Sustainable Innovation Award Questionnare Seven dimensions of sustainable excellence — each section pairs concise structured ratings with space for your story, your numbers, and your evidence. Estimated completion time: 15–20 minutes "*" indicates required fields Step 1 of 8 12% FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.FARM PROFILETell us who you areName of Wine Estate / Producer*Wine Region / Area of Origin*Respondent Name & Role*Email Address* Mobile Number*Website*Total Hectares under Vines*Annual Wine Production (litres/year)*Year Established*% Exported*% Marketed Locally*Primary Export Markets*Ownership Type (Family / Corporate / Co-op / Other)*Number of Full-Time Employees* BRAND, MARKET & WINE EXCELLENCEYour wines, your reputation, and how you connect with the world1.1 Awards & Critical Recognition since 2020Include all significant awards, medals, competition results, and independent scores. Add rows if needed.Awards & Critical Recognition since 2020*Wine Name & VintageAward / Competition / PublicationMedal / ScoreYearNat. (N) or Intl. (I) Add Remove1.2 Brand Identity & Market PositioningRate each statement (1 = Strongly Disagree → 5 = Strongly Agree)Statement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)We actively communicate our sustainability story through marketing, packaging, and tradeEnvironmental and social sustainability are deliberate, visible elements of our brand identityHow do you communicate your sustainability credentials to consumers, importers, and trade partners? Give examples:*1.3 CertificationsRate the degree of certification achieved (1 = Not at all → 5 = Fully achieved and maintained)Statement / Practice*YesNoIntegrated Production of Wine (IPW) Sustainability LabelOrganic CertificationBiodynamic CertificationFairtrade CertificationWIETA CertificationB-Corp CertificationWWF Conservation Champion or equivalent biodiversity certificationOther sustainability or food safety certification (FSSC 22000, ISO 14001, etc.)List all certifications held, dates achieved, and what achieving them required of your operation:*1.4 Export & Market DiversificationYes / No — tick all that applyStatement / Practice*YesNoWe currently export some of our winesForeign importers or buyers require us to demonstrate sustainability credentialsWe have a key account in a sustainability-focused retail or on-trade partner (e.g. M&S, Majestic, Boca) VINEYARD & FARMING PRACTICESHow you care for your soils, vines, heritage, and agricultural ecosystems2.1 Soil Health & BiodiversityRate the degree to which your estate has implemented each practice (1 = Not at all → 5 = Very Significantly)Statement / Practice*Not at all (1)A little (2)Moderately (3)Significantly (4)Very Significantly (5)Restore and improve organic soil properties through cover crops, compost, or reduced tillageUse cover crops as livestock feed, returning organic matter via manure (circular soil management)Conduct regular soil analyses to guide targeted fertilisation decisionsUse GPS mapping to optimise fertiliser application and reduce synthetic input useProtect and enhance on-farm biodiversity (wildlife corridors, indigenous plants, fynbos)Protect ecologically sensitive habitats on or adjacent to the farmSystematically remove invasive alien plantsParticipate in SA conservation programmes (e.g. WWF Conservation Champions, BWI, CapeNature)Describe your most significant soil health or biodiversity initiative. Include measurable outcomes where possible (e.g. hectares under conservation, species recorded, soil organic matter increase):*2.2 Agrochemical & Pest ManagementRate the degree to which your estate has implemented each practice (1 = Not at all → 5 = Very Significantly)Statement / Practice*Not at all (1)A little (2)Moderately (3)Significantly (4)Very Significantly (5)Integrated Pest Management using chemical, physical/mechanical, cultural, and biological toolsUse of natural or biological pest control agents (e.g. predatory insects, birds, owls, geese)Reduced use of agrochemicals (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, synthetic fertilisers)Dryland / unirrigated farming (where applicable to your terroir)Roll cover crops rather than spray themComposting all winery waste for use as vineyard fertiliserDescribe your pest and disease management approach. Quantify reductions in agrochemical use or synthetic fertiliser if possible:* ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIPEnergy, water, emissions, waste, and your environmental management systems3.1 Energy Efficiency & Renewable EnergyRate the degree of implementation (1 = Not at all → 5 = Very Significantly)Statement / Practice*Not at all (1)A little (2)Moderately (3)Significantly (4)Very Significantly (5)Renewable energy (solar, biomass, etc.) installed and operational on the farmPartial or full off-grid status achieved — supported by battery storageConventional lighting replaced with LED across the cellar and farm buildingsFossil-fuel equipment replaced with electric alternatives (e.g. battery forklifts, electric vehicles)Advanced cooling systems installed to reduce energy load during harvestNight harvesting used to reduce refrigeration and cooling energy demandSet measurable, time-bound targets for reducing energy consumptionCarbon footprint calculated and formally tracked at least annuallyEnrolled in a formal carbon reduction programme (e.g. Manufacture2030, CarbonNeutral, etc.)Solar capacity installed (kWp)*% of operations powered by renewables*Off-grid status? (Yes / Partial / No)*Annual carbon footprint (tCO₂e) — if calculated*Annual energy consumption (kWh/year)*% reduction in energy use since 2020*Enrolled carbon programme (name, if applicable)*Describe your energy journey — investments made, operational changes introduced, and measurable outcomes achieved:*3.2 Water Conservation & ManagementRate the degree of implementation (1 = Not at all → 5 = Very Significantly)Statement / Practice*Not at all (1)A little (2)Moderately (3)Significantly (4)Very Significantly (5)Dryland farming or significantly minimised irrigation across the majority of vineyardsActive rainwater harvesting systems (dams, channels, storage infrastructure)Water metering and regular monitoring of all consumption pointsHigh-pressure or water-efficient winery systems that reduce overall water useWastewater treatment plant operational on the farmTreated effluent reused for irrigation of crops, gardens, or grazing fieldsEmployee training in responsible water use in cellar and farm operationsWater recycling or internal reuse systems in the cellarDescribe your water management practices. Include measurable outcomes, infrastructure investments, and any benchmarks against industry standards:*3.3 Waste, Packaging & Circular EconomyRate the degree of implementation (1 = Not at all → 5 = Very Significantly)Statement / Practice*Not at all (1)A little (2)Moderately (3)Significantly (4)Very Significantly (5)Formal waste management system separating organic and inorganic streamsInorganic waste (glass, plastic, cardboard, metals) collected by certified recycling providersGrape pomace, skins, seeds, or marc composted and returned to the vineyardEffluent reused as irrigation for grazing fields, with manure returned to vineyards as fertiliserBottle reuse or bottle sterilisation programme in placeLighter bottle weights adopted across part or all of the rangeRecycled or sustainability-certified packaging materials used (labels, boxes, closures, inks)Vegan-friendly wines and/or packaging — formally certified or verifiedEffluent treatment and compliant disposal of all cellar wastewaterGlass recycled (kg/year)*Cardboard recycled (kg/year)*Plastic recycled (kg/year)*Glass weight reduction (g/bottle)*Estimated annual glass weight saving (tons)*Composting volume (kg/year)*Describe your waste management, packaging innovations, and circular economy initiatives. Include volumes or quantities where available:*3.4 Environmental Management Systems & CollaborationRate the degree of implementation (1 = Not at all → 5 = Very Significantly)Statement / Practice*Not at all (1)A little (2)Moderately (3)Significantly (4)Very Significantly (5)Participate in formal internal or external environmental auditsEnvironmental performance data collected, tracked, and reviewed systematicallyExternally certified environmental management system in place (e.g. ISO 14001)Sustainability knowledge and experience shared with other producers or industry bodiesCollaboration with universities or research institutions on sustainability-related innovationActive collaboration with competing farms to reduce shared environmental impactsDescribe your environmental management systems, data practices, and any collaborative sustainability initiatives:* INNOVATION & CREATIVITYNew ideas, new techniques, and what sets your estate apart4.1 Innovation Self-AssessmentRate each statement (1 = Strongly Disagree → 5 = Strongly Agree)Statement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)Our estate actively encourages experimentation and has a culture that embraces new ideasWe have introduced new winemaking techniques, equipment, vessels, or processes since 2020We have introduced new viticultural approaches, technology, or philosophy since 2020We have launched a new product, wine style, or packaging format since 2020We have developed new or expanded commercial channels since 2020We collaborate with external experts, consultants, or researchers to drive innovationOur sustainability innovations have created tangible competitive or commercial advantages4.2 Winery, Cellar & Tasting Room InnovationDescribe up to three innovations. For each: What was the challenge or opportunity? What did you do? What was the outcome?Innovation 1 — describe the challenge, what you did, and the outcome:*Innovation 2 — describe the challenge, what you did, and the outcome:*Innovation 3 — describe the challenge, what you did, and the outcome:*4.3 Vineyard & Viticultural InnovationThis could be a new approach to vine training, a variety trial, technology adoption, a philosophy shift (e.g. minimal intervention), or heritage vine preservation.Describe the most significant viticultural innovation introduced since 2020 and its outcomes:*4.4 Commercial, Product & Marketing InnovationThink about new wine styles, packaging redesigns, agri-tourism concepts, digital channels, sustainable packaging supply chains, key account partnerships, or collaborations.Describe your most impactful commercial or marketing innovation since 2020:* PEOPLE, LABOUR & COMMUNITYYour workers, their wellbeing, and your role beyond the farm gate5.1 Fair Labour & Employment PracticesYes / NoStatement*YesNoA current Employment Equity Plan is in placeWorkers have access to a formal grievance procedureThe estate is Fairtrade certifiedThe estate is WIETA certifiedAll key grape or wine suppliers are WIETA or Fairtrade certifiedWorkers participate in a Fairtrade Premium Fund with a worker committee governing its useWorkers participate in a profit-share, co-ownership, or equity schemeThe estate has implemented or is working towards a B-BBEE transformation programmeStatement / Practice*Rate each statement (1 = Strongly Disagree → 5 = Strongly Agree)Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)Our workforce reflects the diversity of the surrounding communityWe offer above-market wages, or additional benefits such as meals, transport, or housingWorkers receive nutritious meals during working hours at no cost to themWe invest meaningfully in skills development, training, and career pathways for all workersOur learning and development programmes create real long-term career opportunitiesEnvironmental and social sustainability is a reason our employees choose to stayDescribe your most significant labour, equity, or worker welfare initiative and its concrete outcomes (e.g. number of workers benefiting, fund amounts, ownership percentages):*5.2 Health & SafetyStatement*YesNoA formal Health & Safety policy is in place and reviewed at least annuallyRisk assessments are conducted across all major operational areasWorkers receive regular health and safety training (first aid, fire safety, chemical handling)Personal Protective Equipment is provided and its use is actively enforcedA Health & Safety committee or worker representative structure is in placeThe estate is FSSC 22000 certified or equivalent food safety standardZero lost-time injuries in the past 12 monthsDescribe any significant health and safety improvements or innovations since 2020:*5.3 Community Engagement & DevelopmentRate the frequency / extent (1 = Never → 5 = Always / Ongoing and significant)Statement / Practice*Never (1)Rarely (2)Sometimes (3)Often (4)Always (5)We invest in community development initiatives beyond legal BEE complianceWe operate or fund a food security programme (soup kitchens, meals, food gardens)We provide bursaries, learnerships, or skills training to employees' children or community membersWe operate or fund a crèche, learning centre, or school support programmeWe partner with schools, NGOs, or community organisations in our areaWe support women's empowerment or gender equality programmes in the communityWe engage meaningfully with neighbouring farms and communities on shared challengesDescribe your most meaningful community initiative. Include scale (meals provided, children supported, people trained, etc.) and the difference it has made:* ECONOMIC HEALTH & GOVERNANCEFinancial resilience, strategy, ethical conduct, and long-term viability6.1 Financial Resilience & Strategic DirectionRate each statement (1 = Strongly Disagree → 5 = Strongly Agree)Statement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)Our estate has a formal long-term strategy (minimum 3-year horizon)We have meaningfully diversified revenue beyond bottled wine salesWe practise agri-tourism (restaurant, accommodation, events, experiences) contributes significantly to revenueWe have made capital investments in infrastructure, equipment, or people since 2020Sustainability practices have demonstrably reduced our operational costsWe report formally on ESG or environmental performance to financial stakeholders or lendersWe have a clear plan to manage climate risk in our farming and commercial operationDescribe your financial sustainability strategy — including any revenue diversification, capital investment, premiumisation efforts, or cost savings achieved through sustainability:*6.2 Governance & EthicsStatement*YesNoThe estate has a formal board or governance structure that meets at least quarterlyA documented ethics policy or code of conduct is in placeA risk management framework is formally maintainedWe publish or share an ESG report (formal or informal) with key stakeholdersWe are compliant with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)We adhere to all relevant industry compliance frameworks (IPW, BRC, BWI, Fairtrade, WIETA, etc.)Ethics and risk matters are formally addressed at board or governance levelDescribe your governance structure and any improvements planned or implemented since 2020:*6.3 Ethical Sourcing & Local Supply ChainRate each statement (1 = Strongly Disagree → 5 = Strongly Agree)Statement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)We have a formal supplier approval process that includes sustainability or ethics criteriaAll key suppliers sign an ethics agreement aligned with our standardsWe actively prioritise locally sourced materials (glass, labels, packaging, services)Local sourcing is a deliberate strategy to reduce transport costs and support the regional economyWe communicate our sustainability requirements clearly to all key suppliersWe use recycled, recyclable, or certified sustainable materials in point-of-sale and packagingDescribe your approach to ethical and local sourcing — what you source locally, any sustainability criteria applied, and how this benefits your supply chain:* ATTITUDES, MOTIVATIONS & FUTURE COMMITMENTSWhy sustainability matters to your estate — and where you are heading7.1 Perceived BenefitsThese validated items help us understand the drivers behind your sustainability journey. Rate each statement as it honestly applies to your estate (1 = Strongly Disagree → 5 = Strongly Agree)Statement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)Sustainability practices have strengthened our brand reputation and company imageSustainability has contributed to employee retention and motivation at our estateSustainability protects business-critical natural resources (water, soil, biodiversity)Sustainability practices have generated measurable cost savings for our farmWe adopted sustainability practices primarily for ethical reasons, not just commercial ones7.2 Barriers & ChallengesStatement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)It is difficult to justify sustainability expenditure alongside other pressing operational costsWe lack sufficient internal knowledge on how to adopt certain sustainability practicesFinancial constraints limit the pace at which we can implement sustainability practicesTime and scheduling pressures slow down sustainability implementationSustainability issues are difficult to communicate clearly to consumers and tradeWe lack sufficient evidence that certain sustainability practices deliver measurable results7.3 Stakeholder ExpectationsIndicate the degree to which each stakeholder group expects sustainability practices from your estateStatement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)Domestic wine consumersForeign importers and international buyersKey retail or on-trade partnersEmployeesGeneral public and neighbouring communitiesRegulators and government bodiesFinancial institutions (banks, investors, insurers)7.4 Values & Future CommitmentsStatement / Practice*Strongly Disagree (1)Disagree (2)Neutral / Uncertain (3)Agree (4)Strongly Agree (5)Our sustainability journey is driven by the personal conviction of our leadershipOur estate has a responsibility to contribute to sustainability beyond legal requirementsWe have committed to measurable sustainability targets for the next 3–5 yearsWe believe the South African wine industry must accelerate its sustainability effortsFor us, sustainability is not a project or a checklist — it is a culture and a way of lifeWhat is the single most important sustainability commitment your estate will make in the next three years? Tell us why it matters to you:*Is there anything important about your sustainability journey that this form has not captured? Please share it here:*Spam Security Question*Which number is greater, 19 or 2?
