Pathways to Sustainable Land Stewardship in South Africa’s Wine-Producing Regions

Sustainable land stewardship is increasingly essential in South Africa’s wine-producing regions (WPR), where climate variability, ecological sensitivity, and economic pressures interact to shape vineyard management practices. This study synthesizes data from 107 vineyard websites and 20 in-depth stakeholder interviews to examine how sustainability is conceptualized and practiced across the region. Results show that growers prioritize biodiversity conservation, soil health, and water-efficient management as foundational to long-term resilience, with widespread adoption of practices such as mulching, cover cropping, habitat restoration, and integrated pest management. Website-derived data reveal substantial participation in sustainability certifications, including the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) program and WWF Conservation Champions, although implementation depth varies among producers. Interviews underscore that climate extremes—particularly drought—have intensified reliance on soil-moisture conservation and adaptive irrigation strategies. Producers also identified escalating input costs, shifting markets, and export barriers as central economic challenges, contributing to diversified business models that include tourism and direct-to-consumer sales. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that sustainable viticulture in South Africa’s WPR is shaped by dynamic interactions between environmental stewardship and economic adaptation. Strengthening collaboration and aligning local practices with global sustainability frameworks can enhance the region’s ecological resilience and support the long-term viability of its wine industry.