Producer Notes :  Stellar Organics Winery, Namaqualand, South Africa : Established in 2002 by the four Rossouw brothers, Stellar Organics became a joint venture between them and a local farmer's group..  Awarded Fairtrade certification in 2004, the workers now own 26% of the shares.  Today the Trust serves as a forum for workers to identify their needs and manages the income derived from Fairtrade sales as well as the projects in hand. Projects include fencing for workers houses, free housing and electricity for permanent farm workers and a trained health care committee on the farm for workers.
To date, Fairtrade has paid for fencing for workers houses, free housing and electricity and water for permanent farm workers and all schooling and child-care facilities are subsidised. In addition all workers receive health care and the permanent services of a community worker and a Community Watch Programme has been set up to combat crime and antisocial behaviour, staffed and run by the community. They also encourage the workforce to take advantage of further education. Courses range from personal health and hygiene to winemaking.

Description: A superb dessert wine, light gold colour. The nose is very fragrant and hints at roses, apricots and pine trees on a hot windless day. The delicate flavours of the roses and apricots come through on the taste and are held together by wisps of rooibos, ending with pine nuts.Wine Spectator: Issue: Web Only - 2009. Quite sweet, with lots of date, candied citrus peel and dried papaya notes that flow through the rich, spice-filled finish. Unctuous and inviting, with just a blip of heat at the very end. Muscat Alexandria. Drink now through 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,000 cases made. –JM.John Platter Guide 2008.

Heaven on Earth Natural Sweet Range : Stellar Organics range Category : Vin de paille Organic

Vintage : 2006. Muscat, air-dried on bed of organic rooibos! 2006 concentrated apricots & orange marmalade behind fresh waxy texture. Pvs listed as 'Heaven on Earth Vin de Paille'.

John Platter Guide 2007.

Heaven on Earth Vin de Paille

None since 2003, sample provisionally rated .

John Platter Guide 2006.

Heaven on Earth Vin de Paille

Still current 2003 a convincing statement from muscat d’A dried on straw & rooibos tea! Unctuous mouthfeel (300g/ℓ RS), weighty mid-palate of cooked apricot, cream & (what else') rooibos. 11.5% alc. Sample, perhaps even ½ on release.

Vinification: Organic Muscat d'Alexandrie (Hanepoot) grapes are laid to rest on a bed of organic Rooibos tea and straw for several weeks or months. The fragrance of the tea infuses the dried grapes which are then pressed, yielding a sweet syrup that is fermented into wine.