LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2023

ADVERTISING FEATURE

South Africa’s wine country is the most biodiverse—and many would say the most beautiful—on the planet. The people who live and work here know it’s a treasure worth protecting. Sustainable Sips

South Africa has an extraordinary record when it comes to environmental and social sustainability. Over 95 per cent of the wine industry here participates in Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), an initiative that sets standards for farmers and winemakers. It regularly audits everything from biodiversity conservation to waste water management to worker safety, and places a seal on every certified bottle as a guarantee. Customers can use the seal to trace any wine all the way back to the vineyard where the grapes were grown. For many wine producers, that’s only the beginning. In the last decade, companies across the country have developed a range of forward-thinking initiatives. Some foster environmental stewardship or ethical trade practices; others focus on social sustainability, education and Black economic empowerment. Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, from the Swartland region, for example, created Great Heart as a staff empowerment project. The brand is owned by the people who produce the wines, from the vineyard to the winery to the warehouse, and they all benefit directly from sales. The certified organic wines from the Boekenhoutskloof winery (producers of LCBO favourites The Wolftrap, The Chocolate Block and Porcupine Ridge wines) tick every available eco-friendly box. The winery is also a founding member of the Franschhoek Conservancy, which ensures the sustainability of biodiversity and community enrichment within the Franschhoek Valley. Boschendal, also from Franschhoek, is one of 55 WWF Conservation Champions, an award earned by South African wine farms that show exceptional environmental commitment and leadership. Here in Ontario, we love South African wines for their quality and exceptional value. Now there’s even more about them to celebrate.

BOSCHENDAL WINE ESTATE