Labour and Chemicals in Sustainable Vineyards: Joining the Dots
Sustainability in vineyards only works when environmental and social progress go hand in hand with economic viability. In this webinar, SWR introduces the Sustainable Vineyard approach, bringing together viticulture practices and labour standards to support practical change on the ground without adding unnecessary cost or burden.
The discussion covered what the Sustainable Vineyard is, why it was developed, and what’s next, with a focus on resilience, scalability, and credible progress.
SWR’s Founder and Executive Director Tobias Webb and Research Director Dr. Peter Stanbury are joined by João Barroso (Wines of Alentejo) to explore how vineyards can implement practices that work for people, planet, and profit.
Key Takeaways
A few takeaways from the discussion we’ll be carrying forward:
- Practical support matters. Light-touch insight gathering, shared tools, and implementation-focused resources can help vineyards of all sizes take meaningful steps without adding unnecessary burden.
- Resilience is becoming a core driver. In regions already experiencing heat, drought, and volatility, sustainability is increasingly tied to risk management and long-term viability.
- Peer learning accelerates adoption. Case studies, trusted champions, and visible benefits make change feel achievable.
- Credible storytelling has power in wine, especially when it is grounded in concrete actions and evidence of improvement.
Whats Next?
We’ve captured the Sustainable Vineyard approach in a short PDF, including the rationale, the three-part model (Insight, Toolkits, Barometer), and what we’re inviting members and partners to help shape next.
Click here to download the Sustainable Vineyard overview (PDF).
Interested in getting involved, contributing your insight, or exploring how this could work in your region? Contact Luke Mobley at luke@swroundtable.org.
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