Leading organic wine producers in South Africa have come together to establish Organic Wines South Africa (OWSA), a new association set to drive the country’s transition to sustainable viticulture.
OWSA unites 11 founding members, representing the nation’s top certified organic wine estates, according to an article published by South Africa Wine.
Johan Reyneke, founder of Reyneke Wines and the newly appointed treasurer of OWSA, sees the formation of the association as a natural evolution in response to growing global demand for sustainable agricultural practices.
Quoting Victor Hugo, Johan says, “There’s one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that’s an idea whose time has come.” He adds that organic farming is a crucial response to the shifting global consciousness regarding environmental issues.
OWSA’s creation comes at a pivotal moment for the organic wine industry, as global sales have surged by 145% from 2012 to 2022, growing from 29 million cases to 71 million cases.
Meanwhile, conventional wine sales have seen a 14.2% decline. This growth in organic wine demand reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, with sustainability now taking centre stage.
“Consumption patterns are changing worldwide, and consequently, production must follow,” says Reyneke in an interview with South Africa Wine. “The wine industry is witnessing a fundamental transformation in how consumers think about what they drink, and more importantly, how it’s produced.”
For Reyneke, the path to organic farming is not without its challenges, especially when transitioning from conventional practices.
“The main challenges are similar worldwide. Organic systems require healthy, living soils and ecosystems. The transition phase can be daunting, as herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and artificial fertilisers can damage soils and ecosystems.”
However, Reyneke is optimistic about the long-term benefits of the transition. “Any new project comes with teething problems. However, those who persevere reap the long-term rewards.”
He also highlights the environmental impact of organic farming, emphasising its role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. “Organic farming is all about mitigating and adapting to climate change,” he explains. “Conventional agriculture is one of the biggest drivers of climate change, and organic farming, when done in a regenerative way, becomes one of the best tools available to mitigate the crisis.”
OWSA sets high standards for organic wine growth
OWSA’s management team is strong, with Alex Dale from Radford Dale Organic Estate as chairperson, Reyneke as treasurer, and Tyrrel Myburgh of Joostenberg Estate as secretary. Together, they are focused on promoting sustainable production methods and coordinating domestic and international marketing initiatives.
Addressing the issue of greenwashing in the industry, Reyneke is clear about the association’s commitment to standards.
“We only accept members who are fully certified by a transparent, internationally recognised organic certification body,” he says. “We’re also committed to helping those in transition, but they must undergo third-party certification to qualify.”
While South Africa’s organic wine sector currently represents less than 1% of the total wine production, OWSA sees a bright future. The global organic wine market is set to reach USD 21.48 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4% from 2024.
With key markets like the UK, Germany, and the USA among the largest consumers of organic wines, the potential for South African organic wine is vast.
Looking ahead, Reyneke outlines OWSA’s mission: “Our short-term goal is to give a voice to genuinely organic producers, organic-regenerative, and biodynamically certified estates. Our long-term goal is to encourage and assist as many producers as possible to farm in a way that mitigates climate change, fosters biodiversity, and creates farming systems that are resilient to future challenges.”
The founding members of OWSA include renowned estates such as Avondale, Joostenberg Estate, Lazanou Organic Vineyards, Longridge Wine Estate, Noble Hill Wine Estate, Org de Rac Organic Wine Estate, Stark-Condé, Reyneke Wines, Radford Dale Organic Estate, Sophie Germanier Wines, and Spier.
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OWSA sets stage for SA’s organic wine future
