Good news stories abound in the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these stories of change, upliftment and sustainability in the South African wine industry. Every year in April, we dedicate the entire month to showcasing this campaign by publishing a good news story every day.
Why April, you may wonder? Well, it's the month in which South Africa observes Freedom Day, in commemoration of the country's first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.
Freedom Day is a reminder of our nation's incredible potential for positive change. Today countless wine producers and organisations work tirelessly to make a difference. By prioritising the people in their community and stewarding their land, they are creating a brighter future for the Winelands. We honour these changemakers, and gladly share their stories.
Below, we share the stories of four South African wine producers who are leading the way.
4 South African wine producers making a difference in the industry
1. Bosman Family Vineyards
Bosman Family Vineyards has long been a pioneer in uplifting the local wine industry. As one of the country's first Fairtrade-certified wine producers, the estate has implemented various social, economic and environmental practices that promote long-term sustainability and equity over the years.
Most significantly, Bosman Family Vineyards facilitated the wine industry’s largest Black Economic Empowerment deal to date. In 2018, they transferred 26% ownership of Bosman Adama – the largest vine nursery in Africa – to 260 permanently employed workers through a workers trust. This included shareholding in the winery, vineyards, vine nursery, and more than 400ha of land.
The Adama Foundation is a communal fund used for community upliftment projects. Existing projects include the Bovlei Community Centre and a counselling office. One of the ways in which funds are raised for the Adama Foundation is through wine sales. For every bottle of the Generation 8, Adama, and Fairtrade wine ranges sold, the foundation receives a a percentage of the proceeds.
2. Journey's End Vineyards
Award-winning Journey's End Vineyards in Somerset West is wholly committed to farming sustainably and ethically, and has set aside 22ha of land for rewilding and conservation. The wine was the second in South Africa to convert to solar power in 2014, and it's recently achieved carbon negative status after planting more than 10 500 spekbome.
In 2020, they founded the Journey's End Foundation to help tackle worsening hunger and poverty in the local Sir Lowry’s Pass community. To date, it has provided more than four million meals to those in need via a network of soup kitchens run by local women. The foundation also funds local schools, educational programmes, and a project that supports victims of gender-based violence.
Managing director Rollo Gabb says, "We are incredibly proud of our teams for working so hard to implement green projects on the farm, and for the work that goes into running our Journey's End Foundation. Ensuring that the environment is well looked after and that the people in our community are supported is at the very heart of what we do, and we are entirely committed to continuing these initiatives and more."
3. Robertson Winery
One of the largest wine producers in South Africa, Robertson Winery is dedicated to championing community support and sustainability. From supporting the local hospice and sports clubs to launching the "Really Good Library" at the Nkqubela Primary School, the community's well-being is at the forefront of the winery's efforts.
In the words of Pieter Siebrits, Robertson Winery's CEO: "Our community is absolutely everything to us. Without the people, there would be no purpose to what we do."
The winery employs over 300 people, who all enjoy this dedication firsthand: they are given access to wellness days, counselling services, an onsite clinic, free housing, and more.
Acutely aware of the delicate balance required to produce quality grapes, Robertson Winery doesn't take the land's riches for granted. As such, the winery ensures it limits its environmental impact every step of the way: conscious water management, environmentally-friendly chemicals, recycling, and responsible electricity use are all key.
This year, the producer launched its newest eco-friendly innovation: the world's first fully recyclable bag-in-box wine packaging. The bag-in-box format not only extends the shelf life of the wine but also significantly reduces packaging waste compared to traditional glass bottles.
4. Spier Wine Farm
At the core of Spier Wine Farm's ethos lies the Growing for Good initiatives. Far more than corporate social responsibility, these projects are their way of life. From fostering art and entrepreneurship to promoting regenerative farming, it's all about making real, impactful changes that last.
"Our goal is to ensure a resilient, healthy, and thriving future for generations," says managing director Frans Smit. "It's about being good neighbours and working together to regenerate our soil, restore our rivers' health, and nourish our communities."
As a WWF Conservation Champion, they focus on rehabilitating water systems, boosting biodiversity, and reviving indigenous flora. Their approach also encompasses waste management, water conservation, and energy conservation.
With each bottle of Spier wine purchased, you help support Spier's Growing for Good initiatives that create positive social and environmental change.
How can you help us share the good news this #wineforgood month?
- Submit your #wineforgood stories: If you'd like to contribute to #wineforgood month, you're welcome to send us good news stories in any format you'd like – whether it is an article, video, social media post, you name it – anytime before the end of April. Click HERE to submit.
- Spread the good news: Share our #wineforgood stories with your friends and family via social media, email, WhatsApp... And please remember to add the hashtag #wineforgood in all your social media posts.
- Get involved: Take action and help wineries and organisations make a difference. From buying their wines to volunteering your time, there are many ways to do your part.
Keep up with all our #wineforgood stories via our News page, our daily newsletter (click HERE to subscribe), our #wineforgood spotlight page, and our social media profiles – and share them.
Good news stories abound in the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these uplifting stories. We dedicate the month of April to our #wineforgood campaign each year, sharing a good news story every day. Join us in spreading the good news about South African wine. If you'd like to submit a story, please email editor@wine.co.za.