April 3, 2025
8
min read
Sustainable Winemaking: 7 Brands Leading the Way
Practicing sustainability is one thing—communicating it effectively is another. We look at 7 forward-thinking wineries that are leading the way.
As climate change and environmental impact become front-of-mind for consumers, the wine industry is responding with a powerful shift toward sustainability. Sustainable winegrowing goes beyond organic practices—it’s a holistic approach that considers the health of the land, the well-being of workers, and the long-term viability of wine production. From reducing water use to protecting biodiversity, today’s most forward-thinking wineries are leading the way. Here’s a look at what sustainable winegrowing really means and the standout brands setting the bar high.
What is Sustainable Winegrowing?
Sustainable winegrowing is a holistic approach to vineyard and winery practices that prioritizes environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability when growing grapes for wine. Winemakers use eco-friendly farming methods, particularly water conservation, reducing chemical use, and promoting biodiversity, to maintain healthy soil and vines for future generations. At the same time, sustainable winegrowing supports the well-being of workers and surrounding communities, while ensuring long-term profitability for growers and producers. The goal is to create high-quality wine in a way that nurtures the land, the people, and the industry as a whole.
Why Sustainable Winegrowing Matters
Sustainable winegrowing matters because it ensures that vineyards can produce high-quality grapes today and for generations to come without depleting natural resources, harming the environment, or compromising the wellbeing of workers and communities.
Environmental stewardship
Sustainable winegrowing practices reduce the use of harmful chemicals, preserve biodiversity, and protect water and soil quality. This includes using cover crops and compost to enhance soil health, conserving water through drip irrigation and rainwater collection, encouraging beneficial insects instead of relying on pesticides.
Economic viability
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it also supports the long-term success of vineyards and wineries. By improving efficiency and reducing input costs, growers can remain competitive while building resilience to climate-related challenges like drought or extreme weather.
Social responsibility
Sustainable winegrowing promotes safe working conditions, fair labor practices, and strong community relationships. Many sustainable programs include education, healthcare, and housing support for workers and their families.
Climate resilience
With climate change affecting grape growing regions around the world, sustainable practices help vineyards adapt, whether it’s planting more drought-tolerant grape varieties, adjusting canopy management, or shifting harvest timing.
Consumer demand and transparency
More consumers want to know where their wine comes from and how it's made. Sustainable certifications (like SIP Certified, Lodi Rules, or Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) offer transparency and help buyers make environmentally and ethically conscious choices.
Younger generations are changing the course of the wine industry with their preference for sustainability and health-conscious consumption. Learn more: Can Wine Brands Be Successful with Millennials and Gen Z? These 4 Brands Say Yes.
Marketing Sustainability in Wine
Practicing sustainability is one thing—communicating it effectively is another. In an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace, how a wine brand tells its sustainability story can make all the difference in capturing attention, building trust, and turning casual sippers into loyal customers.
Communicating sustainable practices clearly
Today’s consumers want to know where their wine comes from and how it’s made, but they don’t want to wade through jargon to figure it out. The most successful wine brands explain their sustainable efforts in simple, relatable terms. Highlighting specific actions, like using recycled water, planting native cover crops, or reducing carbon emissions, helps consumers connect the dots between the vineyard and the values behind each bottle. Some brands find success communicating their practices through short form marketing videos.
Storytelling that resonates
Sustainability is a marathon, not a sprint. Brands that use storytelling to share that journey often stand out. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at harvest, a farmer explaining their regenerative farming methods, or a photo series of wildlife returning to the vineyard, storytelling adds authenticity and emotional impact. It invites consumers to become part of the brand’s mission, rather than just buying a product.
Certifications and labels that build trust
Third-party certifications like Certified Organic, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Napa Green, or B Corp serve as powerful tools for credibility. These seals on a label act as shorthand for sustainability, reassuring consumers that a winery's claims are backed by rigorous standards. Featuring these certifications on packaging, websites, and social media helps reinforce transparency and integrity in a crowded market.
Discover the latest Wine Marketing Trends →
The Benefits of Sustainable Winegrowing
Sustainable winegrowing isn’t just good for the planet. It delivers tangible benefits across the board. From healthier ecosystems to stronger customer relationships, the rewards of going green are clear for winemakers, wine lovers, and the industry as a whole.
For the environment
Sustainable winegrowing reduces the environmental footprint of vineyard operations by minimizing the use of water, energy, and chemical inputs. Techniques like drip irrigation, solar power, composting, and integrated pest management help conserve natural resources and protect the surrounding ecosystem. These practices also promote biodiversity, encouraging healthy soil microbes, pollinators, and native wildlife to thrive among the vines, creating a more resilient agricultural system overall.
For consumers
Wine made with sustainable practices often means fewer synthetic additives and a cleaner growing process, which appeals to health-conscious drinkers. But it’s not just about what’s in the bottle. Consumers increasingly want their purchases to reflect their values. Sustainable wines offer a feel-good experience tied to ethical consumption, allowing buyers to support businesses that care about people and the planet.
For wine brands
Adopting sustainable practices can offer a significant competitive advantage in today’s market. Sustainability credentials build trust and loyalty, especially among younger, environmentally aware consumers. They can also help wineries meet regulatory standards and prepare for future environmental challenges. In many cases, sustainable innovations—like energy-efficient systems or waste reduction—can lower operating costs over time, offering both environmental and economic value.
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7 Brands Leading the Way in Sustainable Winegrowing
As the wine industry responds to the growing demand for environmentally conscious practices, a number of forward-thinking wineries are setting the standard for sustainable winegrowing. From California to New Zealand to Tasmania, these producers are proving that it’s possible to create exceptional wines while caring for the planet and the people who live on it.
1. Fetzer Vineyards (California, USA)
A true pioneer in sustainability, Fetzer Vineyards was the first U.S. winery to operate on 100% renewable energy. They’ve also earned the distinction of being one of the first Certified B Corporations in the wine world. Through organic farming, water conservation, and a commitment to carbon neutrality, Fetzer leads with both innovation and integrity.
> What Fetzer does best: Pioneering large-scale environmental leadership with measurable climate action.
2. Bonterra Organic Vineyards (California, USA)
Renowned for its organic and biodynamic vineyards, Bonterra takes a natural approach to winegrowing. Their methods include composting, cover cropping, and encouraging biodiversity to enrich the soil and nurture the vines—all while reducing the need for synthetic chemicals.
> What Bonterra does best: Integrating biodynamic principles for holistic vineyard health and wine quality.
3. Jackson Family Wines (USA)
Spanning vineyards across California, Oregon, and beyond, Jackson Family Wines is one of the largest and most influential sustainably minded wine companies. They’ve implemented advanced water recycling systems, reduced carbon emissions, and preserved over 11,000 acres of natural habitat. As a founding member of the International Wineries for Climate Action, their commitment runs deep.
> What Jackson Family Wines does best: Combining scale with sustainability to drive industry-wide change.
4. Domaine Carneros (California, USA)
Nestled in Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros stands out for its dual certification through Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming. The winery harnesses solar power and regenerative agriculture to reduce its environmental footprint while fostering vineyard biodiversity.
> What Domaine Carneros does best: Blending luxury winemaking with deep-rooted environmental care.
5. Yealands Estate (New Zealand)
Yealands has earned global recognition for its creative and comprehensive sustainability efforts. The winery uses wind turbines and solar panels for clean energy, and even feeds vine prunings to sheep to reduce mowing and emissions—combining innovation with a deep respect for nature.
> What Yealands does best: Creative, full-circle sustainability—from vineyard to bottle.
6. Torres (Spain)
One of Europe’s most iconic wine producers, Torres has made sustainability a cornerstone of its mission. The winery actively combats climate change by investing in emissions reduction technologies and preserving ancient grape varieties that are resilient to drought and heat. Torres embraces innovation as part of their sustainability practices, constantly searching for new ways to make a positive impact.
> What Torres does best: Climate resilience and advocacy for global wine sustainability.
7. Morningside Vineyard (Tasmania, Australia)
Located in the cool-climate region of Tea Tree, Tasmania, Morningside Vineyard represents the growing wave of sustainable winegrowing in Australia. While small in scale, the vineyard embodies the spirit of responsible farming that’s taking root across the country. Tasmania’s clean air, low-impact agriculture, and commitment to sustainability make it an ideal location for eco-conscious viticulture. Morningside is part of a broader movement supported by programs like Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, which guide growers in reducing water use, minimizing chemical inputs, and preserving biodiversity.
> What Morningside does best: Showcasing how boutique wineries can lead locally with thoughtful, eco-minded winegrowing.
Lessons from Leaders: What Other Wine Brands Can Learn
The wineries leading the charge in sustainable winegrowing aren’t just producing world-class wines, they’re setting a blueprint for how the entire industry can evolve. Their stories offer several key takeaways that other wine brands can adopt to become more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready.
Start with the soil.
Many sustainable wineries, like Bonterra and Fetzer, focus on organic or biodynamic farming practices. Healthier soils lead to healthier vines, which means better grapes and less reliance on synthetic inputs. Embracing composting, cover crops, and natural pest control can be an accessible first step for any vineyard.
Think long-term, not just seasonal.
Sustainability is a longterm mindset, not a once-a-year effort. Brands like Jackson Family Wines show the value of thinking beyond harvests and considering the long-term impact of water use, energy consumption, and land conservation. Sustainable practices often save money over time, too.
Leverage technology and innovation.
Whether it’s Yealands’ use of wind and solar power or Torres’ investment in climate-resilient grape varieties, these wineries prove that embracing innovation is critical to staying ahead of environmental challenges. Tools like precision agriculture, drip irrigation, and renewable energy can significantly reduce a vineyard’s footprint.
Certification builds credibility.
Programs like Napa Green, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, and B Corporation certification help hold wineries accountable and signal transparency to consumers. These frameworks provide benchmarks for improvement and offer third-party validation of a brand’s commitment.
Storytelling matters.
Consumers are increasingly interested in how their wine is made. Whether you invest in high-quality winemaking videos or post weekly updates on social media, consumers will appreciate the transparency. By openly sharing their sustainability journeys, wineries can connect with eco-conscious drinkers, build brand loyalty, and stand out in a crowded market.
Sustainability scales.
You don’t need to be a global powerhouse to make a difference. From boutique vineyards like Morningside to industry giants like Torres, these examples prove that any winery—regardless of size or location—can implement meaningful change.
Raise a Glass to Sustainable Vineyards
Sustainable winegrowing is the future of the wine industry. As these wineries show, investing in the environment pays off in quality, trust, and long-term success. Whether it’s through innovative farming, clean energy, or authentic storytelling, sustainable practices are redefining what it means to be a modern winemaker. For consumers, that means every glass of wine can be a toast to a healthier planet and a more thoughtful way of doing business.
If you’re a sustainable winemaker, give your business a competitive edge by partnering with Grappos. The Grappos Product Locator helps customers find your wine and helps you gather valuable sales and search insights so you can continue to grow, improve, and reinforce sustainability in the wine industry.
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