Feel ethically good about wine

TransFair USA, the Oakland, Calif.-based group that has certified everything from coffee and tea to bananas and flowers as being ethically produced, is putting its seal on wines from Chile, Argentina and South Africa.

The wines —- which are available nationwide, including at Whole Foods Market and Sam’s Club —- are a first for U.S. consumers.

The fair trade movement has been established in Europe for decades —- fair trade wines have been available there for five years —- but is gaining momentum in the United States.

A Fair Trade Certified product means TransFair has determined that farmers got fair prices, workers got decent wages and the product was produced in an environmentally responsible manner.

Importers and retailers pay a premium of 10 cents per bottle that is earmarked for community improvement, such as a new water system or educational scholarships.

New wines include:

> Live-a-Little, from Stellar Organics in South Africa, at stores around the country, including Whole Foods Market and Publix supermarkets. Suggested retail: $9.99.

> Wandering Grape, from Argentina and South Africa, available at Target. About $11.99.

> Neu Direction, from Argentina, available at Sam’s Club. About $10.