Celebrating RW Laboratory’s Outstanding Achievements

Robertson Winery (RW) Laboratory, initially established as an in-house facility to ensure the highest quality of Robertson Winery’s products, has grown into a beacon of excellence in the wine industry in the Langeberg and Breede Valley regions. Over the past few years, the laboratory has achieved remarkable milestones, leading to national recognition for its contributions and proficiency.

In 2021, RW Laboratory realised that they can add value to the broader community and took a bold step by extending its services beyond its own operations. Recognizing the needs of wineries and grape producers in the region, the laboratory began offering analysis of juice and wine samples for external clients. This decision established Robertson Winery Laboratory as a trusted partner for producers seeking reliable analytical services.

In 2023, RW Laboratory reached a major milestone by attaining accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). This accreditation confirms the laboratory’s compliance with the international standard  ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories, enhancing its credibility and attracting more clients across the region.

Driven by its commitment to innovation and service, the laboratory expanded its scope of accreditation in 2024 to include both chemical and microbiological water analysis. This new capability allows RW Laboratory to support clients with drinking, irrigation, and effluent water testing—critical for meeting GlobalGAP and WIETA compliance requirements. This development has been particularly impactful for agricultural and industrial stakeholders in the region, ensuring sustainability and quality across their operations.

The laboratory’s dedication to precision and excellence resulted in an outstanding achievement in November 2024. At the South African Wine Laboratory Association (SAWLA) AGM and Year-End Function, held on November 15, 2024, at Avondale Wine Estate in Paarl, the RW Laboratory was recognised as the SAWLA’s Lab of the Year for 2024, ranking 1st out of 47 laboratories in the wine industry. This award is presented to the most proficient laboratory with regards to accuracy and repeatability in the SAWLA Interlab analysis scheme. Winning this award is no small feat, especially considering the level of competition and the high standards expected within the industry. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work each of the laboratory personnel contributes daily.

All these achievements highlight RW Laboratory’s journey from a small quality control laboratory to a leader in analytical excellence. By continually setting higher standards and expanding its services, the laboratory remains committed to supporting the wine industry and broader agricultural sectors in the Langeberg and Breede Valley regions. Its success reflects the dedication of its team and the trust placed in it by its clients.

Return to News & Events