South African Wine Brands Rethink Production As Climate Pressures Drive Demand For Sustainable Practices

As vineyards across the world face shifting weather patterns – including unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures – as well as increasing consumer demands for sustainable production every step of the way, not just the farming itself, wine producers are being forced to adapt.

At Vinimark’s recent Masterclass on Organic & Biodynamic Wines, the company’s Senior Sustainability Manager, Siglinda Lösch unpacked what this means for South African wine brands: ‘It’s about rethinking every aspect of how we grow, make and sell wine, from soil health to social responsibility. Climate change is here, and our future depends on how we respond to it.’

The climate crisis comes to the vineyard

Few industries feel the effects of a changing climate as acutely as wine. Grapevines are deeply sensitive to temperature shifts, rainfall variability and soil health, and each region’s terroir depends on a delicate ecological balance.

For South African producers, recent years have brought everything from drought to unseasonal rains and rising input costs. ‘We’re seeing how climate instability translates into economic instability,’ Lösch explained. ‘It affects harvest yields, grape quality, labour and even how wineries manage their water and energy use.’

‘Resilience comes from planning, not panic. Producers who build sustainable systems now (in their vineyards, operations, and communities) will be the ones best equipped to thrive in the decades ahead,’ she said.

While organic and biodynamic practices remain important, Lösch emphasised that sustainability encompasses a much wider framework, one that includes environmental, social and economic dimensions.

‘Organic certification is valuable, but it’s not the only measure of responsible production,’ she said. ‘True sustainability is about continuous improvement through, for example, finding smarter ways to use energy, manage waste, protect biodiversity and empower the people who make the wine.’

In practice, that means examining the entire value chain. From lighter-weight bottles and recycled packaging to renewable energy and regenerative farming, every small change adds up to a larger environmental impact.

Vinimark’s portfolio already includes several producers leading by example such as Reyneke Wines, one of South Africa’s pioneers in organic and biodynamic viticulture, and Spier, which integrates biodiversity, recycling and community upliftment into its operations.

Joining this list of innovators is Robertson Winery, which recently made history with the world’s first fully recyclable bag-in-box solution, developed and manufactured right here in South Africa. Until now, only the cardboard exterior of this popular packaging format was recyclable, while the inner plastic liner posed challenges due to its composite materials. Robertson Winery’s new design changes that entirely: every component is now recyclable, meeting the highest international plastic recycling standards.

‘These are powerful examples,’ Lösch noted, ‘but they also remind us that sustainability isn’t a checklist, it’s a mindset. It requires commitment at every level, from vineyard workers to brand managers to consumers.’

Collaboration and transparency as drivers of change

Another key theme of the discussion was collaboration. No single producer can address the challenges of climate change alone. The industry’s success will depend on shared learning, open communication and mutual accountability.

‘We need to talk about what’s working and what isn’t,’ said Lösch. ‘That’s how the industry evolves. When one producer finds a better way to manage water or reduce emissions, that knowledge should benefit the whole ecosystem.’

Data and transparency, she added, are critical. Many wineries are now measuring their carbon footprints, auditing supply chains and setting measurable goals. ‘It’s not about perfection it’s about progress,’ she said.

The road ahead

Looking forward, Lösch believes that climate resilience will increasingly define South Africa’s wine identity on the global stage. ‘Sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have anymore; it’s part of our competitiveness,’ she said. ‘Consumers want to know the story behind the bottle. They want to know that the wine they’re drinking contributes to a healthier planet and community.’

Her message to producers is clear: start now, start small if you must, but start with intent.