In 2019, wine.co.za started dedicating the month of April to showcase all the good being done by the wine industry. Over the past two years, we have published a story a day during April, stories of change, transformation, conservation and upliftment. South African wineries are changing lives in the winelands and you can support their efforts by drinking these wines.
Imvini Wethu
International fans of South African wine can support the recently launched Imvini Wethu project. Imvini Wethu (meaning 'our vines' in Zulu) was born when a group of German business owners, importers, and wine industry professionals decided to find a creative and sustainable solution to support the South African wine industry. The idea came when our industry was at its most vulnerable amidst stringent Covid-19 lockdown regulations and blanket bans on alcohol sales that threatened the livelihoods of many depending on the wine industry for their only income.
Cross-continental partnerships led to creating an exceptional Cape blend made in association with the Cape Winemakers Guild's (CWG) Protégé Programme under supervision of Andrea Mullineux, CWG Chair and the Old Vine Project, under the mandate of André Morgenthal.
The wine is a blend of Cinsault and Pinotage from two of South Africa’s oldest vineyards. Imvini Wethu carries the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal, the world's first official certification for old vines, making it a premium ambassador for the entire South African wine category. All proceeds will be donated to empowerment and heritage programmes in the Cape Winelands.
Imvini Wethu is available to international consumers through the German-based wine retailers Capreo, Linke, and Pellegrini, and their distribution network across Europe, selling for the RRP of € 16.95
Kunye - wine that makes a difference
Kunye, meaning “together” in Xhosa, is a nonprofit wine brand that celebrates the diversity of the South African landscape. Co-founder, Cassidy Dart completed his Master of Wine thesis on the wines of the Swartland and his long admiration for the region made for an obvious choice. Created to be accessible, yet typical examples: a fragrant peppery fynbos infused, medium bodied Syrah; and a Chenin that is textured, apple-skin and guava, slightly tropical yet buttressed with a fresh, ripe acidity.
Inside each bottle of Kunye is the hope of diversifying the SA wine landscape - a belief that wine should be more inclusive and appreciated by everyone. All profits generated from the Kunye wine sales will be put into a scholarship fund to help people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa to further their knowledge in any aspect of wine education.
Included with the purchase of any Kunye wine is a free 120 page, design led, South African focused eBook - an introduction to wine - available to download in both English and Xhosa. This is believed to be the first time in South Africa’s more than 360 year wine history that a wine resource aimed at the public has been available in an indigenous language other than English and Afrikaans. It is hoped, along with the education scholarship, that the eBook will encourage greater interest in wine.
Buy Kunye wines online from the Darling Wine Store - SHOP HERE
People and produce – inextricably linked for centuries at Bosman Family Vineyards
From extending ownership through a workers’ trust, to spearheading social projects in the farm community, Bosman Family Vineyards has long been a pioneer in uplifting the local wine industry with its innovative model that weaves environmental and social responsibility into the fabric of the business.
For every bottle of Generation 8, Adama and Fairtrade wine sold, a percentage of the selling price are collected and paid back to the Adama Foundation. This is a communal fund administered by the farm employees, with mentorship by management, to spend as they see fit, to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions of their own community.
Existing projects include the Bovlei Community Centre which involves the clinic, the crèche, the aftercare programme, a computer centre for after-hours study and school projects, a well-equipped kitchen, a well-stocked library filled with books for adults and children; and it forms a meeting place for the various clubs and activities on the go.
There is also a counselling office, with a trained social auxiliary worker who takes care of the needs of all those on the farm including assistance for the aged and arranging for individuals to get treatment for substance abuse.
Buy Bosman Adama and Generation 8 wines online on wine.co.za – SHOP HERE
The Thunderchild Project
It is not every day that you can support a charity project, and get a fantastic bottle of wine in return - an added bonus, in a way. Every child has the potential inside of them to change the world, and the Thunderchild Project tries to unlock that potential for the children of the Robertson Children’s Home.
Springfield Estate in the Robertson Wine Valley volunteers their time and knowledge to produce the Thunderchild red blend for Die Herberg. Since the launch of the maiden vintage in 2008, and with the vintages that followed, the Thunderchild project has grown from strength to strength. Managed and guided by the Wingerdprojek Trust, 100% of the profits and proceeds from the sale of the Thunderchild wine goes to the Herberg Children’s Home in the form of an educational trust.
One of the smallest decisions with the largest impact, was the resolution to ensure that every child leaves the Children’s Home with a driver's license - something not taken into account by the government funding. With many of the children finding employment and apprenticeships in trade-related industries after finishing school, being able to drive is an indispensable asset.
The Thunderchild project has also employed a full-time tutor at the Home, to help any children with their studies and homework, as well as providing extra maths classes for all learners. By 2017, the project had sent 5 children to tertiary education of their choice across the country, paying for not only university or college fees, but for books, meals and pocket money as well.
Buy Thunderchild online from Springfield Estate – SHOP HERE
There are plenty of good news stories about upliftment and transformation in the South African Wine Industry. The #wineforgood website, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, hosts all the positive stories from the winelands, of which there are plenty. wine.co.za has made April a focus for #wineforgood stories. Share them far and wide and spread the good news about South African wine.