Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand™ (SWNZ) is a certification programme established in 1997 by the New Zealand Winegrowers.
This program, which sets standards aimed at environmental conservation for all aspects of winemaking, from grape cultivation to brewing, was launched in New Zealand, a leading country in environmental conservation, and is a world leader in this field.
The standards are strict, and not only must grapes be grown without using chemical pesticides, but also careful consideration must be given to the various substances emitted from the winery during brewing. In addition, daily monitoring and measurement of such data is required to reduce the environmental impact.
"Sustainable" literally means "able to continue." It is a word used in a variety of fields, with the implication of protecting not only the present but also the "future" natural environment.
SWNZ focuses on six areas: water, waste, pests and disease, climate change, people, and soil, and addresses not only the natural environment but also the creation of sustainable jobs for people in the wine industry.
The official website reports that currently, approximately 96% of vineyards in New Zealand are certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and wine made from grapes that meet the standards is marked with a sustainable certification mark.
