Sustainability Certification in the Wine Industry

Some of the certifications for the wine industry are

• National e.g. SWNZ (New Zealand)
• Regional e.g. Lodi rules (California)
• Umbrella groups e.g. entwine (Australia) and

Some certificates focus on only 1 aspect of sustainability e.g. ISO140001

Many systems use the OIV Sustainability definition and objectives as a starting point.

## The International Organization of Vine and Wine or OIV

The OIV is an intergovernmental organisation of a scientific and technical nature and is recognised competence for its works concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins and other vine-based products.

OIV Sustainable Vitiviniculture Objectives

• To produce grapes and wines which meet consumer demands
• To protect the health and assure the safety of consumers
• To protect the health and safety of producers and staff associated with production
• To promote the use of mechanisms of natural regulation
• To minimize environmental impacts linked to viticulture and the transformation process
• To promote sustainable vitiviniculture from an environmental, ecological and economic standpoint
• To maintain biodiversity of viticulture and associated ecosystems
• To minimize the use of input and energy
• To effectively manage waste and effluents
• To preserve and develop viticultural landscapes

What value is the Certification worth to the Consumer

In general, there is support for wine sustainability by consumers. However, studies have shown little willingness by consumers to pay more for sustainably produced products.

There is also some confusion about what sustainability and the different certifications actually mean. Natural v Sustainable v Organic v Biodynamic v ……….

Certification done right should:

• Meet the expectations of the consumer
• Meet expectations of the industry and community around you