Agribusiness | Viticulture Sustainable winegrowing

The New Zealand Winegrowers 2022 Sustainability Report provided a snapshot of this very journey.

The report measures and communicates the New Zealand wine industry’s commitment and progress across six key focus areas of sustainability, including: climate, water, waste, soil, plant protection, and people.

Showcasing data collected from the 1,840 vineyards and 310 wineries certified under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme, the report highlights how sustainability differentiates the New Zealand wine industry on the world stage.

New Zealand Winegrowers general manager of Sustainability, Dr Edwin Massey, says New Zealand’s wine industry has rightfully earned its place as one of the most progressive wine producing nations in the world.

“With the data we have available from SWNZ, we have a unique opportunity to tell our wine sustainability story at a time when caring for people and place is so aligned to our customer’s values.

“Over 96 percent of all vineyard area in New Zealand is now certified as sustainable through the SWNZ programme, with 10 percent of New Zealand wineries holding organic certification.

“It’s an achievement we can be proud of, but the real work is ensuring we not only sustain but elevate our position with an enduring commitment to continuous improvement.”

The industry goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 has the New Zealand wine industry firmly committed to a low emissions pathway, and exciting developments in vineyards and in wineries are already well underway, he says.

“It’s the positive individual actions of New Zealand wine businesses that add up to make a big impact across the wine industry, and that are helping to deliver lasting change.

“For our growers and wineries, sustainability means growing grapes and producing our world-famous wines in such a way that we can do so for generations to come.

“Every little bit counts. It means consumers can trust that their bottle of New Zealand wine has been made with respect for our world and for our people.”

Trade boost for the industry

New Zealand Winegrowers has welcomed the UK FTA that came into effect on May 31, 2023.

Sarah Wilson, general manager of Advocacy and General Counsel at New Zealand Winegrowers says the UK Free Trade agreement is very positive for the New Zealand wine industry.

“It will more closely align the winemaking standards across the two countries, and help reduce technical barriers to trade, by minimising burdens from certification and labelling requirements on New Zealand wine exports.

“It will also support future growth in the market, and encourage exporters to focus on the UK.

“The UK is New Zealand’s second largest export market for wine, with exports valued at over $470 million last year.

“UK consumers appreciate the distinctive flavours, commitment to quality, and know New Zealand wine is a unique product that they can trust.

“This agreement is especially significant at a time when we are facing increasing costs across the industry, and it will make a big difference for those who export to the UK market.

“We thank Ministers and officials for their support and conduct of ongoing negotiations over the past few years, during what have been challenging and uncertain times.” CT

Sustainable Winegrowers

New Zealand (SWNZ) was formally established in 1995 as a joint initiative of the two then very separate groups, Wine Institute of New Zealand & New Zealand Grape Growers Council.

An issue that both groups could agree on, was the need for research to help advance the burgeoning global demand for New Zealand wine. So they put aside their differences to form a joint research group: The Winegrowers Research Committee.

That’s where Forrest Wines got involved; Dr John Forrest, a research scientist, was appointed as the representative for Marlborough Grape Growers. The group quickly identified sustainability as a key research area that would be important in strengthening and solidifying New Zealand’s global brand.

Three years of vigorous debate and effort went into moulding a scheme which, at its heart, aspires to have every grape grown (ergo all wine made) in New Zealand done so in the most sustainable way possible. And now, Dr John Forrest notes, “ Our sustainability scheme is now the envy of the Winegrowing world and New Zealand should be proud of that.”

The Forrest family definitely are, and that sustainability mindset is carried on at Forrest Wines today by John’s daughter Beth Forrest (GM and Head Winemaker). When asked what sustainably means to her she says “To me, sustainably produced wine means - everything we do must leave the planet in a better condition than when we found it.”

One of only 12 second generation family wineries in Marlborough, sustainability is at the forefront of everything Forrest does. Their Doctors’ range is a great example of this. All managed naturally out in the vineyard with no removal of alcohol in the winery, The Doctors’ is a range of impeccably crafted lower alcohol wines which deliver all the enjoyment and are better for you.

Forrest Estate range of wines has a unique selection of alternative varieties such as Albariño and Chenin Blanc motivating people to try something new and delicious that is sustainably grown in our own back yard.

Go check them out at: www.forrest.co.nz or give them a “follow” on social media @forrestwines and support a family making great wine sustainably.

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