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Rupert, top wine producers form new body

Cape Town - Those who talk about land grabs do not really understand the finances of the wine industry, according to Johann Rupert.

He spoke at the launch of the new Cape Vintner Classification (CVC) on Monday. A number of leading Cape wine producers, including Rupert, launched the CVC as an independent association with the aim of building South Africa's reputation as a producer of world class wines, and to promote the Cape's distinctive site specific wines.

The founding members of the CVC want to ensure that quality Cape wines are recognised alongside the best in the world. The association will also establish a system of recognition and classification for both vintners and wines to allow for the accreditation, governance and promotion of distinctive Cape wines and assure integrity.

According to Rupert, he and others in the local wine industry had been talking about establishing such an association for the past eight years.

"After the changes that took place at KWV, there has not really been an organisation which could unify wine farmers as individuals," Rupert said at the launch, which took place at Ellerman House in Bantry Bay.

He said the clear guidelines for membership of the CVC would include it being in private hands, good wine being made by its members and a focus on a sound environmental and labour approach.

"The CVC remains a work in progress, but I think it is a good start," said Rupert. "Of course we must support biodiversity, but consumers also want to buy good wine. I am sorry to say bulk exports will undermine our wines."

Rupert said the CVC is not a club and it is not about antagonism. "CVC membership will not be subjective. If you want credibility you must be totally transparent so that everyone can see why someone is a member or not," he said.

"I have severe problems with some members of Wieta [the Agricultural Ethical Trade Initiative of South Africa]. We must depoliticise the industry. The CVC has nothing to do with being pro or against Wieta or Fairtrade. My standards are even higher than Wieta's."

Rupert said in California Mexican workers on wine farms are treated the same as in South Africa.

"Those who make general claims of bad treatment of farm workers in the wine industry do not seem to be able to name any names of culprits when asked for it," said Rupert. "I can assure you that no one will buy from farmers who break the rules."

The date 1659 - when the first wine was made from Cape grapes - forms part of the CVC's logo. Currently there are about 30 members awaiting accreditation. Membership fees will be about R16 000 per year.

Membership criteria

Criteria for membership include ownership of a registered wine estate as defined in the Wine of Origin Scheme in terms of the Liquor Products Act.

The estate must comprise a minimum of 20 ha of established vineyards under direct control. A minimum of 5 ha of these vineyards must be established on the same land as the winemaking facility.

The estate must comprise a winemaking facility located on the estate, with a minimum capacity of 100 tons, under direct control of the specific estate's management.

The four cornerstones of membership

The members must meet technical specifications, have cellar door facilities located on the same property as their winemaking facility, and be open to the public at least six days per week for the tasting and purchasing of wine. The estate must have a recognised and acknowledged ethical accreditation and an independent audit committee must review and grade the winemaking facilities and vineyards of the estate.

The estates will also have to undergo a quality audit.

Applicants

Currently applicants for membership of the CVC include Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Beyerskloof, Bouchard Finlayson, Delaire Graff, Dewetshof, De Morgenzon, Diemersdal, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Hartenberg, Graham Beck, Groot Constantia, Kanonkop, La Motte, L'Omarins, Morgenster, Neil Ellis, Overgaauw, Paul Cluver, Rust en Vrede, Simonsig, Springfield, Thelema, Tokara, Vergelegen, Villiera Wines, Vriesenhof Vineyards, Warwick, Waterford and Welbedacht.

- Fin24


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