Spanning 620 hectares, our farm has been family-owned since 1993. Historic buildings and adjacent land have been restored, conserved and rehabilitated: a demonstration of our commitment to honour our farm’s heritage and nurture its environmental biodiversity while being mindful of the region’s socio-economic development challenges.

Our certified organic pastures and vineyards — both on Spier and at Nooitgedacht (a Spier-owned farm in Paarl) — are farmed as naturally as possible. This means no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. A primary focus of our farming team has been the regeneration of soil fertility. This is achieved through high-density grazing (cattle, pigs and chickens) and nutrient-rich organic compost.

Across the farm, we have protected endangered patches of Renosterveld and created new, 8-metre wide “nature corridors” or shelterbelts consisting of indigenous plants and trees. These boost the farm’s biodiversity and provide windbreaks. They also help to cool down the pastures and provide a home for predators who offer a natural form of pest control.

Our pasture-reared meat and eggs, as well as the fresh produce from our garden, are used at the Spier Hotel Restaurants, the Spier Farm Café and Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery. This enhances our self-sufficiency and boosts the region’s food security.