Collaborative Consumption of Alcohol: Unified Efforts and Mutual Information Exchange
The September 2024 issue of Highlights Magazine spotlights the growing movement towards sustainability in the wine industry, with organisations like the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), The Porto Protocol, and Sustainable Wine Roundtable facilitating resource and expertise sharing.
One of the wines featured in the magazine is a densely packed bundle of ripe stone fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle, spice, and has a fresh mineral finish. It is recommended to be drunk between 2024-2028 and is priced between £13.30-£13.99 at The Fine Wine Co and Vinvm.
Consumers can support sustainability efforts by seeking out wines made by producers who are members of organisations like IWCA. For instance, Domaine Lafage, based in Rousillon, France, became a silver member of IWCA in 2022. Other notable IWCA members include Felton Road from New Zealand, Okanagan Crush Pad from Canada, CVNE from Rioja, Kir-Yianni from Greece, and Lanson in Champagne.
Rob Symington, director at Symington Family Estates, supports this communal approach, stating that wineries can benefit from being members of these groups, as they can be guided through certifications and sustainability strategies. Jake Fiennes, a conservationist, also emphasises the importance of small changes in adopting a more sustainably minded approach to climate change.
While organic farming bans the use of most chemicals, it can lead to increased carbon emissions due to the use of tractors, but it is still a solid certification to look out for when buying wine. Anne Jones of sustainability consultancy Limestone & Jones acknowledges the contributions of the organic movement in creating a consistent global agricultural standard.
The path to a sustainable wine industry is communal, and wineries are encouraged to share resources and expertise rather than compete. IWCA was founded in 2019 by Familia Torres of Spain (notably from the Rioja region) and Jackson Family Wines of California, and it aims for member wineries to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2045.
In regions like Rioja (Spain), Familia Torres, a prominent sustainable wine producer, is a key member of IWCA and a leader in environmental stewardship, setting the standards for sustainability in the wine industry. However, no specific wineries from Canada, Champagne (France), or New Zealand are mentioned in the current available information as members of IWCA, though the initiative is international and likely includes members beyond those named here.
Other notable IWCA members include Spottswoode Estate Vineyard in California, Hill-Smith Family Estates in Australia, and Crimson Wine Group in North America, all of which are committed to reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
Sources: [1] International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) website [2] Jackson Family Wines website [3] Spottswoode Estate Vineyard website [4] Hill-Smith Family Estates website [5] Crimson Wine Group website
- In the September 2024 issue of Highlights Magazine, readers will find news about a Champagne wine produced by Lanson, a notable member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).
- For individuals interested in sustainable living, supporting home-and-garden projects, and adopting a food-and-drink lifestyle that respects the environment, seeking wines from IWCA members like Felton Road from New Zealand, Okanagan Crush Pad from Canada, or Domaine Lafage in Rousillon, France, is a great starting point.
- In the realm of lifestyle choices that contribute to sustainable living, considering organic wines certified by organisations like IWCA is a smart decision, even though they might lead to increased carbon emissions due to tractor usage during farming.
