Commenting on the advent of Organic Wines South Africa, co-founder and Treasurer Johan Reyneke quoted novelist Victor Hugo saying: “There’s one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that’s an idea whose time has come.”
In September 2024, the South African wine industry witnessed an exciting development with the creation of Organic Wines South Africa (OWSA). This new organization, founded by 11 established certified organic wine estates, represents a significant step forward for sustainability in the wine sector. OWSA aims to promote the virtues of organic wine production and drive sustainability through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective marketing efforts locally and internationally.
The key vision of OWSA is to expand sustainable wine production in South Africa. With only 2-3 dozen organic wineries in the country, accounting for less than 1% of total production, the association sees a tremendous opportunity for growth. Chairperson Alex Dale of Radford Dale Organic Estate emphasized how this initiative could elevate South Africa’s already improving reputation on the global wine stage by focusing on organic, chemical-free viticulture.
As part of their strategy, OWSA has adopted EU certification standards to maintain strict organic production practices, ensuring transparency and avoiding the common issue of “greenwashing.” The organization also seeks to welcome future producers in conversion to organic certification, positioning itself as a leader in the fight against climate change through organic farming.
With the global organic wine market projected to reach $21.48 billion by 2030, the timing of OWSA’s launch couldn’t be more suitable. South Africa’s top international markets—namely the UK, Germany, and the USA—are already among the biggest consumers of organic wine, making this initiative a win for both the environment and the wine industry.
List of Founding Members
