nature reserves, Witteberg and Mount Bain, border the estate and ways of working more closely with them will be investigated, to ensure common conservation interests are met.

Four rivers All 4 rivers provide a unique habitat for birds and other wildlife. The smallest of the four rivers flowing through the farm is Kamps River, only ±3 meters wide but running swiftly in winter. The Wabooms River is fed by a variety of smaller streams in the Mostertshoek Mountains and gets to its greatest size when the winter snow in the Waaihoek Mountains near Ceres melts. It reduces to a trickle in late summer. White River’s origin is high in the Bainskloof Mountains, where the crystal clear cold water from the many gorges eventually converge, bringing with them a wide variety of fish. The Breede River makes a 6 km meandering journey through the estate. Also starting high in the Waaihoek Mountains, it transforms into a swirling mass of water in winter from the rain-fed streams and melting snow. It is home to 10 fish species, of which the indigenous White Fish is under threat by invading fish species and human interference. One of the most spectacular sights on the farm is the meeting point where the White River flows into the Breede River.