THIS year’s theme for Fairtrade Fortnight, which starts today, is Take a Step – and the Fairtrade initiative has certainly progressed by leaps and bounds.

Wine lovers drawn to the iconic blue and green Fairtrade tag are not only rewarded with a delicious glass from one of the world’s premier wine regions, but it’s a pleasurable way to support farmers and workers in the foundation’s projects.

To sip for a good cause, here are some terrific tipples which offer value for money and meet the high standards laid down by Fairtrade.

Named after the Indian runner ducks that race around South Africa’s largest organic farm and act as a natural pest control, try Stellar Organics Running Duck, Chenin/ Sauvignon 2012, Western Cape, SA (£7.95, tanners-wines.co.uk). A crisp, refreshing blend of peachy chenin fruit and grassy sauvignon, it’s delightfully free of any unappealing acidity found in some cheaper chenin blanc and it comes highly recommended.

Reminiscent of a fresh fruit salad with red berry aromas, Six Hats Fairtrade Rose 2012, SA (£7.99, Marks & Spencer) from the Citrusdal co-operative is crisp and fresh. With a taste of wild strawberries, this pretty pink pairs well with Asian food.

Fairhills Cabernet Petit Verdot 2011, SA (£7.99, Tesco) is surprisingly easy to guzzle at 14% and has a smoky, spicy character with delicious savoury berry flavours and fine-grained tannins.

But for a pukka red at under a fiver, try The Co-operative Fairtrade Bonarda-Shiraz 2012, Argentina (£4.99, The Co-operative). A deep cherry red, this soft South American punches above its weight and the ultra-fruity bonarda tames the spicy shiraz with a fine tannin finish on its tail.