Organic wines come from grapes that are organically-grown, avoiding the use of synthetic, chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Organic farming involves maintaining healthy soils, using only natural products and nurturing the organisims that contribute to the good health of the vineyards.

Biodynamic farming involves organically-grown grapes but also takes into account the cycles of the moon and the planets, e.g. planting and harvesting according to the lunar calendar. While the use of compost, manure, crop diversification and the incorporation of livestock can apply to both organic and biodynamic farming, the latter involves eight specific preparations to enhance soil and plant quality that are made from cow manure, silica, the flowers of yarrow, chamomile, dandelion and valerian, as well as oak bark and the stinging nettle plant. Sometimes a ninth preparation is used, one that is made from horsetail…

Vegan wines can include organic and biodynamic wines, but not necessarily. The difference has to do with the fining agents used to clarify wine prior to bottling, some of which are animal products. Certain wines are unfined, unfiltered, and there are producers – including a number without organic certification – who assure customers that their wine does not come into contact with anything from the animal kingdom. For a directory of South Africa’s vegan-friendly wines, click here.

The following South African cellars offer one or more, if not all of their wines officially certified as organic – although some choose not to indicate as much on their labels. Reyneke of Stellenbosch is currently the only SA cellar with wines in their portfolio that are officially certified as biodynamic. Just click on the links for more info about these wineries, and for info about the industry association Organic Wines South Africa, click here.