Gwyn Williams: 30 years of NZ wine sustainability
As Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand marks 30 years, it needs to become “business as usual” for the wine industry, says viticulturist Gwyn Williams.
This whakatauki, used by Wakatū when talking about being kaitiaki of their land and environment, seems perfect for this edition, with its celebration of 30 years of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ).
It's a notion echoed by many of the people interviewed for these stories, with their determined drive to grow better, ensuring the longevity of their land and New Zealand's wine industry. SWNZ has evolved over the past 30 years, with climate and waterways now key elements, along with healthy soils, people and plants. At Wakatū, for example, work is ongoing to transform Tohu's vineyard and winery into a resilient, low-emissions operation, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Keeping ahead of the curve in terms of the environment has never been more important from a commercial standpoint, as the climate crisis leads to a growing list of requirements from governments, retailers and consumers in key export markets. New Zealand's wine industry is in a unique position in the face of that rapid change, says New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Global Sustainability Lead Florence Van Dyke. "Customers are asking for a genuine, honest sustainability story, and you are one of the few industries globally that, at a nationwide level, can say that you are walking the talk on this."
In this edition we look at the evolution of SWNZ and some inspiring stories of kaitiakitanga. These stories will continue throughout 2025, so please get in touch if you have one to share.
This edition also looks back at a year that will be remembered by many for its lovely wines but daunting challenges, with growing uncertainty in markets. It's been hard to get a solid footing during the past five years, with pandemics, vintage vagaries, cyclones and economic headwinds, but the wine industry has proven itself nimble in a shifting landscape.
Here's to a wonderful festive season, a rewarding growing season, and a fruitful start to 2025.
Sophie Preece
EDITOR
