Diemersfontein launches wine in support of BirdLife South Africa

Funding conservation is sometimes harder than you might imagine – BirdLife South Africa could achieve more if it had greater resources. Often one has to identify a specific donor, tailor a proposal to meet their requirements and then wait several months to learn if the bid was successful. When the owners of the Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate, situated near Wellington in the Western Cape, contacted BirdLife South Africa, it was because they wanted to back us and the conservation work we do, rather than support a specific project. That said, the plight of the African Penguin and its position as a 'flagship' species that can be used to raise money for the ecosystem-wide work struck a chord with the Sonnenbergs of Diemersfontein.

In October 2010, the winery launched a new label: "For the Birds!" A portion of the sale of each bottle will go to the seabird conservation in the form of support for the newly launched Save our Seabird Fund (SOS Fund). By purchasing this wine, you can contribute directly to seabird conservation.

While the first priority of the SOS fund will be to facilitate more conservation actions for the African Penguin, as its revenues grow reserves set aside in a capital fund will result in sustained income for Seabird division projects. BirdLife South Africa and the Seabird Division thank Diemersfontein with a huge 'cheers'. Diemersfontein is also a registered birder-friendly establishment.

"For the Birds!" is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

After the success of the For the Birds! Red Blend, Diemersfontein wines has added a white blend (Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier) to the range.  This was launched at the Save our Seabirds Festival held in October 2011.

For the Birds! wine can be bought online from Diemersfontein at www.diemersfontein.co.za at R45 per bottle.

For more information, please contact:

Deidre Taylor, Marketing Manager: Diemersfontein on 021 864 5050 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ross Wanless, Seabird Division Manager: BirdLife South Africa on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it