"We are delighted to partner with our long-standing partner; WWF SA who has been instrumental in the formulation of the Biodiversity & Wine initiative as well as Getaway Magazine to bring the Green Wine Awards. This is in keeping with our sustainability accolades and commitment to communities in which we operate. Through these awards, we are able to create a platform where wine producers are acknowledged for their overall contribution beyond the wine industry which includes the agricultural and tourism sectors. Our involvement forms part of the Green Trust through the Nedbank Affinities, over the past two decades – through which the bank continues to make significant contributions to the preservation and protection of the environment," said Becky Penumlungu, sponsorship manager: lifestyle properties at Nedbank.
Over 120 wines were judged across two categories (Best wines made from Organically Grown Grapes and Best Wines from Integrated Production of Wine category), by the panel led by internationally renowned wine judge Fiona McDonald.
Judges in the Best Farming Practices category looked at not only what goes into the bottle but considered the wellbeing of farm employees and surrounding communities and the wider impact of farming on the surrounding environments. The judging panel included Duimpie Bayly, honorary life president of the SA Society of Enology and Wine Viticulture, Daniël Scheitakat of the Integrated Production of Wine, and Anél Blignaut, an environmental consultant. The judges, along with members of the WWF and fellow producers voted on La Motte as the 2016 Best Farming Practice Overall Winner.
Fifteen top achievers were announced at this year’s awards function held on the 20 October in Cape Town.
Judges Overall Winner - Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2014
Judges Best Red - Gabriëlskloof The Blend 2014
Judges Best White - Journey's End Destination Chardonnay 2014
Bloggers Overall Winner - Vondeling Babiana 2015
Best Value Winner - Jordan Chameleon Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2015
Judges Overall Winner - Earthbound Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2015
Judges Best Red - Earthbound Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2015
Judges Best White - Longridge Chardonnay 2015
Bloggers Overall Winner - Org De Rac Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Best Value Winner - Org De Rac Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Leader in Energy conservation - Lourensford
Leader in Water conservation - Paul Cluver
Leader in Eco-tourism - Bartinney
Leader in Community development - La Motte
The 2016 Best Farming Practise Award - La Motte
Wine enthusiasts will be able to sample the winning wines from the 2016 Nedbank Green Wine Awards in Cape Town and Johannesburg in November. More information on these tasting events can be found here.
