With biodiversity constantly under threat, the effects of wine farming on its surrounding ecosystems is a major issue. The Nedbank Green Awards is a competition that encourages farmers to adopt farming practices that ensure the delicate balance of ecosystem health and human needs is met.
This year, the Nedbank Green Wine Awards acknowledged the progress made by these wine farms, while also promoting wine producers that farm in an environmentally responsible way. The competition was divided into two categories:
- Best wine from organically grown grapes (rated according to the 20-point/5-star system)
- Best environmental practices (judged by a panel of four environmental experts)
The top 10 wines from organically grown grapes
4 Stars
Reyneke Chenin Blanc 2010 – R100 (Winner of Best White Wine Award and Best Wine Overall)
Waverley Hills Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 – R45
Laibach Ladybird Red 2010 – R85 (Winner of Best Red Wine Award)
Stellar Organic Heaven on Earth – R59 (Winner of Best Natural Sweet Wine)
3 ½ Stars
Reyneke Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2010 – R55
Laibach Woolworths Merlot 2010 – R85
3 Stars
Reyneke Sauvignon Blanc 2010 – R80
Waverley Hills Shiraz 2009 – R50
Wedderwill 17°C 2008 – R53
Waverley Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – R50
Best Environmental Practices Award
This category of the Nedbank Green Wine Awards highlights those producers that farm in a sustainable manner, while giving back to the environment and community in which they exist.
Entrants to the Best Environmental Practices Award are assessed on water management, conservation of natural areas and ecosystems, energy efficiency/ reduction of carbon emissions, soil management, chemical control and other environmental initiatives (from education programmes and community involvement to eco-tourism).
A minimum condition of entry is a 70% IPW rating from the WWF Biodiversity & Wine Initiative.
First place: Paul Cluver Wines, Elgin
Contact tel 021-844-0605, email [email protected], www.cluver.com
Second place: La Motte, Franschhoek
Contact tel 021-876-8000, email [email protected], www.la-motte.com
Third place: Waverley Hills, Tulbagh
Contact tel 023-231-0002, email [email protected], www.waverleyhills.co.za
Fourth place: Cloof/Burghersport, Darling
Contact tel 022-492-2839, www.cloof.co.za
With the help of initiatives such as the Nedbank Green Wine Awards, many wine farmers have started to realise that without a steady natural biodiversity, nature responds erratically and unpredictably, making it difficult to plan production. And while farming with chemicals might be easier and more profitable in the short-term, it may ultimately be harmful to the land they’d like their children to inherit one day. Read the full article on the winners of the Nedbank Green Wine Awards in the Dec issue of Getaway Magazine, in stores 21 November or get the full 2011 Nedbank Green Wine Awards booklet at any Woolworths or Exclusive Books, bundled with Getaway’s December issue.
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