FAQs

1. Why are there two seals?
The original seal (Wine of Origin / WO) certifies the origin, the vintage and the grape variety. The new seal (Integrity & Sustainability) in the green color version also confirms sustainability. At the moment, the producers can still choose which seal they are trying to achieve.

2. How does South Africa's wine industry define certified sustainability?
The guidelines are defined by the management program Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) and the Wine and Spirit Board (WSB). Sustainable wine production (IPW) encompasses both environmental and nature conservation, resource management and social aspects. A special focus is the guidelines for the protection of biodiversity. The detailed requirements can be downloaded here: www.ipw.co.za

3. Is the IPW sustainability standard ever changed?
The Wine and Spirit Board (WSB) continuously develops the guidelines with leading industry experts and bodies and adapts the latest findings. For example, the assessment of the CO2 footprint was also taken in 2011. For the future, it is essential to integrate water neutrality and the conservation of water resources more. Water is a very scarce resource in South Africa.

4. How many of the South African wines bear the sustainability seal?
In 2016, 93.6% of the certified wines have qualified for the sustainability seal.



5. How is it possible for South Africa to have such an advanced system as a newcomer in the global wine world?
Before the introduction of democracy, the South African wine industry was controlled by a monopoly, which also affected cultivation methods. However, this strict regulation also led to an efficient bureaucracy, in order to meet the requirements of the producers. Since 1994 the wine industry has been completely deregulated, but the existing administrative control structures have been maintained.

6. What is the minimum value for a company to receive the IPW accreditation?
The minimum value is 65%.

7. How many percent of the grapes must be IPW-accredited to receive the Sustainability Label?
All grapes (100%) must be sustainably produced and IPW-accredited. This includes every area of ??the production chain - from the vine to the bottling.

8. What happens when producers buy grapes or wine from different wine cellars?
Each area, ie each unit of the production chain (viniculture, cellar management and bottling), must be successfully IPW-accredited to receive the sustainability seal.

9. What happens when grapes or wines are purchased from member companies that are not IPW-compliant?
These must be processed separately from the IPW-compliant grapes and wines.