The Western Cape is not only one of the great wine producing regions of the world, it’s also one of the world’s ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots and home to the planet’s richest, and smallest plant kingdom. Covering an area of only 553 000 hectares, the Cape floristic region boasts more than 9 000 plant species, 69 percent of which are found only here. There are more plant species in the Cape Floral region than the entire Northern hemisphere. Established in 2004, BWI, a pioneering partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector, aims to protect and conserve this unique natural heritage by encouraging wine farmers to farm sustainably. To date, over 126 000 hectares of land have been conserved by BWI, and 174 of South Africa’s 604 wine producers (28%) are BWI compliant. That number increases at Woolworths to an impressive 80. These wine producers are using sustainable farming methods that protect the natural environment and encourage biodiversity. As part of its Good Business Journey, Woolworths aims to have over 90% of its local wine suppliers accredited by BWI. Some of Woolworths recently launched wines from BWI-certified suppliers are: · Paul Cluver Ferricrete Riesling · Nitida Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Reserve · Breathe Sauvignon Blanc 2011 · Organic Laibach Merlot · Villiera NSA Riesling · Villiera Light Pinot Noir Rosé · Spier Light Chardonnay · Spier Light Merlot · Diemersfontein Coffee Pinotage · Diemersfonteun Malbec Reserve · Breathe Merlot 2010 Look for the BWI logo on the back label of Woolworths wines – it’s your guarantee that the wine was produced in a way that cares for nature.