Most people who drink wine (and even those who don’t) are not aware that, firstly, wine production is generally not environmentally friendly and, secondly, SA’s Biodiversity and Wine initiative as well as the Sustainability Seal are world firsts. These projects have helped to create awareness among wine producers that they need to produce their wine in a more environmentally friendly way. Many have started the journey and others are already doing a fantastic job. The Green Wine Awards are about giving some recognition to producers who are creating quality product in a sustainable way.
Earlier this week, Reyneke won a 5 star rating from the 2011 Platters Wine Guide (read my review of that event here) for their Reserve Red 2008. What makes this remarkable is that it is the first organic (in this case, biodynamic) wine to receive such an accolade. So it will come as no surprise to hear that Reyneke cleaned up at the Green Wine awards too, winning best white, best red, and best overall wine for their Woolworths Reyneke Chenin Blanc 2009 (this was best white and best overall) and Reyneke Reserve Red 2007.
You can read more about Reyneke and their biodynamic practices on their website www.reynekewines.co.za (have a look at this pic below, you might want to visit the estate!)
The final award was for Best Environmental Practices and this was won by Graham Beck Wines (www.grahambeckwines.co.za) with Paul Cluver (www.cluver.com) as the runner up.
The awards were held at the new Reuben’s restaurant at the One & Only hotel. We had a delicious three course menu paired with the winning wines. That was a real treat. I need to get some of that Reyneke Red into my wine cupboard.