In end November, Bosman Family Vineyards was voted "Ethical Company of the Year" at The Drinks Business Green Awards in London. The Drinks Business is the leading European drinks trade publication at the forefront of developments in the drinks industry, focusing on wine, spirits and beer.
This award comes on the back of two other prestigious awards this year:
- Winery of the Year – Platter's Wine Guide 2024
- Viticulturist of the Year – Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2024
The Bosman family and community have been farming together in the Bovlei of Wellington since 1810. Today Petrus Bosman and his brothers are the eighth generation at the helm, supported by employees who can trace their roots back over generations as well, creating a culture of dependence on each other and on the land where they live and work.
In 2007, Bosman Family Vineyards released their first own-label wine; in 2008 the workers obtained a 26% share in the entire agribusiness; and in 2009 the farm became Fairtrade accredited, setting the business on a trajectory for mutual success and guided by their singular vision "Dedicated to better".
"This award affirms our mission to become the leading ethical producer of premium wine," says Petrus.
The company annually exports 2.3million litres of Fairtrade wine to European retailers, and the social premiums derived from this fund a learning centre for 180 children, 3 buses to transport learners and workers, a clinic and numerous social upliftment programmes.
This is the second time in eight years that the company has won this award, and they were twice voted runner-up.
Significant wine awards
These efforts gain extra significance when combined with their proven track record of excellent wines. Their long list of accolades bears scrutiny, but highlights of individual wine awards include:
Optenhorst Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc
2023: 2024 Tim Atkin SA Special Report - 95 points
2022: 2025 Platter's Wine Guide - 5 Stars
Twyfeling Single Vineyard Cinsaut
2022: 2024 Tim Atkin SA Special Report - 93 points
2022: 2025 Platter's Wine Guide - 4.5 Stars
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
2021: 2025 Platter's Wine Guide - 5 Stars
Bosman Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
2024 Investec Trophy Wine Show - Best Museum Class Cabernet for the 2013 vintage
The judges for The Drinks Business award cited this producer’s "inspiring" and "transformative" community work and were particularly impressed by their inclusive business ownership model where individuals are empowered through shared ownership and sustainable opportunities for advancement that promise prosperity for future generations.