TIP #55 – Sustainable South African Wine Labels

June 15, 2022kapweine

Sustainable Wines

Look for Labels

Being a responsible wine drinker means more than just not driving under the influence. It also means knowing how and where your wine is produced.

A majority of South African wine farms are leading the way by implementing innovative solutions that protect the environment, respect the community, and adhere to ethical business practices. With its diverse wine culture and enchanting nature, South Africa is a global leader in production integrity and sustainability.

When we consume and produce wine consciously, it will have an impact beyond the cellar door, and thus future generations will reap the benefits.

Climate change, biodiversity, wildlife, employment, economic growth, development, soil quality, and pollution are all factors directly linked to one thing: our collective efforts for sustainability.

How to identify and support sustainable wineries:

#1 – The WWF-SA Conservation Champion

Since 1974, every wine label guarantees the origin of the grapes, the vintage, and the grape variety. In 1998, the first guidelines for sustainability were introduced, which over 95% of producers and wineries have already adhered to. Generally, it can be said that South African wine producers work very environmentally consciously. For example, 45,000 ha of land are part of the WWF Conservation Champions, of which 22,000 ha are preserved as an untouched part of the world-famous Cape Floral Kingdom with Fynbos and Karoo succulents. Every winemaker thus guarantees to commit to biodiversity-friendly farming methods, to preserve natural areas, and to continuously improve their water and energy efficiency.

#2 – The Sustainability Seal

The Integrity & Sustainability label has existed since 2010 and is certified by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is a certificate for the correctness of the vintage, variety, origin, and sustainable as well as environmentally friendly production and bottling in South Africa. Every wine can be traced from the vine to the bottle. Here is the label:

#3 – The Old Vine Project

With the Old Vine Project, winemakers want to draw attention to the benefits of aging vines. All cultures, young or old, should be properly cared for, with the goal of becoming more resilient and gaining quality in the long term. The Old Vine Project (OVP) aims to preserve as many old vines as possible in South Africa and believes that many old vines can be produced with special character and purity. Older vines bring a different dimension, a new character that tells a story of the land, of the culture. In South Africa, there are 10 vineyards that are older than 100 years, with a vine being considered "old" when it reaches 35 years of age. This amounts to a proud 3,693 ha.

#4 – The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association

WIETA actively promotes ethical trade in the wine industry value chain. WIETA-certified wineries are operations that implement fair labor practices.

#5 – Fairtrade International

Is a global organization dedicated to improving conditions for farmers and workers. Wineries with the Fairtrade label indicate that they are licensed members and adhere to their economic, social, and environmental standards.