There was a time when the mere mention of organic elicited a mocking smile or stare from sceptics who dismissed the subject as simply the idle preoccupation of pony-tailed hippies.
Ignorantly, the sentiment behind the scepticism was that there were more pressing global issues to worry about than being fixated with the world of green politics.
Today, green issues are part of the mainstream, with organic food and drink now indispensable items on the shopping list of many consumers who prefer to support manufacturers who strictly follow environmentally sound practices.
More wine drinkers are also choosing organic offerings from estates conscious about conserving the environment. Organic wine producers shun chemical fertilisers in favour of natural pesticides and fertilisers. Only those wine farms certified by an internationally accredited organisation are entitled to label their wines as organic.
Also, there are some wineries which follow organic principles but choose not to be certified because they feel the accompanying regulations are rather cumbersome.
For six years, Nedbank has hosted Green Awards to recognise the country's best organic wines and the wineries which strictly adhere to environmentally friendly practices. The wines are divided into two categories: those made from organically grown grapes, and those from wineries which follow the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) guidelines.
Wineries belonging to the IPW join voluntarily and are evaluated by a board to ensure they actively use practices promoting sustainable farming and conservation in the Cape winelands. Wine lovers can identify IPW-accredited bottles on supermarket shelves with a seal featuring a Protea.
This year's judging panel included former KWV winemaker Nomonde Kubheka and The Twelve Apostles Hotel head sommelier Greg Mutambe, who singularly mentioned the Chardonnays as something wine lovers should look out for.
"The oaking is subtle and the wood supports the fruit, which is how it should be," Mutambe said. "Oak should never mask or overwhelm what the grape can offer."
For good measure, Nedbank has launched a green wine route which takes a wine lover on a eye-glazing trip swigging organic wines - from Klein Constantia Wines to the picturesque Vergelegen estate.
TOP ORGANIC WINES TO TRY
Stellar Organics Running Duck Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Reyneke Cornerstone 2013
Org de Rac Cuvée La Verne MCC 2012
Laibach Woolworths The Ladybird Chardonnay 2014
TOP WINES FROM ECO-FRIENDLY CELLARS
Wildekrans Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Waverley Hills Grenache 2014
Sijnn White 2013
Ken Forrester The FMC 2013
More wine lovers opting for organic
There was a time when the mere mention of organic elicited a mocking smile or stare from sceptics who dismissed the subject as simply the idle preoccupation of pony-tailed hippies.
Ignorantly, the sentiment behind the scepticism was that there were more pressing global issues to worry about than being fixated with the world of green politics.
Today, green issues are part of the mainstream, with organic food and drink now indispensable items on the shopping list of many consumers who prefer to support manufacturers who strictly follow environmentally sound practices.
More wine drinkers are also choosing organic offerings from estates conscious about conserving the environment. Organic wine producers shun chemical fertilisers in favour of natural pesticides and fertilisers. Only those wine farms certified by an internationally accredited organisation are entitled to label their wines as organic.
Also, there are some wineries which follow organic principles but choose not to be certified because they feel the accompanying regulations are rather cumbersome.
For six years, Nedbank has hosted Green Awards to recognise the country's best organic wines and the wineries which strictly adhere to environmentally friendly practices. The wines are divided into two categories: those made from organically grown grapes, and those from wineries which follow the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) guidelines.
Wineries belonging to the IPW join voluntarily and are evaluated by a board to ensure they actively use practices promoting sustainable farming and conservation in the Cape winelands. Wine lovers can identify IPW-accredited bottles on supermarket shelves with a seal featuring a Protea.
This year's judging panel included former KWV winemaker Nomonde Kubheka and The Twelve Apostles Hotel head sommelier Greg Mutambe, who singularly mentioned the Chardonnays as something wine lovers should look out for.
"The oaking is subtle and the wood supports the fruit, which is how it should be," Mutambe said. "Oak should never mask or overwhelm what the grape can offer."
For good measure, Nedbank has launched a green wine route which takes a wine lover on a eye-glazing trip swigging organic wines - from Klein Constantia Wines to the picturesque Vergelegen estate.
TOP ORGANIC WINES TO TRY
Stellar Organics Running Duck Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Reyneke Cornerstone 2013
Org de Rac Cuvée La Verne MCC 2012
Laibach Woolworths The Ladybird Chardonnay 2014
TOP WINES FROM ECO-FRIENDLY CELLARS
Wildekrans Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Waverley Hills Grenache 2014
Sijnn White 2013
Ken Forrester The FMC 2013
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