The Bouchard Finlayson estate stretches across 125 hectares of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. However, only 25 hectares is cultivated under vine with the remainder set aside as a conservancy to protect the indigenous ‘fynbos’ vegetation endemic to the Western Cape.
From monitoring the water and energy consumption across the estate, to constant innovation in our vineyards and cellar, Bouchard Finlayson is on a journey to ensure that every step of the winemaking process is built on a foundation of future-focused sustainability. Notably, through the use of modern fining and settling agents, the majority of wines in the Bouchard Finlayson portfolio are now 100% vegan-friendly.
Conservation Champion
Bouchard Finlayson is proud to be a WWF-SA Conservation Champion. Conservation Champion wine farms pursue long-term conservation commitments and spearhead innovations in water and energy sufficiency. The Estate has recently moved to use lighter weight bottles saving 6,4 tons of glass per annum. Our packaging and wine labels are FSC certified dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests.
In the early 2000s there was a rapid expansion of vineyards into highly threatened conservation-worthy habitats. In response - from 2005 - 2015 - a unique conservation sector, landowner and wine industry partnership achieved turnaround results. It was called the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative. It created the widespread awareness of our unique natural heritage, and many farms now carry out biodiversity-friendly farming. The SA wine industry has been globally recognised as demonstrating this fine balance between nature and farming.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
We recognize our responsibility to leave a positive impact on the planet we call home, its people, and its wildlife. We manage our impact in two ways: through our sustainability goals, detailed in How We Tread Right, and through our TreadRight Foundation.
Travel inspires appreciation
Launched in 2020, How We Tread Right (HWTR) is our five-year sustainability strategy. It is the sustainability blueprint for us and our sister brands under our parent company The Travel Corporation (TTC). Travel inspires us to have a greater appreciation for the planet. We believe that reducing our environmental footprint will strengthen travel for generations to come. The below goals focus on the most pressing environmental issues.
- Reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050 from a 2019 baseline year
- Source 50% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025
- Increase use of local & organic food products by our supply chain by 2025
- Reduce printed brochures by 50% by 2025
- Eliminate as many unnecessary single use plastics
- Increase employee and market sentiment regarding diversity and inclusion across our brands
- Complete 30,000 volunteer hours by 2025
Since the launch of our sustainability strategy, global action on the world’s response to climate change has continued to advance. We have matched that advancement through our decision to commit to net zero.
Our Climate Action Plan outlines how we will reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050 from a 2019 baseline year, with accompanying near-term and long-term targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Our primary focus is to decarbonize. To enable that, our parent company The Travel Corporation has established the following validated science-based reduction targets:
