A South African winery has launched the world’s first Sulphite-free white wine, made using Honeybush and Rooibos chips. Economic Opportunities Minister, Alan Winde, joined Audacia director Trevor Strydom and winemaker Neil Patterson for the launch of the pioneering new wine this morning. Speaking at the launch, Strydom explained that sulphur was commonly used as a preservative in wine. Some people, however, were allergic to sulphur.

“The antioxidant-rich indigenous Rooibos and Honeybush wood chips we use in our wine making process removes the need to preserve wine by adding sulphur,” said Strydom.

Audacia is in the process of patenting the method in over 80 countries across the world. The company is also conducting trials on ‘low kilojoules, low alcohol’ wines. Traditionally when lowering the alcohol level in wines, more sugar is added which changes the taste of the wine. Audacia is seeking to produce a low sugar, low alcohol wine without compromising the taste.