Latest dispatches

What is vitiforestry and how can it benefit the vineyard?

In this podcast Toby Webb, founder of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable, talks with Etelle Higonnet. They discuss vitiforestry and it's potential and use in vineyards for management of climate risk and nature improvements. For more resources on vitiforestry, including a contact database, see here .

SWR Webinar: Why join the Bottle Weight Accord?

The SWR Bottle Weight Accord now has 15 signatories with many more wine businesses, from retailers to producers, currently in the process of joining. The SWR Bottle Weight Accord is a voluntary collaboration in which signatories commit to reducing the average 750ml still wine bottle weight to below an average of 420 grammes by the end of 2026. At SWR we know this is not going to be easy. Our role is also to support members in making this happen. We will do this in two ways: Firstly, we’ll drive both connections and collaboration between members so they can share challenges and solutions. Secondly, we’re developing guidance and tools to enable the Accord to happen. In this webinar our speakers share more about the process, the outcomes and most importantly, the climate and savings. Speakers include: Dr Peter Stanbury, Research and Standards Director, SWR Anne-Laure Ferroir, Director, Terra Vitis Jeff Turnas, Senior Vice President of Culinary, Whole Foods Market Moderated by Tobias Webb,

In brief: What is the SWR Bottle Weight Accord and why should you join?

In this short podcast Sustainable Wine Roundtable founder Toby Webb and head of research Dr Peter Stanbury discuss the Bottle Weight Accord . They explain what it is, why wine retailers and producers are signing up, and why you should too.

SWR Member Interview: What does the future hold for Margaret River wine?

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Member Interview podcast Hanna Halmari speaks with Amanda Whiteland, CEO of Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) in Western Australia. Amanda explains what makes the region so unique for winemaking and shares more about MRWA and its sustainability initiatives. They discuss how climate change is affecting the region, how winemakers are adapting, and what the future looks like for Margaret River wine. You can find MRWA's inaugural sustainability report here and a few sustainability case studies below: Revegetation Program – Voyager Estate Wastewater – Cape Mentelle & Stormflower Energy Savings – Xanadu Winery

Is trying to communicate sustainability to consumers a waste of time?

In this podcast Toby Webb, founder and executive director of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable, and marketing consultant Joe Fattorini have a candid conversation about communicating sustainability to consumers. Toby, representing his personal views and not those of the SWR, takes a deliberately provocative stance. He kicks off the conversation by suggesting that communicating sustainability in today's wine industry "is a waste of time." Trying to communicate sustainability is too difficult at the moment, he says, and it instead distracts us from the real business of sustainability in wine. Joe, with his background as a tv presenter, marketing consultant, and wine merchant, brings in a different perspective, having typically worked closely with the customer as the starting point. Listen to the discussion to find out what points they agree on, and where they disagree.

SWR Member Interview: Advancing sustainability through direct-to-consumer wine retail

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Member Interview podcast Hanna Halmari speaks with Luke Landers, senior sustainability manager at online wine retailer Naked Wines UK. Luke explains how Naked Wines effectively cuts out the middleman and facilitates a direct connection between customers and winemakers. They discuss the key sustainability priorities for the retailer, how their unique model enables them to support winemakers and growers in sustainable production, and how they educate and engage consumers on sustainable wine.

SWR Labour Standards Workshop: Developing a human rights management process

The Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) is delighted to present an in-depth exploration of labour standards and human rights in the wine industry in our three-part workshop series . This workshop series aims to shed light on these pressing issues and initiate a collective effort towards their resolution. This final workshop from 21st November provides attendees with actionable insights to address labor rights challenges within their own businesses or functions. It aims to equip participants with the tools needed to assess and mitigate such risks. Our esteemed panelists include: Linda Lipparoni, CEO, WIETA Jason Glaser, CEO, La Isla Network Silvia Bianco, Italy Programme Manager, Stronger Together

SWR Global Reference Framework Launch

SWR Labour Standards Workshop: Tools and experience from other sectors

The Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) is delighted to present an in-depth exploration of labour standards and human rights in the wine industry in our three-part workshop series . This workshop series aims to shed light on these pressing issues and initiate a collective effort towards their resolution. In this second part of the workshop from 2nd November, we build upon existing expertise in various industries, showcasing best practices and guidance applicable to the wine sector. Our esteemed panelists include: Yann Wyss, Global Head, Social Impact and Human Rights, Nestlé Alexander Sykes, Sustainable Sourcing, Diageo Sophia Gynch, Centre for Responsible Business Conduct, OECD

SWR Labour Standards Workshop: What are labour and human rights?

The Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) is delighted to present an in-depth exploration of labour standards and human rights in the wine industry in our three-part workshop series. This workshop series aims to shed light on these pressing issues and initiate a collective effort towards their resolution. This inaugural session from 18th October 2023 explores the issues which are covered by the concept of human and labour rights. We cover topics such as forced and migrant labour, living wage standards, and modern slavery, providing concrete examples. Our esteemed panelists include: Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Jantine Werdmuller von Elgg, CEO, Stronger Together Neill Wilkins, Head of Migrant Workers Programme, Head of Migrant Workers Programme, Institute for Human Rights and Business

SWR Member Interview: Sustainable and ethical procurement at scale

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Member Interview podcast Hanna Halmari is joined by Harriet Kininmonth, wine trading director, and George Kyle, head of ESG, from C&C Group. C&C Group is a multinational drinks manufacturing, marketing and distribution company. As George says, it's "probably the largest alcohol brand and distribution business that people don't know about." George shares the group's approach to sustainable and ethical procurement, and Harriet provides insights into how the sustainability strategy translates into practice for the wine division.

SWR launches the Bottle Weight Accord

On Tuesday, 10th October 2023, the Sustainable Wine Roundtable officially launched the SWR Bottle Weight Accord. The launch followed a 6-month in-depth study into wine bottle weight reduction, which was co-funded by SWR retailer members Alko (Finland), Lidl GB (UK), Systembolaget (Sweden), The Wine Society (UK) and Whole Foods Market (USA). The SWR ‘Bottle Weight Accord’ is focused on the light weighting of 750ml still wine bottles with the initial target to reduce the current average bottle weight among its retailer members from 550g to 420g before the end of 2026. The launch event speakers included: Dr Peter Stanbury, Research Director, SWR Jancis Robinson MW Marcus Ihre, Sustainability Manager, Systembolaget Dom de Ville, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact, The Wine Society Douglas Bell, Global Purchasing Manager, Whole Foods Market Ella Worley, Wine Portfolio Lead, Naked Wines USA Nick Kirk, Technical Director, British Glass About the SWR Bottle Weight Accord This accord

Fictional case study: What a carbon positive wine would look like from vine to post-consumption

This is a recording of a panel session from the SWR Global Conference Series 2023 “How to turn climate mitigation and adaptation into business opportunity” conference from 1st February 2023. Fictional case study: What a carbon positive wine would look like from vine to post-consumption In this short session, we consider how grapes from harvest will be consumed sustainably by 2030, including the all important packaging and distribution aspect. We look at how a regenerative, circular wine supply will look end to end, and have the most positive impact on society and the environment. Speakers: Dom de Ville, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact, The Wine Society Tamlyn Currin, Sustainability Editor, JancisRobinson.com David A. Harvey, Raeburn Fine Wines Moderator: James Streeter, Chair to SWR Leadership Committee, Sustainable Wine Roundtable

SWR Member Interview: How a leading wine company is implementing end-to-end sustainability

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Member Interview podcast Hanna Halmari talks to Michael Parks, director of sustainability at Treasury Wine Estates (TWE). TWE is an Australian winemaking and distribution business with global operations. Michael shares how sustainability is embedded throughout the business and the progress they have made on climate action. They also discuss how TWE is helping its growers transition to sustainable practices, the role of certification, and how to promote responsible alcohol consumption.

Carbon insetting and nature enhancement in wine

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) webinar from 26th July, 2023 our expert speakers discuss the role of carbon insetting and nature enhancement in the wine industry and what part the SWR can play. Key discussion points include: What do we mean by insetting? How are carbon and nature enhancement linked? What is the landscape approach? How would that work? What is wine's unique advantage in this space? What might an SWR role be? Challenges and opportunities Discussion of next steps Speakers Dom de Ville, director of sustainability and social impact, The Wine Society Marta Juega Rivera, sustainability manager and winemaker, Alliance Wine Antonio Roade, ESG director, Adolfo Dominguez Tobias Webb, executive director, Sustainable Wine Roundtable

SWR Member Interview: Why cork is making a comeback

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Member Interview podcast Hanna Halmari talks to Carlos de Jesus, director of marketing & communications at Amorim Cork, the world's largest producer and supplier of cork stoppers. Cork is often referred to as one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Carlos explains why, sharing how the harvesting of cork contributes to environmental, economic and social sustainability. They also discuss the role of certification, recycling, and why cork will remain a competitive closure in the future.

Supply chain data collection, how will unified approaches transform sustainability performance?

This is a recording of a panel session from the SWR Global Conference Series 2023 "How to turn climate mitigation and adaptation into business opportunity" conference from 1st February 2023. Supply chain data collection, how will unified approaches transform sustainability performance? Big players in wine, such as retailers, want to take a consistent approach to the sustainability data they ask for from importers, distributors, producers and other suppliers. This makes sense and can also have a positive impact on the value chain in terms of reducing costs and saving time. So what are the trends? We’ll include an update on the SWR retailer initiative in this area and look at how bottle weight approaches will spread to other areas. Speakers: Erica Landin-Löfving, Chief Sustainability Officer, Vintage Wine Estates Ondrej Tarabus, Climate Programme Director, Preferred by Nature Andres Valero, Sustainable Leader, Grupo Avinea, Argentina Moderator: Dr. Peter Stanbury, Research Director, Sust

SWR Member Interview: High quality wines and sustainability in Germany

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Member Interview podcast Hanna Halmari talks with Fabian Kerbeck, sustainability and quality control lead at the VDP in Germany. The VDP is a German wine group representing many of the country's top producers (around 200) with strict member requirements on quality and sustainability. Hanna and Fabian discuss the VDP's sustainability agenda, milestones, and more.

Dourakis Wines: Climate adaptation and indigenous grapes in Crete

Sustainable Wine’s Toby Webb recently visited Dourakis Winery in Chania, Crete where he spoke with oenologist Adonis Dourakis. In this podcast Adonis shares more about their wines and how climate change is impacting indigenous grapes in the region. They discuss the current state of grape growing in Greece, how growers are adapting to the changing climate, and the future of regenerative viticulture in Crete.

Wine’s original sin, debunking myths, and debating reality

In this podcast Sustainable Wine's Toby Webb is joined by Joe Fattorini, marketing consultant, and Dr Peter Stanbury, head of research, SWR, for an honest conversation on the realities of sustainability. In this first part of a mini-series on debunking myths in wine, they debate trends and facts, and discuss consumer research, myths, hypocrisy, and more.

What will a sustainable vineyard and winery look like in 2030?

This is a recording of a panel session from the SWR Global Conference Series 2023 “The sustainable vineyard and winery in 2030” conference from 3rd May 2023. What will a sustainable vineyard and winery look like in 2030? This session offers both a summing up of what we learned during the event, and a look forward into the future. Technology cannot save us, but we know it will help a lot. But cultural change around existing practices also matters. How will these factors combine, in that watershed year of 2030, to change how the sustainable vineyard and winery operate? How will such changes, affect how they relate to the rest of the wine value chain? Speakers Chris Boiling, Freelance Consultant and Wine Writer Laura Catena, Owner, Catena Institute of Wine Julien Gervreau, Founding Board Member, International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) Jason Haas, Partner & General Manager, Tablas Creek Dr. Greg Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Abacela Moderator: Dr. Peter Stanbury, Research Direct

In the winery: Sustainable design, and building efficiency

This is a recording of a panel session from the SWR Global Conference Series 2023 “The sustainable vineyard and winery in 2030” conference from 3rd May 2023. In the winery: Sustainable design, and building efficiency It’s clear that applying modern design and thinking to wineries can make them look beautiful. It can also, and usually does, hugely improve energy efficiency. But most wineries don’t get the chance to rebuild from the ground up, given the cost. So which are the changes which can deliver energy efficiency, whilst reducing climate impacts and saving money This session features some leading experts to discuss. Speakers: Oscar Bayley, CSR Manager, Famille Perrin Marie Fourure, CSR Project Manager, Famille Perrin Victoria González-Gordon López de Carrizosa, Chief Sustainability Officer, González Byass Carlos Manuel Silva, CEO, Amorim Insulation Moderator: David Harvey, Raeburn Fine Wines

In the winery: Energy use and Capturing CO2 – should you do it?

This is a recording of a panel session from the SWR Global Conference Series 2023 “The sustainable vineyard and winery in 2030” conference from 3rd May 2023. In the winery: Energy use and Capturing CO2 – should you do it? A handful of wineries around the world are capturing and re-using or storing CO2. In this session we ask why, although we know part of the answer (climate change). but also, how much does it cost to do so? What does it cost to capture – and re-use - CO2, and what are the uses for it (in tanks, as a solid) once you have it. In this session we talk to those who’ve been doing it, and put audience questions on the how and why, directly to them. Speakers: Felix Egerer, Viticulturist, Unsworth Vineyards Joao Luis Barroso, Sustainability Coordinator, Wines of Alentejo Sergio Nicolau, Viticulturist and Agronomist, Orgo Regenerative Biology Management Diana Snowden Seysses, Winemaker, Snowden Vineyards Moderator: James Streeter, Chair, SWR

In the winery: Water use

This is a recording of a panel session from the SWR Global Conference Series 2023 “The sustainable vineyard and winery in 2030” conference from 3rd May 2023. In the winery: Water use We’ve all been to wineries, or worked in them, and seen the endless hoses, doing important work helping managing hygiene and wine quality. But how clear are we about what represents best practice in winery water use? On the one hand no-one likes to waste water, but on the other, it is not always competitively priced, and incentives matter. In this session we consider if there is a knowledge sharing gap, how much water efficiency can save producers, and what role SWR might play. Speakers Nicolas Daspres, Programme Coordinator, Terra Vitis Loire Robert Eden, General Manager, Chateau Maris Andrés Valero, Sustainability and CSR Leader, Grupo Avinea Moderator: Dr. Peter Stanbury, Research Director, SWR