Evaluating the Comparison of Sustainability Programs in the Wine Industry

Abstract

The international wine industry's focus on environmental sustainability has a sound record over a long period of encouraging adoption of environmental sustainability programs. Many of the sustainability programs introduced focus on general environmental standards, however, each country has developed sustainability program which varies according to their circumstances. This paper evaluates the initiatives of four new world countries that have a well-developed sustainability program in place, that is, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and California, USA. All of the sustainability programs require accreditation by a third party, and are independently audited on a three year cycle. However, differences are apparent with biodiversity initiatives, compliance, programs focus and uptake of membership.