What is Sustainable Wine?
Sustainability in wine is a broad umbrella covering vast criteria of practices.
The meaning of the term varies from region to region and producer to producer. While growing and production practices for organics and biodynamics are stringent and well-defined, the same can't be said for sustainability. Instead, growers and organizations local to specific areas take it upon themselves to adopt and maintain sustainability commitments in their production.
When practiced in earnest, sustainability can represent the most holistic approach to wine production possible. However, since the term is not globally regulated, there are instances where the message gets manipulated for marketing purposes.
Producers who take the concept seriously consider every aspect of their impact on the planet. They look beyond what’s happening in the vineyard to all the other impacts that their production has on our environment and society.
While sustainability may not be broadly defined, there are some key principles that are generally considered to be components.
These standards and practices emphasize healthy ecology, economic viability, and social responsibility.
Not using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
Planting cover crops to help avoid erosion and naturally aerate the soil
Using livestock to maintain biodiversity
Energy conservation and efficiency practices
Water quality management and reclamation systems
Dry farming
Wildlife habitat protection
"Green" or renewable materials used in winery construction
Solar-powered wineries
Recyclable packaging and other materials
Not using capsules to cover corks
Not using heavy bottles unless for sparkling wine where they are necessary
Using non-toxic Ink for printing labels
Ethical business practices
Social support and wellness programs for workers
We care what we put into our bodies and the earth
A lot of us are interested in our health and well-being and we pay attention to the foods we eat. We shop for organic veggies and ethically raised meat products, but when it comes to wine, there seems to be a disconnect. We think over time, this will change. After all, it was just 30-40 years ago that organic food wasn't mainstream, and look at us today! Now it’s the rule rather than the exception.
In a Nielsen Global Health and Ingredient-Sentiment Survey, 64% said they follow a diet that limits or prohibits the consumption of at least some foods or ingredients and 68% said they were willing to pay more for foods without undesirable ingredients.
With these trends in consumer behavior, we've seen a growing "better-for-you" wine category with brands like Skinny Girl, Fitvine, and others.
More mainstream grocery chains and wine/liquor stores are carrying products in these health-conscious categories.
Consumer misconceptions and misguidance
Many of brands dedicate their marketing narratives to what is NOT in their wines, focusing on features consumers are most comfortable with such as sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and other information we're used to paying attention to on nutrition labels.
This approach is effective because consumers are familiar with the significance of these data points. But there's more to the story!! Together, we're going to explore a more complete story.
Knowledge is power!
The emergence of "conventional" agriculture and viticulture
What we now refer to as "conventional" agriculture are mass farming methods that became widespread following World War II. According to the US Census Bureau, the US population grew from 150 million to 180 million between 1950 and 1960. As the population surged, it became necessary to increase production on American farms. This brought on the emergence of widely used fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, soil fumigants, bird repellents, and fertilizers.
These new developments in agriculture worked quickly and effectively and led to mass production but also toxicity and some scary biological effects like inhibited yeast activity.
The Wine Ship Podcast
Join Montana for an intro to the world of sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wine production! In this episode, she covers the big picture and need-to-know info on these categories.
Sustainable Wine Certifying Bodies
While there’s no broad certification, there are dozens of organizations operating in specific regions. These groups work to regulate and uphold local sustainable wine standards and support the work of their member wineries while holding them accountable.
LEED DESIGN CERTIFICATION - Global
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the world's most widely used green building rating system, it provides a framework for constructing healthy, efficient, green buildings. Participating wineries have features like recycled flooring, planted rooftops, solar panels, radiant floors, naturally insulated caves, local building materials, and rainwater capture for irrigation. LEED wineries are always environmentally sustainable and architecturally inspirational. Learn more.
SIP SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION - USA
Sustainability in Practice (SIP) began in California's Central Coast in 2008, and now certifies sustainable vineyards, wineries, and wines, worldwide. The certification is considered very comprehensive, evaluating sustainable practices on many levels, from farm labor to agriculture, and energy conservation to water quality. Sustainability in Practice covers matters including social responsibility, water management, safe pest management, energy efficiency, ethical business practices, and habitat protection. Learn more.
NAPA GREEN SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION - NAPA VALLEY
A comprehensive sustainability certification program for vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley, California. Napa Green Certification indicates a winery is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Napa River watershed; saving energy and water; reducing waste and carbon footprint; and being conscientious employers and good neighbors. Napa Green Certification maintains its rigorous sustainability accreditations through independent, third-party certification of farms and winemaking facilities. Learn more.
LODI RULES FOR SUSTAINABLE WINE GROWING - LODI, CALIFORNIA
California’s original sustainable viticulture program. The certification process is rigorous, based on science, and is third-party accredited and audited. LODI RULES-certified growers farm quality wine grapes through the implementation of viticulture practices that balance environmental, social, and economic goals. The program is designed to communicate member wineries’ strong commitment to balanced and sustainable agriculture in the Lodi region of California. Learn more.
NEW ZEALAND WINE GROWERS SUSTAINABLE WINE GROWING
This program provides a model of environmental practices in the vineyard and winery which require a wine to be made from 100% certified grapes in 100% certified and independently audited winemaking facilities. Learn more.
IPW (Integrated Production of Wine Certified) - SOUTH AFRICA
A voluntary environmental sustainability program in South Africa was established in 1998. Learn more.
FAIR'N GREEN - EUROPE
A sustainable organization with members in France, Germany, and Austria. Learn more.
Explore outstanding sustainable wines
When I come across a sparkling wine that has it all, I have to share it. Handley Estate Vineyard Brut Rosé 2016 is a fine blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made in the champagne method. The grapes are certified organic and the winery was founded by a trailblazer of a lady, Milla Handley back in the 1980s. A stunning sparkling rosé, this bottle comes to Denver through the distribution portfolio of Master Sommelier, Doug Krenik.