Backsberg Family Wines is a winery with a rich heritage spanning over a century and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Receiving the prestigious PAS 2060:2014 specification for carbon neutrality, a first for the South African wine industry, is a meaningful acknowledgement of this commitment.
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Backsberg Family Wines, a renowned winery with a heritage spanning over a century, remains committed to its philosophy of offering exceptional wines while prioritising sustainable practices.
Since 2006, Backsberg has proudly held the distinction of being South Africa’s first certified carbon-neutral winery. It takes immense pride in consistently demonstrating the utmost care for its employees, products, land and the wider community.
Backsberg recently announced that its wines, starting with the 2022 vintage, have successfully undergone a rigorous verification process conducted by internationally recognised third parties.
As a result, the wines have been granted the prestigious PAS 2060:2014 specification for carbon neutrality.
This achievement, a first for the South African wine industry, solidifies Backsberg’s unwavering commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The carbon-neutral certification encompasses the entire value chain, including viticulture, winemaking, bottling, warehousing and distribution, reaching even its farthest international customers. It is a truly comprehensive evaluation.
Backsberg has a longstanding dedication to environmental stewardship. Now under the guidance of its fifth generation, the winery thrives by honouring its past while simultaneously embracing forward-thinking holistic practises. It has implemented various initiatives, such as a biomass boiler and a heat exchange chiller for cooling in its previous cellar. It has also undertaken projects like the prickly pear biomass programme, supported ‘Credible Carbon,’ and actively participated in endeavours like the Kuyasa Project.
Additionally, Backsberg is currently involved in the internal ‘Bamboo Project’ at the Mooiplaas Farm in the Eastern Cape, local tree planting schemes and has collaborated with Stellenbosch University in a previous bee pollination initiative. The winery continually strives to give back to the environment and the community.
In addition to its commitment to sustainability and its recent carbon-neutral recognition, all wines in the Backsberg range are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Furthermore, the estate proudly ensure that their products are 100% GMO-free.
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Picture: Supplied
