ABOUT BELINZONA

Belinzona is the registered name of a farm in the Matzikama Local Government area. The farm is situated on the Matzikama mountain, close to Vanrhynsdorp in the Western Cape. Belinzona is mainly used for Rooibos production.

Werner & René Nieuwoudt, as the owners of the farm, has a vision to not only ensure optimal and sustainable production of Rooibos on the farm, but also envisage further beneficiation of Rooibos.

Beneficiation could be in a few areas of which the most common one would be Rooibos tea. Our vision also includes the integration of nature and Rooibos tea farming (Uniquely South African) with eco-tourism. The farm also has two natural springs with exceptional quality water.

This water is currently used for domestic purposes, irrigation of the nursery where Rooibos seedlings are grown and during the fermentation process that is used for Rooibos tea production. The exceptional quality of this sustainable spring water enhances the quality and taste of Belinzona Rooibos tea. The water has the potential to be integrated into some of the beneficiation processes.

Furthermore, the farm is located on the most Southerly part of the area in South Africa that is commonly known as Namaqualand. Namaqualand is also known for it’s flowers that grow in nature during winter time and hence a very popular local and global tourist destination.

It is with this vision in mind that our core values of integrity and respect for people, our beautiful Namaqualand nature and environment forms the basis of Belinzona’s business principles.

ABOUT BELINZONA

Belinzona is the registered name of a farm in the Matzikama Local Government area. The farm is situated on the Matzikama mountain, close to Vanrhynsdorp in the Western Cape. Belinzona is mainly used for Rooibos production.

Werner & René Nieuwoudt, as the owners of the farm, has a vision to not only ensure optimal and sustainable production of Rooibos on the farm, but also envisage further beneficiation of Rooibos.

Beneficiation could be in a few areas of which the most common one would be Rooibos tea. Our vision also includes the integration of nature and Rooibos tea farming (Uniquely South African) with eco-tourism. The farm also has two natural springs with exceptional quality water.

This water is currently used for domestic purposes, irrigation of the nursery where Rooibos seedlings are grown and during the fermentation process that is used for Rooibos tea production. The exceptional quality of this sustainable spring water enhances the quality and taste of Belinzona Rooibos tea. The water has the potential to be integrated into some of the beneficiation processes.

Furthermore, the farm is located on the most Southerly part of the area in South Africa that is commonly known as Namaqualand. Namaqualand is also known for it’s flowers that grow in nature during winter time and hence a very popular local and global tourist destination.

It is with this vision in mind that our core values of integrity and respect for people, our beautiful Namaqualand nature and environment forms the basis of Belinzona’s business principles.

THE CORE VALUE OF OUR BUSINESS

Sustainability, including sustainable farming, protection of the environment, economic value, etc.

Empowerment, including the local communities.

Integration of nature, Rooibos farming and tourism.

Partnership with various key role-players in the industry.

Werner and René bought the farm Belinzona during 2010. They have a dream to develop a sustainable Rooibos farm that is integrated with their eco-tourism vision for the area. Rooibos production was commenced during 2015 and the expansion of plantations have continued since then.

Belinzona received their organic certification during 2018 which enables them to focus on healthy products that is free of any harmful chemicals. This strategy is also aligned to global trends.

Belinzona received their Rain Forest Alliance Certification during 2019. Rainforest Alliance promotes environmental responsibility, social equity and economic viability for farm communities. To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

The name Belinzona means “beautiful place”. The owners really hope to share this beautiful place not only through their exceptional quality products but also through people visiting their farm and the area.

CERTIFICATION

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Belinzona is part of a handful of Rooibos farms that achieved successful certification during 2022 against the UEBT / RA Herbs and Spices Programme. This is a significant achievement for Belinzona as it supports our value of sustainable farming, including the protection of the environment.

As owners of the Belinzona farm we will strive to continuously ensure that we farm our Organic Rooibos in harmony with nature.

ROOIBOS FACTS

Rooibos is indigenous to the West Coast region of South Africa and can only be grown here. The Mediterranean climate, rainfall and sandy soil provides for the only area in the world where Rooibos grows naturally. Therefore, the Rooibos plant (Aspalathus Linearis) can be cultivated in harmony within it’s natural habitat.

Our slightly colder climate that is due to the high altitude of the Matzikama Mountain range with naturally more fog and higher rainfall contributes to the flavour and quality of our Rooibos when compared to Rooibos grown at lower altitude.

We have identified, in collaboration with one of the leading Rooibos tea processing companies in South Africa, genetically strong Rooibos plants on our farm Belinzona with the aim to improve the genetics of the Rooibos plant in general. It is estimated that one of these older Rooibos plants is older than 30 years. Seeds were harvested from this plant for research purposes. Seedlings from this plant are grown in our own nursery on the farm and are planted in a separate controlled test area.

It is envisaged that Rooibos seeds will be harvested from this controlled test area on our farm for future plantations in support of this research project. We are protecting this beautiful old Rooibos plant on our farm not only for future research but also to be appreciated within the natural environment.