Sustainable Wine growing
New Zealand

New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning unspoilt landscape. New Zealands 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 scorecard in 2002 has been a significant development, which further substantiates the industry claim New Zealand Wine, the riches of a clean green land. Martinborough Vineyard has participated in SWNZ from the outset, including during the vineyard trial phase (1995-97) and its subsequent commercial implementation.

Our work over recent years in in the Living Wine program has enabled the 7 members of Living Wine to become the first certified by Sustainable Wine Growing New Zealand program with accredition for our winery operations.

For further information go to www.nzwine.com/swnz