Wine Culture Magazine
Wine Culture Magazine
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the British Columbia wine industry, and one that is essential for its long-term success.
In April 2024, I attended the U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit in Lodi, California, where I was inspired by cutting-edge practices in vineyard management, social responsibility and environmental stewardship. What follows are some of my takeaways, which I hope will offer inspiration for what the B.C. wine industry can continue to do to evolve and grow.
In short, it’s a holistic approach that encompasses three interdependent circles: environmental, social and economic sustainability. These “circles” are vital for maintaining the industry’s viability in a competitive global market.
Sustainability starts with protecting the land, especially at a time of such unpredictable weather. Photo courtesy of Wine Growers British Columbia
B.C.’s unique landscape, from the Okanagan Valley to coastal regions, offers ideal conditions for winemaking. However, this beauty comes with a responsibility: environmental stewardship. To thrive, wineries must adopt practices that safeguard the land for future generations. This includes reducing water use through drip irrigation, minimizing chemical inputs by embracing organic or biodynamic farming, and managing energy consumption with renewable resources.
Climate change presents a significant challenge, with unpredictable weather patterns affecting grape quality and yield. To address these issues, wineries are investing in research to identify grape varieties better suited to the changing climate and exploring innovative viticultural techniques that reduce their carbon footprint.
Walking the walk in environmental sustainability means committing to long-term goals, not just following trends. Some wineries have implemented carbon-neutral operations, while others protect biodiversity by creating wildlife corridors within their vineyards. These efforts are crucial for preserving B.C.’s natural resources.
Social sustainability is crucial to long-term success. Photo courtesy of Wine Growers British Columbia
Social sustainability is just as critical as environmental efforts. At its core is inclusivity and community engagement. To be competitive on a changing world stage, the B.C. wine industry must not only produce outstanding wines, but also cultivate a culture that welcomes and supports all individuals, regardless of background.
This could include establishing diverse hiring practices, creating equitable advancement opportunities and fostering an environment where everyone—staff and guests alike—feels valued and respected.
Social sustainability also involves contributing to the local community, supporting charities, engaging in fair trade practices and investing in education and training for the next generation of wine professionals. B.C.’s wineries have the opportunity to lead by example, showing that success is measured not just by profit, but by the positive impact on people’s lives.
The third circle, economic sustainability, is about more than balancing the books; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of the wine business and the broader community. To navigate economic challenges such as international competition, rising production costs and fluctuating consumer demand, wineries must innovate their business models and marketing strategies. This could include embracing direct-to-consumer sales, developing new tourism offerings or exploring export opportunities in emerging markets.
Economic sustainability also means supporting local economies by sourcing materials locally, providing fair wages, and contributing to regional economic development. B.C. wineries can build a resilient industry that sustains livelihoods and strengthens the community by focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term profits.
Many wineries and growers are already following these practices. For those that aren’t, a good first step is pursuing accreditation from Sustainable Winegrowing BC.
SWBC is an ongoing project of the BC Wine Grape Council that manages sustainability certification and provides education and training to help vineyards and wineries establish sustainable practices. Just a few of its members include: Le Vieux Pin, Tightrope Winery, Quails’ Gate, Tantalus Vineyards, Noble Ridge, Tinhorn Creek and Hillside Estate Winery.
The three sustainability circles—environmental, social, and economic—are interconnected and essential for the long-term success of our wine industry. Adopting sustainable practices in each circle will contribute to a thriving, inclusive and resilient wine industry in British Columbia.
For more info on SWBC, visit: sustainablewinegrowingbc.ca. For information on the 2024 U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit in Lodi, California, visit: lodigrowers.com/event/2024-us-sustainable-winegrowing-summit.
Christine Campbell is a Vancouver-based freelance and travel writer, educator and host of the Wine Soundtrack Canada podcast. She is WSET certified and is a French Wine Scholar. Follow Christine’s adventures in wine and abroad at girlsgogrape.com and on Instagram at @girlsgograpedotcom.
Christine Campbell is a Vancouver-based freelance and travel writer, educator and host of the Wine Soundtrack Canada podcast. She is WSET certified and is a French Wine Scholar. Follow Christine’s adventures in wine and abroad at girlsgogrape.com and on Instagram at @girlsgograpedotcom.
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