Sustainable grape growing and winemaking guide re-launched
The new platform for the updated online guide to sustainable viticulture, winemaking, and business practices was unveiled at the Washington Winegrowers Association’s Annual Convention in February, heralding “a renewed commitment to sustainability”.
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation (Foundation) and Washington Winegrowers Association (Winegrowers) announced the re-launch in partnership.
Created by the wine industry over 15 years ago, Vinewise®\Winerywise™ has helped growers and vintners improve economic, environmental, and social-equity outcomes. With a $40,000 grant from ALTRIA and a $225,000 grant from the WSDA Specialty Crop Block program, the Foundation and Winegrowers partnered to upgrade the guide.
Vinewise®\Winerywise™ includes content created and endorsed by a committee of the state’s leading growers, reflecting the latest in sustainability best practices.
Highlights:
- Single sign in allowing those who grow grapes and make wine access to self-assessments
- Resources for both growing, winemaking, and business practices
- Updated self-assessment reflecting latest in sustainability best practices
- Educational materials and resources for practical best practices implementation
- Updated branding
Each chapter consists of multiple questions representing sustainability practices guiding the user toward a self-assessment score:
- Business Practices and Risk Management
- Human Resources
- Vineyard Establishment
- Viticulture
- Soil Management
- Pest Management
- Whole Farm Ecosystem and Community
- Site Development
- Staffing
- Water Management
- Energy Efficiency
- Solid Waste Management
- Material Handling
- Environmentally Preferred Purchasing
- Community Outreach
- Education and Research
Each self-assessment question provides additional information and resources and hosted in a library accessible from the homepage. Examples include employee handbook and winery safety manual to a “getting paid” guide and a contract template as well as an energy efficiency checklist and water management checklist.
To learn more visit www.sustainablewineandgrape.org
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation works to identify challenges facing the industry, bring together partners, and facilitate funding to craft sustainable solutions. The Foundation sourced and now manages the grants making these updates possible. www.washingtonwinefoundation.org
The Washington Winegrowers Association serves as the synergistic leader and unifying voice – through advocacy and education – for growers, vintners, partners, and policymakers. The Association is home to the Vinewise/Winerywise platform and facilitates industry interaction and use. www.wawinegrowers.org
