Origin, Conservation and Controlled Wine Standards in South Africa
South Africa's wine industry has established programmes for controlling origin and production standards as well as for the protection of biodiversity. Certification and control systems help to make it transparent where a wine comes from and which defined requirements were met during its production.
Biodiversity and the Protection of Natural Habitats
A large proportion of South Africa's wine regions lies within the Cape Floral Kingdom, an area known for its exceptional biodiversity. Various programmes within the South African wine industry, together with conservation organisations, aim to preserve natural habitats and support biodiversity across the country's wine regions.
This includes cooperation between wine estates and WWF South Africa. Participating producers implement defined measures designed to protect natural areas and ecosystems.
Social Standards and Independent Audits
The South African wine industry also has programmes in place for social and ethical standards. The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) defines requirements relating, among other things, to working conditions, employee rights, health and safety in the workplace.
Producers certified under the WIETA system undergo audits and must comply with the applicable requirements of the standard.
Controlled Production Standards and Traceability
Many South African wine bottles carry the official “Integrity & Sustainability” seal on the neck of the bottle. It combines the origin controls of South Africa's “Wine of Origin” system with the requirements of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) programme.
The individual seal number allows the respective wine to be traced and documents the corresponding certification within the South African control system.
Quality Controls at CAPREO
We select our wines directly in South Africa and maintain close relationships with our partner wineries.
We also carry out our own checks when goods arrive. Where required, the sensory quality of a wine can additionally be assessed by specialist laboratories.
By importing directly from South Africa, we are able to offer you a wide selection of wines from different regions, grape varieties and styles.
“Wine of Origin” – Controlled Geographical Origin
South Africa's “Wine of Origin” system controls statements relating to the geographical origin of a wine. If, for example, a wine is labelled “Wine of Origin Stellenbosch”, 100 percent of the grapes used for that wine must originate from the stated geographical area.
For wines certified accordingly, the official seal also confirms the verified information regarding origin and, where stated, grape variety and vintage. The individual seal number additionally enables the wine to be traced.