Sustainable wines

Look out for labels

Being a responsible wine drinker doesn’t mean not driving under the influence. It also means knowing how and where your wine is produced.

Most wine farms in South Africa are leading the way by implementing innovative solutions that care for the environment, respect the community and follow ethical business practices. South Africa is a world leader in production integrity and sustainability with its diverse wine culture and beautiful nature.  

If we consume and produce wine consciously, it will impact beyond the cellar door, and future generations will reap the rewards.

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

How you can identify and support sustainable wineries:

#1 – The WWF-SA Conservation Champion

Since 1974, every wine label has guaranteed the origin of the grapes, the vintage and the grape variety. In 1998, the first guidelines for sustainability were introduced, and more than 95% of producers and wineries have already adhered to them. In general, it can be said that South African wine producers are very environmentally conscious. For example, 45’000 ha of land belong to the WWF Conservation Champions, of which 22’000 ha are preserved as a natural part of the world-famous Cape Floral Kingdom with fynbos and Karoo succulents. Thus, each winegrower guarantees to commit to biodiversity-friendly farming methods to conserve natural areas and continuously improve water and energy efficiency.

#2 – The Sustainability Seal

The Integrity & Sustainability label has been in existence since 2010 and is certified by the Department of Agriculture. It is a certificate for the accuracy of the vintage, the variety, the origin, the sustainable and environmentally friendly production and bottling in South Africa. Each wine can be traced from vine to bottle. Here is the label:

#3 – The Old Vine Project

With the Old Vine Project, winegrowers want to draw attention to the advantages of ageing vines. In this way, all young or old crops should be adequately cared for to become more resistant and gain in 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 of the old vines can be produced with exceptional 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, ten vineyards are older than 100 years, whereas a vine is said to be Old Vine when it is 35 years old. This adds up 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 businesses that apply fair labour practices.

#5 – Fairtrade International

It is a global organisation that works to improve conditions for farmers and workers. Wineries with the Fairtrade seal indicate licensed members and comply with their economic, social and environmental standards.

All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 27.05.2022.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes subject to change.