Established by volunteer grape growers in August 1995 as an industry initiative directed through New Zealand Winegrowers. Sustainable Wine growing New Zealand was commercially introduced in 1997 and has been adopted by growers from all the grape growing regions. The introduction of a winery program in 2002 has been a significant development.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was developed to:

• Provide a “best practice” model of environmental practices in the vineyard and winery.
• Guarantee better quality assurance from the vineyard through to the bottle.
• Address consumer concerns in matters pertaining to the environment and winegrape production.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand is an integral part of the future of New Zealand wine production. As such, the programme aims to deliver the following benefits to its members:

• A framework for viticultural and winemaking practices that protect the environment while efficiently and economically producing premium winegrapes and wine.
• A format of continual improvement to ensure companies operate with a goal of improving their operational practices.
• A vehicle for technology transfer so that companies are kept informed of new technology and its application.
• An audit structure that has integrity and rigour to comply with market expectations.
• Opportunity to be a part of the positive future for New Zealand grape growers and winemakers.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand currently have a project underway to develop a database and database management tools which will enable them to identify key production issues that will enhance the long-term sustainability of the winegrape industry. These tools will then be used to generate reports for individual growers, regions and the wider industry to drive the timely implementation of managed solutions to sustainability issues.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand will take a greater role in guiding members in the development of a complete environmental management system. Expansion of the programme to cover all New Zealand vineyards and wineries is the ultimate aim, thus enhancing the reputation of New Zealand wine industry as producers of premium quality wines produced with true environmental integrity.

From New Zealand Wine website: http://www.nzwine.com/swnz/. Retrieved May 10, 2008.