Our
Accreditations
Organic Certification
Our holistic way of working with Nature ensures that Avondale’s 100 hectares of vineyards meet the global standards for organic farming accreditation. The Dutch-based company, Control Union; one of Europe’s leading certification authorities, independently audits and certifies both Avondale vineyards and cellar. Avondale is accredited according to two organic standards; the USDA NOP for the United States and EU organic regulation for the EU.
Our
Associations & Memberships
PiWOSA
Avondale is part of the PiWOSA collective. PiWOSA, a stand-alone, self-funded collective of wineries, was formed in January 2013 with the endorsement of industry bodies Wines of South Africa (WOSA), Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW). A united force, PIWOSA is now a collective of 12 wineries; Avondale, De Grendel, Glenelly, Jordan, Journey’s End, Ken Forrester, Klein Constantia, Paul Cluver, Raats Family Wines, Radford Dale, Springfield and The Drift.
Members use their combined energy, contacts and resources to collectively raise the perception and presence of premium South African wines internationally, supporting the work of WOSA and the industry as a whole. This they achieve through hosting innovative events, with a focus on enlightenment, fun and surprises, and focused communication with key trade, media and consumers in targeted markets. They believe the halo benefits of their combined investment in this manner will increase market share for all premium SA wines.
SIZA
Avondale is a member of Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA). The programme was established as a pro-active response by the South African fruit industry under the mantle of Fruit South Africa to promote sound and ongoing improvement of ethical labour practices on South African fruit farms and pack houses. It is an holistic programme that identifies problems that may exist, usually by way of an independent third party audit and responds with appropriate support and interventions, including awareness-raising and relevant capacity-building programmes. While the SIZA programme has been initiated by the fruit industry, it is applicable and open to all agricultural industries in South Africa.
The SIZA programme is underpinned by a number of principles including: adoption of a single South African Standard and audit processand methodology that is aligned to local law and international standards; non-duplication of audits and support for ongoing improvementof labour practices on farms.
Membership of the WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative
Founded by the Botanical Society of South Africa, and nowadays formally incorporated into the World Wildlife Fund’s South Africa’s activities, the BWI is a partnership between wine farmers and conservationists to protect the unique natural heritage of the Cape Winelands. Avondale was one of the first Cape wine producers to obtain BWI certification. We actively strive to re-establish indigenous fynbos species not just around, but in amongst our vineyards. We make use of only indigenous plants as wind breakers, for beautification and as cover crops.
Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)
Avondale is a member of Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme established by the South African wine industry in 1998. Certification of IPW compliance falls under the jurisdiction of the Wine and Spirit Board (WSB). IPW complies with international wine industry environmental sustainability criteria, including the ‘Global Wine Sector Environmental Sustainability Principles’ as published by the International Federation of Wine and Spirits (FIVS) and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) Guidelines for sustainable viti-viniculture. The production practices on farms and cellars of members of the scheme are evaluated and audited by the board.
AVONDALE Members Club
Through the Avondale Members Club we exclusively reward our loyal friends and family who stay connected in our Circle of Life by taking great pleasures in our wines.