Villiersdorp cellar lies in the tranquil town of Villiersdorp, also called ‘’The Pearl of the Overberg’’. Established in 1922, the cellar became famous for its ‘’Moskonfyt’’ production. Although Grape Must Jam is still produced at a small scale, they are known today for wines, produced in this beautiful valley of splendour, with exceptional value for money.

The conservation area of 788 hectares consists of Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld, Elgin Shale Fynbos, as well as some South Sonderend Sandstone Fynbos. Most of the vegetation is still in a pristine condition and a large percentage forms part of the Groenlandberg conservancy.

The five priority farms whose natural areas form the conservation area are as follows:

Welgemoed and Paardekraal of Mr. F.J. van Zyl:
During a recent plant study by Nick Helme, a new Freylina spp was discovered on the farm, as well as the previously extinct Peucedanum pugens (**or** also known as ‘’Reuse bergseldery’’) re-discovered after 170 years!

Poplargrove Shears Farming (Pty) Ltd of Chris Shears:
The conservation area on this farm consists of a wetland. Although not in a pristine condition, this area has the potential to be restored to a more natural state.

Florina, Houmoud and Klipkraal of Mr. P.J. Mong
The conservation area still includes an area of the critically endangered veldtype, Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld. None of this veld type is conserved statutorily and with some 86% already transformed mostly by cultivation it is of utmost importance to keep these areas intact.
Various mammals occur on the farm, this includes leopard, African wildcat, grey ribbok, duiker and steenbok.
Tortoises are seen frequently. The most common species seen in this area is the common padloper, also called by some the Parrot-beaked Tortoise on account of his sharp upper lip. This species is endemic to the Western Cape and particularly likes the Grroenland Mountain- the Green Mountain around which the vines of this cellar is grown.
The tortoise is living proof that you will get to the finishing line-and have a good journey-if you move steadily and at your own pace. For this reason, Slowine, a brand of Villiersdorp Cellar, has the padloper as its mascot. He reminds us all to take our time.

Rooidak and Volmoed of Mr. A.D. Roux
Most of the Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld on this farm is still in a good to pristine condition, all livestock has been removed more than 40 years ago.
Certain times of the year, large flocks of blue crane can be seen on the farm and the landowner takes part in the yearly census of these birds.

Bessiebosch of Mr. T. Prins
Various bird species can still be observed: this includes blue crane, spur-winged geese, hamerkop, rock pigeon, guinea fowl, black heron and black eagle.