Chilean Wine Producers Look To Sustainability

Forbes

17-07-2025

Vineyards at Vermonte Estate, Casablanca Valley, ChileThe business side of wine takes into account much more than successful reviews from wine critics; after all, those notices are too often temporary. Above all, a wine company or companies have to communicate messages to every sector of their audience, from casual drinkers to veteran wine lovers.
While quality is certainly an important implication, tastes differ, which could render the term quality somewhat lacking among the public. Rather, a stronger declaration is the notion that producers are doing something that everyone can agree upon; treating their land and people in a sustainable way is undoubtedly an approach that the majority of consumers find beneficial, and perhaps more to the point, a methodology that assures that their work is based on taking care of the planet and society.
Eighteen years ago, Chilean wine producers decided to prioritize sustainability, making it one of their key strategic pillars. In 2007 in the Colchagua Valley, the idea of working on a sustainability standard arose and was later consolidated as a public-private national project thanks to the work of the technological Consortium of Vinos de Chile.
In 2011, this trade organization launched the Industry Sustainability Code certification, with a solid technical base and important promotional work. 'This Code was groundbreaking in the global wine industry due to its formal structure, its industry-wide nature, and its cross-ground approach," states Julio Alonso, executive director of Wines of Chile in North America, which is part of the international area of Vinos de Chile. 'This voluntary standard is a guide for our members on the challenges of working sustainably, based on requirements in three complementary areas: vineyards, process, and social.'
He adds, 'The only way we make premium wines of excellence is by taking care of and protecting our land and people. Today, there are 90 certified wineries, representing 80% of bottled wine exports.'
Below, are details of some relevant topic of the Sustainability Code of Vinos de Chile:1. Renewable energy production:
The Sustainability Code emphasizes the use of energy in a sustainable manner to minimize the carbon footprint. Using non-conventional renewable energy sources (NCREs) is an effective tool for achieving this.
Actions include purchasing non-conventional renewable energy (through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) or I-RECs, Inter-Renewable Energy Certificates), self-generation of renewable energy (e.g., photovoltaic panels, and others), energy efficiency (both in fuel and electricity use), and decarbonization of the energy matrix (in line with the Chilean government's plans).2. Water use reduction:
'We promote the reduction of water use, when possible, its efficient management, and the implementation of measures to prevent its contamination, contributing to the sustainability of this critical natural resource,' Alonso remarks.
Wineries certified under the Sustainability Code must maintain an indicator of water use. Two recent projects have been carried out to promote efficient water use. Based on the results of ongoing research projects, reductions of around 18% are expected over the next five years. This is especially important, considering the strategic role of this natural resource for the development of viticulture and agriculture in general in our country.3. Sustainability, a broad concept:
'Sustainability is one of the strategic pillars of Vinos de Chile and has always been considered under this umbrella, other systems such as Organic, Biodynamic and recently Regenerative Agriculture, as well as other systems for managing social and governance aspects in wine companies," comments Mario Pablo Silva, President of the R&D Consortium Vinos de Chile.
According to Alonso, Chile has a planted area of 306,410 acres, of which 14,272 acres are organic or biodynamic vineyards, representing 4.7% of the total planted area. Organic agriculture is a niche activity in the country; however, wine grape production is a highly relevant sector within that segment.
The acres under the scope of wineries certified by the Sustainability Code amount to 128,495 acres owned by the wineries, and approximately 69,189 acres of grape producers managed through the wineries' internal management systems.124 year-old Cabernet Franc vines from Valdivieso in the Sagrada Familia Valley4. Carbon footprint reduction:
On this subject, Mario Pablo Silva, says 'Chile has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal shared by both the public and private sectors, as well as various industry associations. We support this objective, and wineries are actively working toward it.'
A study conducted between 2019 and 2022, using the Science Based Target methodology and aligned with the GHG Protocol, determined an average total carbon footprint value of 2.53 kilos (5.6 lb) of equivalent CO₂ per 1 liter (0.26 gallons) of wine (according to the SBTi methodology) for a sample of 18 wineries (representing 60% of bottled wine exports). 'These values are highly competitive compared to other international initiatives aimed at measuring and reducing the carbon footprint in the global wine sector. We hope to reduce this measure over the next two decades to contribute to the sustainability of our wines', Silva added.5. Recyclable packaging:
Sustainable packaging is promoted to minimize environmental impact throughout its life cycle. The main goal is to reduce waste generation, natural resource consumption, and environmental pollution, while maximizing efficiency and the reuse of materials.
Certified wineries have set goals for incorporating packaging made with recycled materials, reused components, and/or certified sustainable materials.
In addition, companies must comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility Law (REP Law) for packaging and containers. This represents a concrete commitment to organizing and financing the management of packaging waste. It includes actions from sourcing packaging materials to eco-design, production, use, collection, and recycling.6. Social and community projects:
All certified companies, which, as mentioned above, represent a significant percentage of our bottled wine exports, have implemented ongoing initiatives related to the development of their local communities in addition to other social initiatives aimed at improving working conditions and the well-being of their employees. All wineries have a Code of Ethics and fully adhere to the human rights chapter, which encompasses aspects such as gender equality, treatment, and the well-being of all workers.
'The social aspect is quite comprehensive, and the Code has earned various recognitions due to the holistic nature of its requirements. The social requirements include working with the community, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders,' Alonso states.
Old Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Viña Montes vineyard in the Apalta Valley7. Biodiversity:
The wineries certified under the Sustainability Code have initiatives to protect biodiversity within their vineyards and in the adjacent non-productive areas of their properties. Currently, this non-productive land accounts for approximately 99,000 acres (almost seven times the size of Manhattan) dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
Chile is one of the five zones around the world that have a Mediterranean ecosystem, which is favorable to vines due to its temperate climate. Even though these ecosystems cover only 2.25% of the Earth's land surface, they are home to 16% of the world's plant species.
'The Chilean Mediterranean ecosystem is home to most of the country's wine industry and is globally recognized for its high biological value. These central Chilean ecosystems contain over 50% of Chile's native flora and vertebrates,' Silva explains.
Given this, it is particularly significant that a large portion of this area consists of Mediterranean sclerophyllous forest. Efforts to enhance vineyard biodiversity continue through soil regeneration, soil protection using cover crops, and the expansion of island zones and biological corridors.
'The findings indicate that wineries have considerable potential to conserve the Mediterranean ecosystems of central Chile, as they encompass a substantial area of native ecosystems,' Silva says.You have to give credit to the member producers and growers for this initiative, one that promises better wines while guaranteeing the planet becomes a healthier place.