All wines in the Running Duck range are vegan, organically grown, ethically produced, and follow fair trade principles (Fair for Life). The wines also hold a local Sustainability & Integrity certification. Additionally, some of the wines have no added sulfites during production. The bottled wines are packaged in eco-friendly lightweight bottles, and the bag-in-box packaging is designed to fit easily in a refrigerator door.
The wine range is named after Indian Runner ducks
The runner ducks roaming the grounds of Stellar Organic Winery are a domesticated form of Anas platyrhynchos domesticus. They stand upright like penguins and run instead of waddling. Females lay an average of 300-350 eggs per year.
- Egg color: greenish blue
- Skin color: pale pink
- Height: 50-76 cm (adult, crown to tail)
- Weight: Male 1.6-2.3 kg (adult), female 1.4-2 kg (adult)
- Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
At Stellar Organic Winery, the runner ducks are cared for by the Duck Master. His job is to ensure the daily well-being of the ducks and feed the ducklings until they are strong enough to forage for themselves. His main duties also include inspecting the vineyard areas and searching for nests and abandoned eggs, which he collects and transfers to the incubator.
These runner ducks do not fly and generally do not build nests or incubate their eggs. They walk and run and lay eggs wherever they happen to be. During the day, the runner ducks are free to roam the vineyards, providing natural pest control. Unlike chickens, these ducks do not roost at night, so the Duck Master herds the flock into their own pen each evening.
Producer - Stellar Winery
Founded in 2003, Stellar Winery is South Africa's largest producer of fair trade organic wines. The grapes come from the Western Cape region. Stellar Winery purchases organically certified grapes from independent growers. Workers and growers own 26 percent of the company. The Stellar Foundation, owned by Stellar Winery, is a non-profit foundation working on social issues. They run numerous projects to help and improve the lives of workers and the local community, for example by supporting education and healthcare. Support has also been provided to local schools. Fair trade (Fair for Life) certification has also improved the working and living conditions of Stellar Winery's employees.
Learn more about Stellar Winery's work here
