What better way to welcome the silly season than with a glass of wine? When you opt for a bottle of Fairtrade wine you’re actively voting for the promotion of ethical and sustainable wine grape production in South Africa. Making a difference is as easy as sipping on a chardonnay this summer.

5 reasons why you should buy Fairtrade wine

1. When you buy a Fairtrade wine, 70c of the price you pay goes directly into the hand of farm workers. If every adult South African bought one bottle of Fairtrade wine in November, over 26 million rands would be invested in the improvement of life in the winelands. You could be helping to build a crèche, or contributing to the financing of school fees, uniforms and stationery for kids in the Western Cape farming communities.

2. The current 28 certified wine grape producers extend over 68 farms and employ over 2,500 farm workers. Counting their families and communities, Fairtrade estimate that the sale of South African Fairtrade wine is a key contributor in the improvement of living and working conditions for over 12,000 people in the Western Cape.

3. Fairtrade certification also ensures that the wine is produced sustainably in accordance with Fairtrade standards. These standards include protection of sensitive natural areas, minimised and safe use of agrochemicals and ban of prohibited pesticides, safe and sustainable handling of waste and water, and no use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

4.      Two thirds of the 20 million litres of Fairtrade wine sold globally comes from South Africa. By choosing Fairtrade, you can help make South Africa the leaders in ethical and sustainable wine making.

5.      Fairtrade wines have won medals all over the world, as well as at local competitions like the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.

What is Fairtrade?

The Fairtrade label acts as a signal to consumers that a farmer’s product has met the system’s rigorous set of international standards.

How you can contribute:

1. Order a glass of Fairtrade wine at your local branch of Col’Cacchio, Spur or tasha’s.
2. Buy your favourite Fairtrade wine, available at all good retailers.
3.   Follow Fairtrade on Facebook and Twitter for delicious recipes, tips on how to pair your wine with your favourite meal, and helpful hints for when you’re cooking with wine from Fairtrade Ambassador Reuben Riffel.
Read more about Fairtrade on their website here.