Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

Distell launches Fairtrade accredited, Place in the Sun range

Published:  12 May, 2011

Distell has launched, Place in the Sun, a range of wines that are Fairtrade accredited and based on a "trade rather than aid" initiative.

The range consisting of Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 and Shiraz 2010 are certified by Flo Cert, the Fair Label Organisation (FLO) Standards and produced from grapes sourced from Cape vineyards where growers are paid a premium for their fruit and funds are directed towards the social development of the wine-farm workers, who decide how the money is to be spent.

Deon Boshoff, head of the winemaking team behind Place in the Sun wines, said: "The initiative is based on trade rather than aid, and is intended to make a material difference to the workers involved."

Boshoff, grew up on an apple farm in Elgin and studied winemaking with the help of a bursary available to the children of farm workers.

He was appointed to his present position as cellarmaster in 2010 at Adam Tas cellars in Stellenbosch, where he oversees the production not just of Place in the Sun wines but also many other labels, including Zonnebloem, one of South Africa's best-known and longest-established brands.

He says playing a part in improving the quality of life of wine-farm workers through his involvement in Place in the Sun wines, has a special significance not just for him but for many of those in the cellar team.

"We have put our hearts into these wines. We like to believe you can taste it in every one of them.

"When the people who are growing and harvesting the grapes know they are a valued and integral part of winemaking, they take extra care and it shows in the quality of the grapes."

Keywords: