Napier Vineyards, set in a magnificent valley close to Wellington in the Western Cape, owes its name to Sir George Napier, Governor of the Cape of Good Hope from 1837 to 1843. He took an important part in the abolition of slavery in the South African Cape Colony and it was him, who christened the quaint rural town after the famous Duke of Wellington.
Established in 1989, Napier Vineyards has long been in family hands and this tradition has been carried on by Carl Reh, Germany’s wine entrepreneur.
The grapes growing on Napier are crafted by our winemaker Leon Bester. He holds a degree in oenology from Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch. Leon is passionate about creating wines with a compelling New World twist, whilst showing the complexity and finesse of some of the best European wines.
Today more than 25 hectars of vineyards belong to Napier.
OUR RECENT ACCOLADES
Napier Vineyards received high praise as one of the top achievers at the annual NWC/Top 100 South African Wine Awards 2022.
Please click here for more information about these fantastic achievements.
CARBON HEROES
We are taking part in the Confronting Climate Change (CCC) Initiative and have completed our third year in this program!
Nowadays, the term “carbon footprint” is often used as shorthand for the amount of carbon (usually in tonnes) being emitted by an organisation or an activity. Reducing humanity’s carbon footprint is of utmost importance, and we as a company, are committed to help slowing down climate change, hence completing the Confronting Climate Change carbon calculator annually.
Napier Vineyard’s Sustainability Initiatives
As a company, we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint through sustainable practices.
Efficient fuel use
We limit unnecessary driving and only use our generator when absolutely necessary during loadshedding.
Conserving water
We use “water guns” on hosepipes to limit water running from hoses. Weekly monitoring of waste water readings also helps conserve water use in the cellar.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
All grape press rests go to Brenn-O-Kem. Grape stems are used as feed for cattle and mulching in the vineyards. We recycle most of our inorganic waste.
Improving soil health
Soil analyses are done before planting new vineyards and we plant cover crops during the winter months between vineyard rows.
Promoting biodiversity
The creek gets cleared from invasive alien plants, and anti-erosion corridors are implemented throughout the farm.