Wine industry nears sustainability targets

New Zealand Winegrowers has signed up almost 80% of the country’s vineyards to its sustainable winegrowing programme.

There are 1,000 vineyards covering 22,500 hectares signed up to the scheme, along with 100 wineries representing more than 75% of domestic wine production.

The Sustainable Winegrowing programme was set up in 1995 by New Zealand Winegrowers. Last year the association set a goal of signing up all New Zealand grapes and wine to an independently-audited sustainability programme by the 2012 vintage.

New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan says there is an increasing importance placed on sustainably-produced products.

There has also been a surge in interest in organic and biodynamic grapegrowing and winemaking, he says.