EARTH MONTH Drinking green

‘We all need to commit to preserving our planet’

With it being Earth Month, many of us are making more conscious purchasing decisions. But drinking sustainably produced wine should be more than just a trend or an occasional dalliance.

We all need to commit to preserving our planet. By choosing wines from wineries that prioritize sustainable practices, we as consumers can reduce our environmental impact.

These practices often involve using renewable energy, organic farming methods, and innovative packaging solutions that lower carbon footprints. Not only does this approach protect the environment, but it also supports the biodiversity of vineyards and the well-being of local communities. Embracing sustainably produced wine is a way to enjoy exquisite flavours while contributing to a healthier planet, ensuring that the art of winemaking continues for generations to come.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a big sticker on the front of a wine bottle to tell us this wine is made sustainably. In fact, sustainable isn’t even a legally defined term. But if you eat thoughtfully, and want to drink to thoughtfully, here are some tips to make a better wine selection.

5 TIPS ON HOW TO PURCHASE WINE SUSTAINABLY BUY GREEN

Look for organic and biodynamic certifications. Although these certifications vary in their rules and regulations, they almost certainly provide some level of assurance regarding authenticity. While there is no guarantee that the winery uses sustainable methods such as green energy, those that care for their land are typically responsible throughout the production process.

MAKE A CANNY CHOICE

While we are still waiting for super-premium wines to be packaged in alternative containers, both cans and boxes represent better environmental choices compared to bottled wine. Cans are lighter, more recyclable, and more often recycled (most glass bottles don’t get recycled as advertised; they often end up being used in products like asphalt instead of being remade into bottles).

AN INSIDE-THE-BOX SOLUTION

Like cans, most boxed wine isn’t of premium quality. However, there's no reason why great wine can’t be boxed. The bag inside the box collapses as it empties, protecting the quality of the wine. This bag-in-box packaging is a highly efficient way to transport wine, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional glass bottles.

LIGHTER IS BETTER

In a recent discussion with Jancis Robinson, arguably the world’s most influential wine critic, she summarised it succinctly: “Because the production and transport of glass bottles account for up to 60 per cent of a wine’s carbon footprint, it’s vital for the sake of the planet that we dispel the myth that there is any relationship between bottle weight and wine quality. Light bottles are virtuous; heavy bottles definitely aren’t.” When choosing between two wines in a shop, opt for the one in the lighter bottle.

SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS WINERIES

Support wineries that are committed to environmental sustainability. A good example is B-corp certified wineries such as Bonterra (California), Concha Y Toro (Chile), and Benjamin Bridge (Nova Scotia). All have achieved this esteemed certification, which means they not only produce their wine using environmentally sustainable methods but also support their communities and employees.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a big sticker on the front of a wine bottle to tell us this wine nisdmade sustainably.

Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge recently attained B-corp certification, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, energy efficient production practices, support of their local community and a strong commitment to its employees.