Fairest Wines for Fairtrade Fortnight

24 February 2022

We Brits do enjoy a tipple. As a nation, it’s estimated we consume in the region of 816 million bottles of wine each year. Whether you’re more of a dark red or a sparkling white, one thing we can hopefully all agree on is that our drinks should be sourced ethically.

Buying Fairtrade wine helps ensure that farmers and workers are receiving a fair price — as well as an additional premium to help their community invest in essential services such as education, sanitation and health care.

With it being Fairtrade Fortnight, it’s the perfect opportunity to share our top wine picks for you to enjoy guilt-free from your local supermarket whilst supporting the farmers who make them!

Wine Fairtrade Fortnight — https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/buying-fairtrade/wine/

Co-op Fairtrade Rosé

Co-op’s vibrant and fruity rosé from the picturesque Famatina Valley is the International Commended Wine winner of 2017. Made in Argentina, this award-winning wine has helped La Riojana – Argentina's largest wine co-operative – to provide computer labs in three communities, including equipment, maintenance and free IT courses for children and adults.

RRP £6 for 75cl.

Hun Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc

Hun’s wine cans are convenient for single-servings or when you're on the go, and can be picked up from your local Sainsbury’s or Tesco. If you’re a wine lover going on a break away, these are a must have! Originating from the Western Cape, South Africa, they are suitable for vegans as registered by The Vegan Society. If that wasn't good enough, the vines were planted between 2000 and 2004, made with a lot of time and care.

RRP £2.50 for 250ml.

Bruce Jack Shiraz

Another South African pick from the Western Cape, this wine tastes like ripe, plummy fruit with a grind of pepper. Crafted for freshness using only the best quality grapes from the best vineyards, this easy-drinking, fruity Shiraz is recommended to be served alongside casual soul food like burgers and BBQ ribs. Available to purchase at Co-op and Sainsbury’s.

RRP £7 for 75cl.

Winemaker’s Selection Fairtrade Paarl Chenin Blanc

Originally from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc has made itself very much at home on the Cape, producing lovely dry whites. This wine is rounded, balanced and understated but tasty and appetising, perfect with pasta primavera or garlic prawns. Can be found in your local Lidl store.

RRP £5.49 for 75cl.

ASDA Extra Special Fairtrade Pinotage

Bold and smoky with ripe red berries, this wine is rich and full-bodied. It’s also the winner of not just one, but two awards - IWC 2021 Commended Medal Decanter and 2019 Silver Winner. Recommended to enjoy with red meat, veal and roast duck. This option is perfect for a romantic meal; easy to grab from ASDA, and it will definitely impress your loved one!

RRP £5 for 75cl.

If you’re interested in learning more about Fairtrade wines, why not join the Central England Co-operative and The Wine Events Company for a free online wine tasting event on 2nd March? You’ll learn all about the basics of wine tasting and enjoy a fun-packed evening full of games and activities!