Graham Beck is one of the earliest pioneers in the initiative to conserve the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is the only wine brand in the world associated with a private nature reserve, which enables them to demonstrate measurable actions to conserve the natural environment. The Graham Beck property is situated in  Robertson and the Nature Reserve is part of the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem, an area extremely rich in plant and geological diversity.

To show its passion for restoring and conserving the environment and producing world class wines in harmony with nature, Graham Beck Wines has launched The Game Reserve wine range. The new eco-friendly range is not only a tribute to the late Mr Graham Beck, who was a passionate conservationist, it’s a wine range created for wine enthusiasts who care about sustainability in order to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Graham Beck Conservation Manager, Mossie Basson and his team successfully launched numerous ground-breaking projects such as clearing alien vegetation,  stabilising eroded areas, and re-planting indigenous plants. A rare vygie, unique to the Graham Beck Private Reserve, was recently discovered by Mossie. The registration process took three years and this one of a kind plant has been named ‘Esterhuysenia Grahambeckii’, in honour of Mr Beck.

Mossie’s dedication, passion and hard work also saved the life of the Riverine Rabbit. This critically endangered species have suffered a huge drop in population due to deforestation for agriculture. These endangered mammals are now residing in the Breede Sand Fynbos section of the reserve.

The Game Reserve Wines are made by Cellarmaster, Erika Obermeyer, who has won numerous awards over the last couple of years.

The range consist out of 9 wines, each representing an indigenous animal or plant conservation project in the Robertson area. The labels are printed on recycled paper and contain information about the fauna and flora paired with each of the wines as well as food pairing suggestions, and health and safety guidelines.

The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc – The Riverine Rabbit

The grapes used in the The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc comes from 42 – 48 year old bush vines in the Agter Paarl region. The Riverine Rabbit is associated with this varietal. The animals’ status is used as a key indicator of what’s going on with the region’s river ecosystems. This well-balanced Chenin Blanc has a lovely richness and nice creamy mouth-feel with more tropical flavours.

The Game Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – The Fish Eagle

Most of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes used in The Game Reserve Sauvignon Blanc come from the Firgrove outside Stellenbosch, with a small percentage from Groenekloof in Darling. The Fish Eagle is associated with the varietal. As top carnivore, the African fish eagle is commonly a reference to the health of an aquatic ecosystem, since anything happening at lower levels of the food web will affect the fish eagle through biomagnification.

The Game Reserve Chardonnay – The Cape Eagle Owl

The grapes used in the Chardonnay comes from Robertson and the Cape Eagle Owl is associated with this varietal. Roadkills and casualties due to power-wires and barbed wire are common among the big owls. 120 perches have been built for them in the Graham Beck vineyards, to prevent their demise. It’s a fresh and fruity Chardonnay with notes of citrus and tropical fruit.

The Game Reserve Viognier – The Honey Badger

The grapes come from Robertson region and the wine represents Africa’s most fearless animal despite its small size. Honey Badgers, or Ratels, dig holes, which offer a home to many other insects. This is definitively one of the better Viognier’s available on the market. Aromatically complex with citrus and honeysuckle notes on the nose and a plush feel on the palate.

The Game Reserve Rosé – Esterhuysenia grahambeckii  

The wine is made from Shiraz grapes from Robertson.  The rare vygie is linked to this cultivar. This summery wine displays fresh raspberry and cherry flavours and with hints of spice.

The Game Reserve Pinotage – The Bat Eared Fox

The Pinotage grapes used in this wine comes from Grapes come from Franschhoek, Agter Paarl, and Robertson. The cute little Bat Eared Fox represents this varital and are often killed due to its close resemblance to a jackal.

The Game Reserve Merlot – The Cape Clawless Otter

Made from grapes in the Franschhoek and Firgrove region, the Game Reserve Merlot is soft and elegant. The restoration of the Vink River has created a safe home for the Cape Clawless Otter in the nature reserve.

The Game Reserve Shiraz – The Eland

The grapes come from Firgrove and the wine displays cherry, berry, and cranberry flavours with hints of white pepper. Africa’s largest antelope is linked to The Game Reserve Shiraz.

The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – The Cape Leopard

The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Robertson, Darling, and Firgrove grapes. Matured in French oak for twelve months, this delicious red features the Cape leopard on its label. Studies via cameras have been conducted to track these animals movements and 7 leopards have been spotted in the area thus far.

The Game Reserve range is well-priced and over-delivers on quality at  R60 for the white wines and R80 for the red wines. The wines are enjoyable on their own but also very food friendly. To quote cellarmaster, Erika Obermeyer, ” When we practise environmentally responsible viticulture and winemaking, we not only ensure the quality of our product, we also help guarantee the future of our planet.”

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