Group Environmental Manager and Horticulturist at the Vineyard, Chris van Zyl, says, "We are honoured to receive the City's recognition for the work we do on the property. We value our historic setting and have paid tribute to the estate's rich heritage by replanting a vineyard next to the Liesbeeck River. We focus on incorporating 'green living' into all elements of our operations - from composting kitchen waste to solar panels and LED lights in our conference centre - we do our best to walk the talk!"
In 2008, the Vineyard Hotel resurrected part of the property that had initially drawn Lady Anne and Mr Andrew Barnard to the estate - re-establishing a small area with 100 vines. The cultivating of vines mirrored the events of 1658, which saw Jan van Riebeeck plant a large vineyard along the Liesbeek River - just south of what is now called Bishopscourt. This vineyard was re-established with the help of Warwick Wine Estate, who supplied and planted the vines for the hotel. The vines are maintained by the hotel's horticultural team, with the help of five wine partners - along with Warwick Wine Estate, these include Klein Constantia, Meerlust, Waterford and Simonsig.
The re-establishing of this vineyard, together with the hotel's continued efforts to 'live green', show the hotel's commitment to sustainable practices while still honouring the history of the area.
GM of the Vineyard Hotel, Roy Davies, says, "Our sustainability efforts have always come from the heart. Started by Francois Petousis, who bought the property in the 1980's, and now spearheaded by our Group Sustainability Manager, Chris van Zyl, the focus on 'living green' has always come out of a genuine concern for our environment. It's lovely to be recognised for something we are so passionate about."
