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Sustainable Winegrowing in New Zealand

The Summerhouse vineyard has been accredited sustainable since 1998/1999 following the two full seasons to earn the accreditation.

Buckwheat is used in the Summerhouse Vineyard to encourage beneficial insects

New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning unspoilt landscape. New Zealand’s small population, isolated location and agricultural economy have earned the country a “clean, green” image. New Zealand grape growers and winemakers aim to keep it that way by protecting the environmental integrity of their wine production. To this end a pioneering set of industry standards have been developed, known as Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). SWNZ provides the framework for companies to continually work towards improving all aspects of their performance in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability in both the vineyard and the winery.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was established by volunteer grapegrowers in August 1995 as an industry initiative directed through New Zealand Winegrowers. SWNZ was commercially introduced in 1997 and has been adopted by growers from all the grape growing regions. The introduction of a winery program in 2002 has been a significant development, which further substantiates the industry claim “ New Zealand Wine, the riches of a clean green land”.

 Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Logo

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was developed to:

  • Provide a “best practice” model of environmental practices in the vineyard and winery.
  • Guarantee better quality assurance from the vineyard through to the bottle.
  • Address consumer concerns in matters pertaining to the environment and winegrape production.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand is an integral part of the future of New Zealand wine production. As such, the programme aims to deliver the following benefits to its members:

  • A framework for viticultural and winemaking practices that protect the environment while efficiently and economically producing premium winegrapes and wine.
  • A format of continual improvement to ensure companies operate with a goal of improving their operational practices.
  • A vehicle for technology transfer so that companies are kept informed of new technology and its application.
  • An audit structure that has integrity and rigour to comply with market expectations.
  • Opportunity to be a part of the positive future for New Zealand grape growers and winemakers producing the ‘riches of a clean green land’.