Pulling Back the Curtain on Sustainable Wines

The term “sustainable” gets used a lot in the wine industry, but what does it really mean? 

The catchall phrase does not have a legal definition, but it does encompass a lot of good intentions on the part of consumers and hopefully, producers. Generally speaking, most wine lovers shopping for a p pool sustainable bottle will be seeking out vintners who prioritize farming that protects the soil, air, water and/or the people who work for them. There are, thankfully, a myriad of certifications on bottles that will tell you quite a bit about what’s in the bottle. 

At Sommsation, our team of experienced sommeliers are invested in vineyard health, and have hand-selected a number of wines that prioritize both caring for the earth and your palate.

Wineries producing certified organic wines are designed to reduce or eliminate chemical use, promote biodiversity and protect the surrounding flora, fauna and fish. Fertilizers must be natural, and GMO yeasts are banned. Total sulphite additions are lower. 
 
Government bodies regulate certification. Look for labels that say EU Organic certified, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) or USDA organic certified. 

Biodynamic wines are about more than farming practices, they are made with a philosophical approach to living in a holistic way. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) created a homeopathic approach to farming with the goal of improving soil and plant health by completely eschewing chemicals. But the system is quite complex, and is based on the notion that everything in the universe is connected. In the vineyard, growers are required to plant, prune, plough, harvest, ferment and bottle according to a biodynamic calendar that is designed to harness energy from planets, the sun, the moon and the stars.
Look for labels with Demeter International, the first biodynamic certification created, or Biodyvin, a biodynamic certification body for European wines.

Fish Friendly Farming is a sustainable certification program for agricultural properties managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality. The program is run by the California Land Stewardship Institute based in Napa County.
 
The program works on problems like erosion, pesticide use, soil loss and water quality degradation. Statewide, close to 300,000 total acres are certified. 

Sustainable Australian Wines is Australia’s national program for grape-growers committed to making eco-friendly wines. The program takes a holistic approach to managing, supporting and promoting sustainability. In the vineyard, the program aims to boost biodiversity, improve water efficiency and enhance productivity without chemicals. It also takes a broader view of sustainability, not just focusing on vineyard management, but also social and economic performance.