World's First Wine Estate Obtains Green Key Accreditation for Lodging: Boschendal
In the picturesque town of Franschhoek, South Africa, on the 5th of August, 2025, Boschendal, the world's first wine estate to earn Green Key certification for its accommodation offering, made a significant stride in sustainable tourism.
Boschendal's commitment to environmental responsibility and regenerative tourism is evident in its various sustainable practices and initiatives. The estate has integrated renewable energy into its operations, with an expanding solar power infrastructure supplying energy to all its guest lodges. This move has reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lowered its carbon footprint.
Moreover, a 2% Conservation Levy has been introduced on all accommodation stays since the 1st of August, 2025. This levy directly supports the care and protection of Boschendal's natural landscape and ongoing environmental conservation efforts on the estate.
Beyond tourism, Boschendal practices regenerative agriculture under its Future of Farming initiative. The aim is to restore soil health and biodiversity while demonstrating sustainable farming methods.
The Green Key certification, managed nationally by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and coordinated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), reflects Boschendal's strong alignment with global best practices in sustainable tourism. The certification requires rigorous compliance and is awarded to establishments that demonstrate excellence in environmental management, resource efficiency, ethical practices, and community engagement.
Tevya Visser, Green Key Programme Manager at WESSA, found Boschendal's team's energy, collaboration, and deep commitment to sustainability inspiring. Amy Kropman, CEO of Boschendal Farm, and Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA, were among those present at the official Green Key handover ceremony held at Boschendal on the 1st of August.
Boschendal's efforts directly confront the risks posed by unchecked tourism growth, offering a blueprint for building resilience through environmental stewardship. As guests from key markets like the UK and Germany increasingly seek aligned, impactful travel experiences, this certification brings credibility to Boschendal's promise of such experiences.
Moreover, Boschendal has conserved over 700 hectares in partnership with the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy, safeguarding biodiversity corridors and habitats at Boschendal. A dedicated environmental manager and green committee oversee progress and governance at Boschendal, ensuring continuous improvement in its sustainability practices.
Boschendal's regenerative farming programme, detailed in its Future of Farming initiative, promotes holistic soil regeneration, integrated livestock rotations, and on-site smart monitoring. These efforts, combined with measurable reductions in carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste output, make Boschendal a model for other wine estates globally.
The need for regenerative approaches in tourism is urgent, as unchecked growth places immense pressure on natural heritage sites and ecosystems. Boschendal's achievements serve as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future in the tourism industry.
- Boschendal's solar power infrastructure, a part of its expanding renewable energy strategy, now supplies energy to all its guest lodges, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering its carbon footprint.
- The Green Key certification, a reflection of Boschendal's alignment with global best practices in sustainable tourism, requires rigorous compliance and is awarded to establishments that excel in environmental management, resource efficiency, ethical practices, and community engagement.
- The Conservation Levy, a 2% charge on all accommodation stays since the 1st of August, 2025, directly supports the care and protection of Boschendal's natural landscape and ongoing environmental conservation efforts on the estate.
- Boschendal's regenerative farming programme, as detailed in its Future of Farming initiative, promotes holistic soil regeneration, integrated livestock rotations, and on-site smart monitoring, making it a model for wine estates worldwide.
- Tevya Visser, Green Key Programme Manager at WESSA, found Boschendal's team's energy, collaboration, and deep commitment to sustainability inspiring.
- The risks posed by unchecked tourism growth are directly confronted by Boschendal's practices, offering a blueprint for building resilience through environmental stewardship.
- As guests from key markets like the UK and Germany increasingly seek aligned, impactful travel experiences, this certification brings credibility to Boschendal's promise of such experiences.
- Boschendal, in partnership with the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy, has conserved over 700 hectares, safeguarding biodiversity corridors and habitats at Boschendal, demonstrating its dedication to sustainability.
