The Cape Sugarbird, Promerops cafer, is one of six species of birds that is endemic to the fynbos biome. The unique vegetation of the Western Cape is the only one of the Six Floral Kingdoms of the World to be contained not just on one continent, but also within one country. The Cape Sugarbird, a resident species on Avondale, is a specialist nectar feeder dependent on the Protea and Erica species that are major botanical components of the fynbos biome. At Avondale, we actively clear alien vegetation, replant endemic species and encourage fynbos not just on our borders, but throughout our vineyard ecosystem.
Johnathan Grieve
As family man… Avondale is a family farm where we appreciate that the health and balance of our living system is inextricably linked to well-being of our families. As a father of two and a husband, as son and brother, my inspiration to achieve a robust, balanced vineyard ecosystem is to ensure that Avondale will support the lives of our future generations.
As artist… A passion for jazz and a love for all forms of art, especially woodwork and sculpture led me into four years of fine art studies – an eclectic education for a budding a farmer, for sure! However, I have found that in so many ways, the patterns, interconnections and openness of the artistic worldview have influenced my understanding of how living systems work.
As farmer… My interest in farming started early when I was a boy growing up on a small-holding outside of Durbanville. I planted and tended my own vegetables which I sold to family and friends. I hardly imagined at that time though that I would one day become a farmer. However, the theme of a healthy balanced life was embedded in our family’s outlook.