Discovering Intense Wines: A Unique Wine Journey
Intense Wines is not just another name in the wine world. It’s a South African wine producer with a twist—combining passion, nature, and innovation to craft wines that truly stand out. Founded in 2008 by Janneke Rutten, an Agricultural Engineer with a winemaker’s certificate from the University of Stellenbosch, this company brings a fresh perspective to the industry. From their own organic and Fairtrade vineyards in South Africa to collaborations across Spain, France, Italy, Chile, Germany, and the Netherlands, Intense Wines is all about sustainable, organic, and fairly produced wines. They’re flying winemakers, brand creators, and distributors rolled into one, making sure their wines reach a broad audience with honesty and transparency.
The Main Benefit: Pure, Sustainable, and Fair Wines
What makes Intense Wines truly special? It’s their commitment to sustainability and fairness, which results in wines that are pure, clean, and crafted with care. Here are some key facts and figures that highlight their impact:
- 15 years of experience crafting organic, Fairtrade, and sustainable wines
- First wine company of its kind to achieve B Corp status in 2022, with a B Corp score of 124.2
- Active involvement in every step of the vine-to-wine process, ensuring transparency and quality
- Partnerships and ownership of organic and Fairtrade vineyards in South Africa
- Focus on low-sulfite, low-sugar, and no-sugar wines to promote healthier choices
- Presence in multiple countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Chile, Germany, and the Netherlands
Passion Meets Innovation in Every Bottle
Intense Wines isn’t about sticking to old traditions just for the sake of it. Instead, they embrace innovation while staying true to their core values of sustainability and fairness. Their motto, “made with passion, powered by nature,” perfectly captures this balance. Whether it’s through sustainable vineyard management, organic farming practices, or creating new wine brands that resonate with today’s conscious consumers, Intense Wines is pushing the boundaries. They understand that the wine industry needs to evolve—becoming more efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible—and they’re leading the charge.
From Grape to Glass: Full Control and Care
One of the standout features of Intense Wines is their hands-on approach. They’re involved in every stage of production—from planting and pruning vines to managing soil and water resources, all the way to bottling and marketing. This full-circle involvement ensures that every bottle tells a story of care, respect for nature, and commitment to quality. Janneke Rutten’s direct experience owning organic and Fairtrade vineyards means the company truly understands the challenges and rewards of sustainable wine production. It’s not just about making wine; it’s about making a difference.
Transparency and Fairness at the Core
Transparency isn’t just a buzzword for Intense Wines—it’s a promise. They believe customers deserve to know the journey behind each bottle, from the vineyard to the glass. This openness builds trust and highlights their dedication to fairness, not only in production but also in business practices. By focusing on Fairtrade principles, they ensure that everyone involved in the process, from vineyard workers to distributors, benefits fairly. This approach aligns perfectly with their mission to spread fairly and sustainably produced wines worldwide, making these wines accessible to a broad consumer base.
Positive Impact on Society and Environment
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting sustainable agriculture and fair labor practices
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Responsible water management in vineyards
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fairtrade certification and fair wages
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Organic and sustainable wine production
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reduced carbon footprint and sustainable vineyard practices
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Biodynamic and organic farming to protect ecosystems
Looking Ahead: A Future Fueled by Nature and Fairness
Intense Wines is more than just a wine producer; it’s a movement towards a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable wine industry. With a clear mission and vision, they’re setting new standards for what wine can be—organic, low-sulfite, low-sugar, and made with a deep respect for the planet and its people. Their innovative concepts and brands are making these wines accessible to a growing audience that values transparency and quality. So, whether you’re a wine lover, a retailer, or just curious about sustainable choices, Intense Wines offers a refreshing taste of what the future holds—one bottle at a time.
