Ten wine labels from four UK producers were recently certified for the first time as sustainable development wines by the WineGB association.
Four British producers have for the first time certified their production as sustainable development wines based on the SWGB standard, paving the way for more producers to certify in the same way the implementation of environmental practices in their vineyards and wineries.
The certification process consists of an annual self-assessment around practices related to environmental protection and the promotion of biodiversity in vineyards, the reduction of pesticide use, the optimization of water use, water and energy management, and the reduction of of the environmental impact of packaging.
According to the regulation, the wines that are certified must be produced from grapes of the same crop from which the data for the certification of the vineyards were obtained.
In addition, certified producers are required to achieve a specific carbon footprint in their vineyard and winery each year
So far, a total of 23 vineyards and eight wineries have been certified according to the SWGB standard. It is noted that for the time being the SWGB certification only concerns calm wines, as sparkling wines require a longer aging period.