In a world quick to adopt ‘sustainability’ as a buzzword, its true meaning often becomes clouded in ambiguity. Yet, the concept of sustainability, at its core, focuses on the ability to be maintained over time, a principle that is increasingly important across industries worldwide.
This was highlighted at a symposium hosted by the Women in Wine organization at the University of California, Davis, where a dialogue on ‘Sustainability in the Wine Industry’ took place. With a diverse panel of industry experts, the event shared a variety of insights, revealing the multifaceted nature of sustainability. From eco-friendly viticulture practices to equitable marketing efforts, the speakers, drawing from their personal experiences, shed light on the nuanced ways in which sustainability plays a role in the wine industry.
Read on as we explore how sustainability is being redefined in vineyards and beyond, laying the groundwork for resilience and the growth of women’s roles within the wine industry.
a sustainable era for the wine industry
Sustainability in Wine
Sustainability in the world of wine touches on many practices and principals. Being able to maintain a thriving business through inevitable changes—whether personal or environmental—is critical for the future of the industry. Let’s take a look at the leading roles women are taking in propelling the wine industry into a sustainable era.
Work-Life Balance
When we discuss sustainability in the wine industry, it’s easy to picture eco-friendly farming practices. However, for pioneers like Alison Thompson, winemaker and owner of L.A. Lepiane Wines, sustainability also encompasses achieving a balance between career and family life. Alison’s experience highlights a broader industry trend towards workplaces that prioritize flexibility and support.
As women in wine navigate through various life stages, they face a choice between different work environments. Small wineries often provide the flexibility to assume multiple roles and advance quickly, while larger wineries offer more structured benefits such as healthcare and regular business hours. Each type of setting offers distinct advantages, making the choice deeply personal and dependent on one’s professional and personal needs.
Alison’s success in founding her own winery was made possible by invaluable mentorship, underscoring the industry’s commitment to supporting the integration of professional aspirations with personal well-being. This progressive approach not only benefits individuals but also sets a new standard for cultivating workplaces where sustainability is as much about personal fulfillment as it is about environmental stewardship.
Viticulture Practices
At Shake Ridge Ranch sustainability runs deep. As explained by Ann Kraemer, viticulturist and owner, their philosophy is centered on producing high-quality wines through sustainable and minimal intervention techniques.
Cover Crops: Cover crops are integral to Shake Ridge’s strategy for maintaining soil vitality and structure. Using cover crops provides essential nutrients to the soil while preventing erosion. Cover crop plantings have increased over time as the benefits became evident: fertile and well-structured soil, along with improved health and productivity.
Wildlife Conservation: Using natural predators and protective netting to manage pests and prevent birds from damaging the harvest is the focus at Shake Ridge Ranch. This approach reduces the need for chemical pesticides, aligning with the ranch’s commitment to environmental balance and stewardship.
Water Management: Efficient water use is maintained through advanced irrigation techniques that ensure water is not wasted. This practice helps to maintain optimal vine health even during variable weather conditions.
Supporting Biodiversity: Shake Ridge partnered with Bee Better Certified, creating temporary habitats that provide essential resources like pollen and nectar to wild bees and other pollinators. These habitats, including the ranch’s cover crops, contribute significantly to local biodiversity and ecological health.
Engaging With a New Generation
Today’s younger generations are more diverse than ever—a fact that Maryam Ahmed, owner of Maryam + Company, passionately acknowledges. It’s crucial for the wine industry not only to recognize this diversity but also to actively engage with and incorporate the voices of this dynamic demographic. Maryam + Company is at the forefront of this movement, committed to nurturing a culturally diverse new generation of wine professionals and consumers.
Their innovative program, Field Blends, is designed to foster inclusivity by creating experiences that bring diverse groups together to learn, grow, and share. Each year, the organization selects a different wine-growing region to explore. They collaborate closely with local organizations to craft a unique, five-day experience that celebrates the community’s distinct characteristics and culture. This authentic excursion invites both industry members and consumers to immerse themselves deeply in the region’s wine, food, and local traditions.
Through this annual event and their ongoing efforts, Maryam + Company is taking significant steps to introduce fresh perspectives into the wine industry, transforming conversations to be more inclusive, innovative, culturally enriched…and sustainable.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Sustainability in the wine industry encompasses far more than environmental stewardship—it’s about creating a balance that nurtures both the land and the people who cultivate and enjoy what’s created from it. By addressing the environmental, social, and cultural aspects of sustainability, the industry not only ensures its long-term viability but also enhances the richness and diversity of the wine experience for everyone. As these practices become more widespread, they pave the way for a future where the wine industry is as renowned for its commitment to people and the planet as it is for its exceptional wines.
