Pictured above left to right:
- Merinda Carstens – Boschendal Special Projects Lead, Marketing
- Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA CEO
- Amy Kropman – Boschendal CEO
- Tevya Visser – WESSA, Senior Sustainability Programme Manager
- Ananda Coutinho, Environmental Projects Intern, (not employed by Boschendal)
A landmark moment for regenerative tourism and sustainable hospitality in South Africa
WESSA is proud to announce that Boschendal Wine Estate has officially been awarded the prestigious Green Key certification for its accommodation offering, making it the first wine estate in the world to achieve this honour.
This globally respected eco-label, managed in South Africa by WESSA and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognises hospitality establishments that go above and beyond in their commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and ethical tourism practices.
“This is a truly remarkable milestone that sets a global precedent,” said Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA CEO. “This certification formally recognises Boschendal’s leadership in sustainable tourism and is a powerful testament to the wine estate’s deep commitment to heritage, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”
Regeneration at the heart of hospitality
This achievement coincides with Boschendal’s 340th anniversary, a powerful reflection of how heritage and forward-thinking can coexist.
“This landmark achievement underscores our commitment not just to hospitality excellence, but to actively regenerating the land and people that sustain us,” said Amy Kropman, CEO of Boschendal. “It reflects our deeply held values: from taking care of today to acting with purpose like the bee, staying steady in rhythm, and showing up curious to spark collaboration and creativity, we aim to regenerate not only the soil, but also the people who live, work and stay with us.”
The Green Key certification was formally handed over on 1 August 2025 at Boschendal in a ceremony attended by the estate’s leadership and WESSA representatives.
Pictured above left to right in the image –
[WESSA team]
- Adrienne West – Head of Philanthropy & Resource Mobilisation
- Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO
- Kelly Alcock – Head of Education & Sustainability
- Tevya Visser – Senior Sustainability Programme Manager
[Boschendal team]
- Comfort Mathebula – Health & Safety Officer
- Forster Pepetini – Compliance & Risk Manager
- Amy Kropman – CEO
- Merinda Carstens – Special Projects Lead, Marketing
- Lee Ziervogel – Boschendal Project Lead
- Ashwin Klaasen – Risk & Compliance Administrator
- Trace Van Wijk – Regen Gardens Lead
- Stephane Els – Head of Finance, Farming
Sustainable tourism in action
Boschendal’s approach to sustainable tourism reflects global best practice and aligns strongly with WESSA’s mission to support people caring for the Earth. Their accomplishments include:
- A dedicated environmental manager and active Green Committee guiding sustainability initiatives;
- Formal action plan addressing climate change, biodiversity, resource use and social equity;
- Measurable reductions in emissions, water use, and waste, supported by guest education and transparent reporting;
- Local partnerships that empower biodiversity conservation, youth skills development, and ethical supply chains.
Starting 1 August, a 2% Conservation Levy has been introduced for all accommodation stays. This contribution directly funds biodiversity-friendly, regenerative farming, energy and water efficiency upgrades, and the long-term resilience of the land.
Future-focused farming and land stewardship
Boschendal’s sustainability work extends well beyond tourism. Through its Future of Farming initiative, the estate is demonstrating how regenerative agriculture can revive ecosystems while producing quality food. Key practices include:
- Holistic soil regeneration and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs;
- Rotational grazing using free-roaming cattle, pigs, chickens and bees to restore nutrient cycles;
- Smart irrigation systems powered by soil moisture sensors and microclimate forecasting;
- The conservation of more than 700 hectares of natural habitat through partnerships like the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy.
“Being part of Boschendal’s Green Key journey has been a unique and rewarding experience,” shared Tevya Visser, Green Key Programme Manager at WESSA. “The team’s energy, collaboration, and deep commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring. This achievement sets the tone for environmentally responsible hospitality across South Africa’s wine regions.”
Responding to a global challenge
This recognition comes at a critical moment. The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point report (July 2025) warns that by 2034, tourism could account for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Waste levels are also projected to soar, placing immense pressure on fragile ecosystems.
Boschendal’s work directly addresses these risks by embedding sustainability into every layer of their operations from solar infrastructure producing 2 GWh of clean energy annually and cutting 6,200 tonnes of CO₂, to large-scale composting that diverts tonnes of waste from landfill.
“We see Green Key not as a badge, but as a commitment to regeneration, accountability and purpose,” continued Kropman. “Guests from key markets like the UK and Germany increasingly seek aligned, impactful travel experiences—and this certification brings credibility to that promise.”
A model for the future
At Boschendal, world-class hospitality and environmental stewardship are deeply intertwined. This Green Key milestone sets a new global standard and reinforces the idea that sustainability is not an add-on, but a defining quality of modern travel.
WESSA is proud to partner with Boschendal and celebrates this achievement as a significant step toward a more just and regenerative tourism future.
Learn more about the Green Key programme
Images of establishment: Supplied by Boschendal