WIN: Wine from Backsberg Estate Cellars (CT/JHB/DBN readers)

Spring is here, summer is ready to make an entrance and there’s no finer time to drink pink. October’s #winwinewithcapetowndiva focuses on Backsberg, a lush estate ensconced in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains neighbouring the wine towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

THE FABULOUS PRIZE

Firstly, this competition is open to my readers in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban! Three people (one from each city) can wine a case of SIX of these divine wines from Backsberg’s main range and  Tread Lightly range 👇

🍷 2 bottles of  Pinotage Rosé 2020
🍷 2 bottles of Rosé 2020
🍷 2 bottles of Tread Lightly Rosé 2018

Each wine is unique and all are a celebration of the rosé category. Both the Pinotage Rosé and Tread Lightly Rosé are Provençal-style dry rosés, whereas the Premium Rosé is semi-sweet. The Tread Lightly Rosé is a slightly older vintage to show the possibilities that exist when a wine like this is slightly aged.

The Tread Lightly range embodies sustainability on the 104 year old farm of which 10% has been set aside for the conservation of indigenous fauna and flora

BUT FIRST, MORE ABOUT BACKSBERG & IMPRESSIVE ECO ASPECTS 

As a writer who is passionate about all things eco, I love that this blue chip wine brand is so connected to the earth and committed to environmentally sensitive farming and (*read: labelling) marketing practices. Their ethos is spelled out clearly on their website: To tread lightly is to step with care; to mindfully leave no trace. It means acting with gentle intention, while existing harmoniously within a greater ecosystem. Backsberg takes care of the land because it’s home. Producing wine sustainably is not a chore – it is simply what we do and what we love. All wines in this range are bottled in lightweight glass and *labelled with Tree Free Paper produced from 5% hemp and linen and 95% recycled sugarcane waste.

SA’s VERY FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL WINERY

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In 2006, Backsberg became South Africa’s first certified carbon neutral winery and the family continues to farm in this manner. The estate holds additional accreditations with the well-recognised Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA) and the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) initiative. Moreover, Backsberg is one of nearly 40 WWF-SA Conservation Champions with over 10% of the farm’s land having been set aside for the conservation of indigenous fauna and flora. As South Africa’s very first carbon neutral winery and a proud WWF Conservation Champion, Backsberg places great importance on a sustainable future for all.

THE BACKSBERG FAMILY, a tradition in wine

The Back family business was founded by Charles Louis Back – who came to South Africa from Lithunia as a  Jewish refugee in 1902. Sydney Back, his son, took over in 1942 and Michael Back, the grandson, joined the fold in 1976. Simon Back, now the fourth generation, is the current CEO of Backsberg and it is the hope that his son, Eli Back, will continue the legacy in future. Over the years the estate has gone through many iterations – it has been a mixed farming operation (from fruit to grapes and even livestock) but today the focus is on the wine business. Celebrating four generations of family ownership, and several years of quality winemaking, Backsberg continues to thrive by honouring the past while simultaneously forging ahead with forward-thinking holistic practices.

By the way, Backsberg also produces brandy and a range of kosher wines. These wines are not only Mevushal but Kosher for Passover too. Called Unorthodox, they are a unique take on Kosher wines, perfect for your Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover table, or any other special occasion for that matter.

Image courtesy Backsberg