The inaugural Drinks Business Green Awards ceremony was held in London and serves to highlight and reward leadership on environment, sustainability and climate change by drinks companies worldwide. Designed to raise awareness of green issues in the alcohol industry and boost the role of marketing in influencing consumer behaviour, the Drinks Business Green Awards provide a high-profile platform for companies to showcase their positive commitment to the planet.

South African players in the wine industry took center stage collecting three awards.

Inge Kotze, project co-cordinator of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative acheived the Personality Award

for her passion, influence and determination in getting her message across in South Africa.

said Nicola Jenkin who presented the award. The BWI is a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector. The goals are to minimise the further loss of threatened natural habitat and to contribute to sustainable wine production through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines by the South African wine industry.

Backsberg Estate Cellars won the sustainability award for their care for the environment which includes attaining Carbon Neutral Status, being part of the BWI and bottling wine in lightweight bottles.

Dr Paul Cluver, Neurosurgeon and Elgin Western Cape winemaker, was the worthy recipient of the Lifetime Acheivement Award for his

energy and wholistic approach to environmental issues.

On the farm which was acquired by the Cluver family in 1896, Dr Cluver developed the first biodiversity and wine route. He is highly regarded for  the establishment in 1996 of the Thandi Project a partnership between the state, the surrounding community and private enterprise with the aim of creating ownership, empowerment and a sustainable business for the community.