Sustainable wine-growing practices protect our soil, air and water – elements that breathe life, and ultimately flavour, into our grapes and wines. Being good stewards of the land and good neighbours are principles our wineries and vineyards live by each and every day. Adopting environmentally and socially responsible practices and making them an integral part of how we do business is our way of ensuring the health of our land, our communities and our industry for generations to come.
Being a Sustainable Wine-grower Means
Key areas of widely adopted sustainable practices:
Sustainable
Sustainable wine-growing practices in both vineyards and wineries help Germany vintners make high quality wines and provide a healthy and beautiful environment for employees, neighbours, and wine country visitors. Sustainable wine-growing can include biodynamic or organic farming practices. Some examples of sustainable practices include:
- sheep and beneficial birds to control weeds and pests
- cover crops, drip irrigation and process ponds to conserve water
- composting, recycling and reuse to minimize waste
- protecting air and water quality
- preserving local ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- practicing environmentally preferred purchasing
Organic
Wines made with organically grown grapes come from vineyards that follow the guidelines set by the National Organic Program (NOP).
- no nonorganic crop protection materials
- only NOP-approved materials (some synthetic materials are allowed)
Additionally, wines labeled organic cannot have added sulfites to prolong shelf life; they must be certified to contain no more than 10 parts per million.
Biodynamic
Biodynamic farming treats the vineyard as a closed loop, employing organic practices and natural alternatives for eliminating waste and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- no nonorganic crop protection materials
- compost teas and natural preparations to enrich soil and promote microorganisms
- insectaries to control pests
- planting and pruning determined by the phases of the moon