Pinotages from Durbanville Hills, Robertson Winery
and Tukulu will be among the first to bear a new seal guaranteeing the wine was
produced ethically.
The seal is awarded to individual wines, rather than the winery. Wines of South Africa CEO, Su
Birch, explains “As compliance has to be fully traceable across the entire
production chain, every wine submitted has to be individually audited.”
The wines are
Durbanville Hills ‘Rhinofields’ Pinotage 2011
Robertson Winery Pinotage 2011
Tukulu Pinotage 2010
“They are the trailblazers who are setting an important precedent for
the industry in its efforts to fast-track the implementation of fair labour
practices on wine farms and in cellars” says Su Birch.
The new ethical seal testifies that producers have adhered to the WIETA
code which is based on the International Labour Conventions’ Ethical Trading Initiative
and South African labour legislation. This code prohibits the use of child
labour, and ensures that employment is freely chosen with all employees working
within a healthy and safe environment.
The code also states that workers should have the right to freedom of
association, a living wage and to be protected from unfair discrimination.
Worker housing and tenure security rights should also be respected.
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