Sipping Consciously a global tour through eco‑friendly wines
I n the wine world, where terroir meets innovation, a growing movement is reshaping how we think about viticulture and winemaking. Organic and sustainable practices are not just trends, but the future of winemaking. Differentiating Organic vs. Sustainable Much like the food industry, “organic” and “sustainable” denote different things, particularly across different winemaking regions. Certifications are typically regional, country-wide or continental and are applied where the wine is produced. Organic focuses on farming and production standards, and sustainability focuses on environmental, social and economic impact. Both, however, are a commitment to embracing a greener future. Fundamental organic farming and production guidelines include a zero-tolerance policy for chemical pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers. Natural fertilizers such as compost and cover crops are allowed, along with some sulphite additions in the European Union (at much lower levels than for non-organic
wines). There is also a strict no-GMO (genetically modified organism) guideline for yeasts. On labels, organic wine can be denoted in a couple of ways. “Made from organic grapes” means that organic practices were followed in the vineyard, although not in the cellar. Alternatively, “organic wine” often encompasses organic practices throughout the entire winemaking process. Sustainability programs take a more expansive look at winery operations. They could include farming and production and often overlap with organic practices; however, they also look at the impact of the whole supply chain of a bottle of wine, including producers’ long-term energy- saving goals, carbon neutrality and social responsibility. Planet-Friendly Wines from Around the Globe In vineyards around the globe, we discover exceptional wines that commit to preserving the planet. These organic and sustainable wines celebrate the harmony between nature and craftsmanship, inviting us to savour the fruits of an eco-friendly future.
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