Sustainable wine South Africa

South Africa is leading the world in production integrity.

• Since 1974, our Wine of Origin scheme guarantees the information on the label that states where the grapes came from, the vintage year and the variety or varieties. (www.sawis.co.za)
• South Africa introduced guidelines on sustainability as early as 1998. Over 95% of the growers and cellars stick to the guidelines. (www.ipw.co.za)
• These guidelines are constantly improved, and independent auditors audit the farms and cellars.  If the farms pass the audit, they can use the new sustainability seal.
• South African producers are extremely conservation conscious. Farmers who are WWF Conservation Champions own some  44 000+ ha of land between them, of which over 24 000 ha is conserved as a pristine part of the world-famous Cape Floral Kingdom comprising fynbos and Karoo succulent plants. (www.wwf.org.za)

From the 2010 vintage, South African wines have had a new official seal.

What does it mean?

This seal means that the Wine and Spirit Board, appointed by the Department of Agriculture, certifies that

• The vintage, variety and origin that are shown on the label are correct.
• The wine has been produced sustainably, in an earth-friendly manner.
• The wine can be traced all the way from the vine to the bottle.
• It was bottled in South Africa – so it is 100% South African!

Check it out! Go to www.sawis.co.za/sealsearch.php and enter the numbers on your seal.

To read more, go to www.wosa.co.za/swsa/en/Overview