To become a BWI CO-OPERATIVE CELLAR MEMBER, the following criteria apply:

1. The co-op must have a minimum of 5-10% of the total land in the co-op consisting of indigenous, natural vegetation. A simple map showing the approximate locations of the co-op member farms must be supplied.
   
   
2. All of the co-op members with natural vegetation on the property will complete the biodiversity guideline self assessment form and obtain a minimum of 65%. (This result must be verified by a conservation expert).
   
   
3. We shall identify the best 5 pieces of natural habitat within the co-op that are the most important conservation priorities. A letter of commitment will be signed by each of the respective property owners of the 5 areas, committing to conserve the identified natural sites and not develop these areas for any purpose without the permission of BWI and relevant state departments. Furthermore, the co-op management will commit to not accepting any grapes from these 5 sites if these areas are ever developed in the future for any purpose without permission.
   
   
4. The farms of each co-op member, as well as all other farms which provide the cellar with grapes on an annual basis and the co-op cellar must be in possession of an IPW certificate for the most recent harvest year. Copies of these certificates must be supplied.
   
   
5. The cellar manager must provide proof of authorization for the disposal of winery wastewater (General Authorization document obtained from DWAF) or at least demonstrate that they have submitted a formal application to DWAF in the last 6 months.
   
   
6. A summary report (approx. 3 pgs) will be produced for each of the 5 natural areas, containing:
   
   1. A description of the biodiversity features (type of vegetation, ecological value, special species etc.) – 1/2 pages
   2. General management recommendations for the site – 1 page
      
   3. Detailed map of the property and the extent of the natural area to be conserved
      
   4. 2 or 3 photos of each natural area.

The application will be evaluated by the BWI review committee once the BWI office has received the following:

• List of members and all other supply farms, natural area statistics + locality map
• Biodiversity self-assessment forms for 75% of the farms which have natural vegetation
• Letters of commitment for each of the 5 identified conservation areas.
• Summary reports for the 5 identified areas(incl. maps and photos)
• IPW certificates for each co-op member, all other farms from which grapes are received and the co-op cellar
• Signed copy of this application

Click here to download a copy of the CO-OPERATIVE CELLAR MEMBER APPLICATION FORM (Afrikaans application on downloads page).

Return a signed copy of the application to the BWI office , for the application to be processed, along with the application report containing the information on criteria 1-6 above.