PLACE IN THE SUN WINES: TASTE THE OPTIMISM

Fairtrade-accredited Place in the Sun wines are big-hearted, bright and optimistic. They are made from Devon Valley grapes, grown by positive people, who thrive because of the way their role is acknowledged.  A premium is paid to the Stellenbosch growers and the farm’s Fairtrade Premium Committee decides on how to spend the funds.Apart from a series of educational and recreational initiatives it runs to improve the quality of life of the community of 250, the committee also cultivates two vegetable gardens. The crops ensure a nutritious diet for the workers and their children, who number around 180.Almost 1,5 hectares have been set aside for the planting of onions, potatoes, peas, squash, pumpkins, carrots, cucumbers and watermelons, with all seeds and irrigation supplied by the committee. The workers tend the gardens in their own time.  This year’s harvest is their third. If they have more than they need, they can sell their extra produce for personal gain.Deon Boshoff, who heads the team making Place in the Sun wines, says of the Fairtrade impact: “When the workers growing and harvesting the grapes know they are a valued and integral part of winemaking, they take extra care and it shows in the quality of the grapes. At our cellars, we try to capture that sense of care by letting the fruit characters come through just as they are. It’s our way of honouring the part they play.”There are five wines in the range and are available at selected stockists. The juicy, flavourful Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz retail for around R 52 each, while the unwooded Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are on offer for around R42.Follow Place in the Sun on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PlaceintheSunSA) and/or Twitter (www.twitter.com/PlaceintheSunSA ). Visit the website: www.placeinthesun.co.zaJoin the Twitter conversation using: #veggiesgivingback


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