Organic wine from South Africa

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The difference to conventional wine is the quantity. It is important to realise that commercially successful, conventional wines in particular are produced in large quantities. Oenological processes are necessary to produce large quantities of a wine with consistent quality and a similar flavour. Organic wines are a natural product with an unmistakable, unique flavour as a quality feature. And organic wines are naturally good for our environment and therefore for our health.

Organic wine growing in South Africa

South African wine is probably one of the best certified in the world. The wine country of South Africa is one of the leading wine nations in terms of sustainability. It promises wine enjoyment where you can be sure that you are doing something good for the diversity of South African nature. South Africa's commitment to sustainability is voluntary. South African winegrowers are convinced that only independent controls and transparency can turn the credibility of South African organic wine into a living reality.

South Africa is a global pioneer in integrated viticulture

The South African wine industry was one of the first wine nations in the world to adopt regulations for the integrated production of wine (IPW). South African winegrowers recognised early on how important it is to protect the environment. They have invested in research and development and at the same time optimised the official control systems in order to make the development of organic wine transparent from the vine to the bottle.

Own guidelines for sustainable viticulture in South Africa

Since 1998, South African winegrowers have been working according to their own strict guidelines for sustainable viticulture. The "Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)" regulations are comprehensive for winegrowers and cover the entire production process. Since the harvest in 2000, around 95 per cent of South African grapes have been produced in accordance with the Intergrated Production of Wine (IPW) guidelines. Today, the IPW programme is a modern, comprehensive management programme for wine producers that complies with the global sustainability standards of the international wine organisations FIVS and OIV. The "Sustainable Wines of South Africa" seal recognises certified wine production in harmony with nature.

South African organic viticulture in harmony with nature

There are also other seals in South Africa. Winegrowers who have committed themselves to the"Biodiversity & Wine Initiative" seal, which was founded in 2004, work even more strictly in harmony with nature. They voluntarily place large areas of cultivated land under nature protection in order to preserve South Africa's diverse flora and fauna. The"Wine of Origin" seal also guarantees the authenticity of South African wines in terms of grape variety, vintage and origin. All information on the wine's label can be traced using an identification number. The"Wines of Origin (W.O.) South Africa" seal of guarantee is only awarded to original bottlings.

South African winegrowers are strictly controlled

Since 1973, the South African Ministry of Agriculture has ensured that the regulations for the seal are adhered to by strictly monitoring the winegrowers. The W.O. seal is only awarded if the regulations of the Intergrated Production of Wine (IPW), including measures to protect biodiversity, are adhered to. The seal thus officially guarantees sustainable working methods along the entire value chain from the vine to the bottle. By entering the seal number on the Sustainable Wines South Africa website, wine lovers can call up all the data relating to their wine.

Exclusive South African wines, in harmony with nature

Exclusive South African wines from controlled cultivation come, for example, from the"Bizoe Wines" wine estate in the Stellenbosch region of the Western Cape. Winemaker Rikus Neethling has been producing wines there since 2008 according to his philosophy of "less is more". Using only small quantities of selected grapes, he creates a wine of the highest quality. In doing so, winemaker Rikus Neethling tries to bottle nothing less than the marvellous nature, the history of wine in the Cape and the generosity of the people of South Africa in his "hand-stroked" wines. And he does this with great expertise and a passion for wine. His handcrafted top wines delight with a delicate bouquet, ideal balance and fruity flavours. Winemaker Rikus Neethling is also socially committed. He supports the Lebenslinien association, which provides around 1000 children in need with a "Magic Muffin" every day, which contains all the vitamins, minerals and trace elements a child needs. You can find out more about the project at www.lebenslinien-ev.deor www.magicmuffin.org

South African organic wine regions

At winemaker Paul Boutinot's Waterkloof wine estate in the Stellenbosch region, wine is even grown biodynamically. They work on a diverse and balanced ecosystem in which earthworms produce the compost and chickens, sheep, cows and horses help to cultivate the vineyards. The result is wine lines with names such as "Circle of Life" and "Cirumstance" with various single-varietal bottlings.

Organic viticulture as a step "back to the future"

The"Avondale" wine estate in the south of Paarl is fully committed to organic farming. Winemaker Jonathan Grieves, who runs the winery, describes this approach as a step "back to the future". He is committed to "organic logic", i.e. sustainable management, and had the winery certified by the International Organic Accreditation Authority Control Union (Skal) as one of the first organic farms in the valley. The 100 hectares of cultivated land have the seal of the German "Bio nach EG-Öko Verordnung", the British "Soil Association" and the USDA certification of the United States of America.

Preserving biodiversity on the Cape

For the Avondale wine estate, natural fertilisation and environmentally friendly pest control are just as much a part of sustainable management as low energy consumption and the preservation of biodiversity. For some years now, the winery has been committed to returning native plants to the Cape landscape. Grapes of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc and Shiraz, Mouvedre, Grenache, Viognier, Rousanne and Chardonnay varieties grow on 25 hectares of certified organic vineyards at "Avondale". These are used to produce award-winning wines such as Avondale La Luna, Anima Chenin Blanc, Camissa Rosé, Samsara Syrah and Armilla Blanc de Blanc.