Neleman stands for "Good wine to save the world," and that’s more than just a slogan – it represents a clear mindset. What’s behind this message, and how do you bring this vision to life at Neleman?

Derrick Neleman:
All my life has been about good food, good for the earth and good for you and me. I was educated as a biodynamic farmer. Growing crops in a way that does not harm the earth. Working together with nature is not only possible, it also brings so much more to the wine and the people that are making it and the people that are enjoying it! Vineyards all over the world are massively sprayed with pesticides and it not only harms the soil, it makes people sick. Parkinson is the fastest growing disease and in Germany and France it is an official occupational disease amongst farmers. The connection between pesticides and Parkinson is becoming increasingly more clear. Hence: Good wine to save the world!

And we are constantly seeking ways to bring that slogan to life! Just recently we joined the initiative of Torres Wines called International Wineries for Climate Action. A global initiative dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality in the wine industry by 2050. Its primary goals include the measurement of emissions according to international standards. Then the reduction of emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and last but not least, the active collaboration among the members in sharing knowledge and best practices to collectively advance sustainability.

Your winery and the Neleman brand are known for innovative approaches. What sets you apart from traditional wineries, and how does your focus on the next generation of wine lovers play into this?

Derrick Neleman:
I think what sets us apart most is our design. All our wines have unique labels, especially designed for us by artists from all around the world. We express a message with each label. Also our "zebra" design is very distinctive. All zebras have their unique patern and for us it’s a way to embrace diversity and biodiversity.

Also with our collection of wines we stay on top of things. We recently introduced several Orange Wines, a new and hip category in between red and white. We are on the verge of introducing tasty alcohol-free wines, that was a big challenge for us!

Instead of relying on traditional investors, you built a community of 5,000 shareholders for Neleman. How did this decision come about, and how does this community influence the winery?

Derrick Neleman:
In search of capital to further expand our mission I expressed the wish for an alternative way of financing in an interview. I came across the concept of sharefunding and that is how it all started. It is all about sharing. An important concept in this day and age. And as far as I'm concerned, there is not only a united against, but also a united for. For sustainability, for the environment, for the future. Winelovers can contribute to that through wine. By buying wisely of course, but also, and now it's getting exciting, by taking a share in Neleman. Participating in the most beautiful thing there is, making organic wine. Making your responsibility hard by investing in a part of our company.
Our community has no direct influence on the winery. Other than being an ambassador for our wines and our mission and that is working really well! Indirectly we are constantly aware with everything we do that we have the support and trust of these 5.000 fans and that we want to do good by them.