Comprehensive Sustainability Strategies in Wine Producing: A 360-Degree Perspective in Vineyards
Sustainable wine certification ain't no walk in the park, especially in the unorganized viticulture landscapes of the US and Canada. However, things are slowly changing with state-specific guidelines popping up left and right. Sustainable farming ain't just about caring for the land and the crops, it's also about the folks who work the land and the community as a whole.
In the Pacific Northwest, where wine-growing is on the rise, vineyards are starting to jump on the sustainable bandwagon. One such vineyard, located in Washington State's Rattlesnake Hills AVA, was among the first to receive the new Sustainable WA certification in 2022. Marissa Dineen, the owner and vintner, defines sustainability as a broader concept: "I always start with: sustainability is broader. Not only does it consider your farming practices, which is really what organic and biodynamic do, but it also considers the people, HR and social justice aspect. And the proper business management, which we refer to as 'prosperity' in the sustainability framework."
Winemakers and growers passionate about sustainable viticulture share similar values. They see sustainable wine certifications as building on existing programs that certify organic, biodynamic, regenerative, salmon-safe, natural, and other eco-friendly wines with a more holistic approach to wine-growing and the wine business itself. Benefits of sustainable viticulture include increased transparency of grape and wine quality, the opportunity to connect with others in the wine community, and better adaptation to climate change and unpredictable growing seasons.
In Long Island, New York, winemakers approach sustainability similarly, considering all aspects, from social justice to soil health. Rich Olsen-Harbich, director of winemaking at Bedell Cellars, emphasizes the importance of understanding the science of viticulture, the local ecosystem, and the long-term viability of the wine business to incorporate sustainable practices over time.
Sustainable wine certifications, like the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW), exist to help guide winemakers and vineyards towards environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable practices. These certifications have evolved to overcome challenges, such as misunderstandings that sustainable means organic, and to attract and retain farmers by emphasizing best management practices and meeting all environmental and government rules.
As the wine industry moves towards a more sustainable future, it's clear that the focus must be on creating a holistic approach that considers both the environment and the people involved in its production. Sustainable wine certifications, like Sustainable WA and LISW, will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future, ensuring that wine-growing remains a viable and responsible practice for generations to come.
Financial institutions are increasingly showing interest in sustainable wine businesses, recognizing the long-term viability and responsible practices these certification programs call for. As such, sustainable wine certifications like Sustainable WA and LISW become attractive for investors and lenders who seek to support environmentally responsible and socially equitable businesses within the wine industry.
With more winemakers and growers adopting sustainable practices, there is a growing need for robust financial reporting and management to ensure the ongoing success and profitability of these vineyards. Sustainable wine certifications, by promoting proper business management and prosperity, are important steps towards securing funding and support from the finance sector, ensuring a sustainable future for the wine business as a whole.
