Wandering Grape - Fair Trade Wine

Wandering Grape roves from vineyard to vineyard seeking to achieve a wine of quality and distinction that encompasses balance through sustainable agriculture.  Wandering Grape strives to improve the quality of life for vineyard workers, their families and their communities through Fair Trade.  The Fair Trade Certified™ directly supports a better life for farming families in the developing world through fair prices, community development and environmental stewardship. 

The grapes purchased for Wandering Grape were found in the global south.  Long term contracts were established with the local small vineyard farms surrounding the wineries of Mendoza Vineyards in Argentina and Du Toitskloof Winery in South Africa.  Both wineries provide access to the necessary equipment and professional assistance in helping the growers supply Fair Trade Certified™ grapes for Wandering Grape.

Fair Trade Certified™ guarantees that every farmer and farm worker is empowered to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. The workers on the Fair Trade vineyards enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages.  Forced child labor is strictly prohibited and the farmers are guaranteed a fair price for their grapes regardless of local and global commodity prices.

Wandering Grape and Fair Trade Certified™ ensures the vineyards obey internationally-monitored environmental standards, while empowering the growers and farm workers with financial incentives and resources for organic conversion, reforestation, water conservation and environmental education.  Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.  Each grower must monitor possible GMO usage by neighbors and take additional precautions to protect their grapes from contamination.

The Fair Trade grapes sales to Europe by the community members around Du Toitskloof Winery have been used to fund a range of projects, such as a day care for preschool children, health care facilities, acquisition of computers, community center, youth and women’s club, and adult literacy programs.  A craft cooperative for making candles, soaps and beaded articles also provides training while the community center serves as the focal point for social activities and educational programs.

The communities around Mendoza Vineyards have used their Fair Trade sales to fund similar projects, such as day care for preschool children, health care facilities, and adult literacy programs.  Recently, the 219 community members have voted on establishing a sports facility which will provide activities such as soccer, netball and rugby, address personal problems and addictions, and provide a stepping stone for the youth to hone their underdeveloped skills.   

The small family vineyards have been producing grapes with amazingly rich and full flavors with excellent balance and distinction for generations.  However many of the vineyards did not have the skills or means necessary to develop their own wineries and brands.  Through Fair Trade, Wandering Grape is able to showcase the excellent purity and terroir from their grapes and assist each grower to develop their business skills and to achieve sustainability.  With every glass of Wandering Grape you can directly help the grower, their community and the environment.  Each Wandering Grape wine is bottled and labeled using recycled materials and look for the Fair Trade Certified™ label to know that every glass matters! 

Wandering Grape Community Projects

The community projects are currently being discussed, please check back later for more details. Thank you.