Sustainable Winegrowing
New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning unspoilt landscape. New Zealand’s small population, isolated location and agricultural economy have earned the country a “clean, green” image. New Zealand grape growers and winemakers aim to keep it that way by protecting the environmental integrity of their wine production. To this end a pioneering set of industry standards have been developed, known as Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand provides the framework for companies to continually work towards improving all aspects of their performance in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability in both the vineyard and the winery.Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) was established by volunteer grapegrowers in August 1995 as an industry initiative directed through the New Zealand Winegrowers industry organization. Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was commercially introduced in 1997 and has been adopted by growers from all the grape growing regions. The introduction of a winery program in 2002 has been a significant development. All New Zealand vineyards and wineries are being strongly encouraged to become fully accredited by SWNZ by 2012. Only SWNZ-accredited New Zealand wineries will be able to participate in official programs of the New Zealand Winegrowers organization from 2010.
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was developed to:
- Provide a “best practice” model of environmental practices in the vineyard and winery.
- Guarantee better quality assurance from the vineyard through to the bottle.
- Address consumer concerns in matters pertaining to the environment and winegrape production.
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand is an integral part of the future of New Zealand wine production. As such, the programme aims to deliver the following benefits to its members:
- A framework for viticultural and winemaking practices that protect the environment while efficiently and economically producing premium winegrapes and wine.
- A format of continual improvement to ensure companies operate with a goal of improving their operational practices.
- A vehicle for technology transfer so that companies are kept informed of new technology and its application.
- An audit structure that has integrity and rigour to comply with market expectations.
- Opportunity to be a part of the positive future for New Zealand grape growers and winemakers.
