The global wine industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a growing consumer demand for more sustainable and environmentally-conscious practices. In the picturesque Südtirol-Alto Adige region of Italy, winemakers are at the forefront of this movement, embracing the principles of the circular economy to reduce their environmental footprint and create a more resilient and regenerative wine production ecosystem.
Circular Economy Principles
At the heart of this transition is the recognition that the traditional linear model of resource extraction, production, and waste disposal is no longer sustainable. The circular economy offers a more holistic approach, where waste is minimized, materials are reused and recycled, and the entire production process is designed to be self-sustaining.
“There is no doubt that there is work to be done to reduce CO2 emissions, among other things,” explains Vicky Corbeels, a PhD researcher at the University of Antwerp, who recently conducted a master class on environmental sustainability for winemakers in the region. “This approach goes beyond just recycling and encompasses the many steps that come before it.”
Regenerative Viticulture Techniques
In the vineyards of Südtirol-Alto Adige, winemakers are embracing a range of regenerative viticulture techniques to enhance the soil’s health and productivity. This includes the incorporation of organic matter, such as grape pomace and pruning residues, to improve soil structure and nutrient content. ”Pruning residues incorporation in soil is a very often practice because it’s easy and quick,” says AVIPE, a viticultural consultancy firm based in the region.
Winemakers are also exploring the use of cover crops to fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and prevent soil erosion. “We stopped using foils years ago, went to tree-free labels, and used shorter corks,” says Jaime Araujo, the founder and vintner of Trois Noix Wine in Napa Valley, California. “While moving our wines into lighter glass has been helpful when we heard there was an opportunity for reuse, it spoke to us.”
Sustainable Resource Management
The circular economy approach extends beyond the vineyard, as winemakers seek to optimize the use of resources throughout the entire production process. This includes the reuse of water, the recovery of byproducts like lees and grape marc for bioenergy or as animal feed, and the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or on-site biogas production.
“There are already several solutions for winery waste, apart from alcohol production,” notes AVIPE. “Some are easier to implement, but others need further development. There is also a need to explain and motivate wineries to implement and recover these products, but the greatest effort must be made to convince governments to accept all the possibilities mentioned, and others that may emerge in the future, as a viable destination for winery waste.”
Eco-friendly Winemaking Processes
In the winery, Südtirol-Alto Adige’s producers are embracing eco-friendly production methods to minimize their environmental impact. This includes the use of natural yeasts, the optimization of energy-intensive processes like fermentation and aging, and the adoption of lightweight glass bottles or reusable packaging.
“There is no resistance to reuse by consumers. There’s just a lack of availability, ease, and understanding,” says Clemence Schmid of Loop, a global reuse platform. “For reuse to become prevalent, wine producers and wine consumers need to change their package purchasing priority to value the product inside the bottle, recognizing that the shape or weight of a bottle doesn’t indicate wine quality.”
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
Alongside these practical measures, winemakers in Südtirol-Alto Adige are also actively engaged in preserving the region’s rich biodiversity. This includes the protection of native grape varieties, the maintenance of wildlife corridors, and the promotion of pollinator-friendly habitats in and around their vineyards.
“We are involved in several national projects related to agricultural management and the inspection of sprayers, a Portuguese project on the protection and conservation of Portuguese grape varieties and the sustainability of the vineyard,” explains AVIPE.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation
The region’s winemakers are also addressing the pressing issue of climate change, working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of strategies. This includes the implementation of precision farming techniques, the optimization of energy use in the winery, and the exploration of alternative transportation methods for their products.
“The problem right now is that traditional Pinot sites no longer resemble our concept of a cool, Burgundy-styled Pinot,” says Andi Punter from the Franz Haas estate. “Pinots in the region today can sport heady alcohol volumes of up to 15.5%, worlds away from the Burgundian finesse of so many modern Pinots as well as those I tasted back in the 1990s.”
Organic and Biodynamic Farming
In a growing number of Südtirol-Alto Adige vineyards, winemakers are embracing organic and biodynamic farming practices to further enhance the sustainability of their operations. These holistic approaches prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and the integration of the vineyard ecosystem as a whole.
“At some point perhaps we can, hopefully, come to a more holistic view of it all. For how can we seriously talk about sustainability, while constantly irrigating our vineyards?” asks Martin Gojer, who runs the Weingut Pranzegg estate.
Precision Farming Technologies
Alongside these ecological practices, Südtirol-Alto Adige’s winemakers are also leveraging the power of precision farming technologies to optimize resource use and minimize their environmental impact. This includes the use of GPS-guided tractors, soil moisture sensors, and weather monitoring stations to fine-tune irrigation, nutrient application, and other vineyard management decisions.
“Last winter I leased a conventional vineyard that is connected to the watering system of an irrigation cooperative,” Gojer explains. “The previous farmer, following the advice of the cooperative, had been allowed to water on Saturdays. ‘Eight hours, every Saturday, 16 times a year, regardless of the weather. This year — as an initial transitional year — we got by with only two Saturdays for five hours, and harvested fantastic fruit.’”
Waste Repurposing and Recycling
At the heart of the circular economy approach in Südtirol-Alto Adige is the repurposing and recycling of winery waste. Grape pomace, lees, and pruning residues are being transformed into valuable byproducts, such as bioenergy, animal feed, and soil amendments.
“Using an easy and intuitive tool to build a circular economy business model (CEBM), this project aims to find, develop and establish new ways of adding value to winery and vineyard waste,” explains AVIPE. “There are already some solutions in the market, but the use of this equipment requires certification and security.”
Closed-loop Production Systems
Going a step further, some Südtirol-Alto Adige wineries are experimenting with closed-loop production systems, where waste streams are reintegrated into the production process, minimizing the need for external inputs. This includes the recovery of water for irrigation, the extraction of valuable compounds from byproducts, and the generation of on-site renewable energy.
“We have major concerns regarding territorial development and the support and enhancement of rural communities,” says AVIPE. “We believe that this is only possible by enabling these communities to have a better life, with good health services, employment, education and security. However, this socio-economic effort needs to be integrated into an environmental strategy, not only to protect them but also to enhance ecosystem services.”
As Südtirol-Alto Adige’s winemakers continue to lead the way in sustainable winemaking practices, their commitment to the circular economy is not only benefiting the environment but also strengthening the resilience and vibrancy of their local communities. By embracing these innovative approaches, they are ensuring that their vineyards and wineries will continue to thrive for generations to come.
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