JOHANNESBURG. 24 March 2010
South African Airways (SAA) is for the very first time offering an organically produced wine on board its flights for First and Business Class customers.
The Waverley Hills Sauvignon/Merlot 2007 is a local wine produced using only natural ingredients and was selected by SAA to be offered on board its flights in March and April 2010.
The wine was selected amongst many hopeful entrants during SAA’s rigorous wine selection process for 2010.
Serving this organic wine to SAA customers is another step forward for the airline in promoting a reduced carbon footprint and greener flying.
Being organic, the wine is free of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides and natural predators are introduced into the vineyards to combat friendly insects and pests.
All vineyards are irrigated with pure mountain spring water and are located on a natural watershed areas where both the Breede and Berg rivers originate. This area is renowned for its diverse fynbos (indigenous flora), giving the wines a unique herbaceous characteristic.
The wine is certified as organic by SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance), the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Waverley Hills is also BRC and HACCP certified to guarantee excellent quality wines.
Waverley Hills made the leap into the organic wine market in 2000 with 30 hectares of vineyards and olive groves planted since.
SAA offers approximately 70 South African only wines on board its flights throughout the year. The airline has for more than 20 years promoted the local wine industry through its annual selection process.
More than 1000 wines are entered into the annual wine selection each year and some of the best selected to fly on board SAA flights through the year.
Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs