About Backsberg
Backsberg boasts over one hundred years and four generations of winegrowing on their historic family-owned wine estate in Paarl, South Africa.
The first winery in South Africa to be certified Carbon Neutral, Backsberg places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability in its pursuit of making fine wine an everyday pleasure.
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Family-owned
Arriving in South Africa as a penniless Jewish refugee from Lithuania in 1902, Charles Louis Back scratched and crawled his way up from nothing to establish one of South Africa’s most iconic and recognizable wine brands in the country.
Sydney Back, his son, took over in 1942 and Michael Back, the grandson, joined the fold in 1976. Simon Back, now the fourth generation, is the current CEO of Backsberg and it is the hope that his young son, Eli Back, will continue the legacy in future.
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Winemaking
Winemaker Alicia Rechner first entered the Backsberg cellar doors in 2002. She notes that each and every harvest is something special and terms herself “a technical winemaker who prefers the chemistry to be spot on”. Her style is simple and logical.
Backsberg’s winemaking philosophy is to provide enjoyment in each and every glass. Emphasis is placed on soil health and gentle handling of the grapes to retain the specific fruit character of each cultivar.
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Sustainability
In 2006, Backsberg became South Africa’s first certified carbon neutral winery and the family continues to farm in this manner. The estate holds additional accreditations with the well-recognised Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA) and the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) initiative.
Moreover, Backsberg is a Conservation Champion with the WWF of South Africa with over 10% of the farm’s land having been set aside for the conservation of indigenous fauna and flora. Backsberg places great importance on a sustainable future for all.
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Backsberg Wines
View WinesThe philosophy of Backsberg is that of providing pleasure and enjoyment to a broad range of wine lovers by producing wines not only with structure and finesse, but also with a high level of drinkability. To put it simply, if you find their wines easy to drink then they are achieving their goal.