CPV Sustainability Fund: Of Vines and Toads
The CPV Sustainability Fund was launched in December 2009 with the release of Cape Point Vineyards’ lifestyle brand, a funky label called “Splattered Toad”. On the subject of this rather bizarre label, marketing manager Lizanne van der Spuy states: “The thought at the time was to launch a funky label for younger consumers, something that would stand out on the shelves but also tie back to our heritage and provide a sense of place”.
A reference to the Western Leopard Toad, an endemic species that not only uses Cape Point Vineyards as a primary breeding ground, but has also become a figurehead for our hometown of Noordhoek seemed the obvious choice. However, upon doing research on these magnificent amphibians, Cape Point Vineyards realized that a reference was not enough; Cape Point Vineyards decided to embark on a journey with our fellow residents of Noordhoek and the ToadNUTS please link to toadnuts.ning.com/ to conserve the endangered Western Leopard Toad.
“As an indicator specie the Western Leopard Toad provides the ideal mast head for all conservation efforts within the Noordhoek community; when Western Leopard Toad are proliferate, you can be confident that your local ecology is in balance”
In order to help protect these creature Cape Point Vineyards has committed to donate R1 for the sale of every bottle of Splattered Toad sold to the CPV Sustainability Initiative. Working closely with our local Toad NUTS (Noordhoek Unpaid Toadsavers) please link to toadnuts.ning.com/ Cape Point Vineyards has assisted in the Conservation effort of the Western Leopard Toad in the following ways:
- Volunteering to patrol the road outside our Vineyard during breeding season, ensuring that toads can safely migrate to and from their breeding pond located at the foot of our vineyard.
- Erecting 6 x Educational Toad Boards in public spaces across the peninsula
- Providing Safety Equipment such as reflective clothing for night time patrolling for all Volunteers
- Kitting out cars to enable volunteers to patrol toad hotspots during breeding season
- Funding signage to warn traffic of toad breeding zones
Cape Point Vineyards is currently in the design phase of a toad underpass which will allow Toads to safely migrate from their breeding spot (at the foot of our vineyard) across Silvermine Road to other dams and gardens in the area.
Besides protecting the Toads, Cape Point Vineyards sustainability fund assists with funding for various community projects. Cape Point Vineyards is also a committed member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative. Visit the BWI website for more information.