Responsible Wineries: The Green Challenge of Italian Wine

In the heart of Italian viticulture, among historic vineyards and a new generation of producers, a growing awareness is taking root: the future of wine cannot ignore sustainability. It’s a quiet yet determined transition, driven by the urgency of climate change, evolving environmental regulations, and a market that demands quality, transparency, and respect for the planet. Today, making wine doesn’t only mean enhancing the territory and oenological know-how — it also means caring for the environment, local communities, and the future of the entire supply chain.

Climate is changing, the vineyard responds

Extreme weather events, irregular seasons, heatwaves, and new pathogens are challenging the balance of traditional viticulture. Climate change alters the vine’s growth cycles, accelerates grape ripening, and increases risks linked to disease and pests. To face these challenges, many Italian wineries are rethinking their farming practices, moving toward more sustainable approaches: organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture, supported by precision farming tools. Drones, environmental sensors, and digital systems now enable more careful resource management, reducing the use of chemical treatments and limiting waste. Some wineries are introducing grape varieties more resistant to heat and disease, while others adopt innovative techniques such as shade nets or smart irrigation systems to protect vines from extreme conditions. Climate resilience has become a top priority to safeguard quality and ensure production continuity.

Italian wineries: innovation meets sustainability

At the same time, wineries themselves are transforming. Energy efficiency and environmental impact have become fundamental criteria in designing production spaces and winemaking processes. The use of renewable energy, such as solar power, helps cut consumption and reduce emissions. Sustainable materials are increasingly being used for construction and renovation, with growing attention to bioclimatic architecture.

Digital technologies are also revolutionizing internal operations: IoT sensors and automated systems monitor ideal conditions for fermentation and aging in real time, optimizing each stage. Artificial intelligence supports logistics, traceability, and resource management, paving the way for more efficient and transparent production.

These solutions not only help companies reduce their environmental footprint, but also build a credible and consistent image that appeals to a public increasingly focused on sustainability.

Packaging plays its part

The wine sector’s green commitment doesn’t end in the vineyard or cellar. The way wine reaches consumers is also a strategic choice. Packaging has a significant impact on a wine’s carbon footprint: according to Slow Wine, glass and transportation account for about 74% of the total emissions related to a bottle.

That’s why many companies are shifting to lighter and more responsible options: recycled glass, lightweight bottles, bag-in-box, FSC-certified or recycled label materials, recyclable aluminum caps or closures from sustainable sources. Some companies, such as Argea with their "Piuma" project, have already achieved concrete results, saving hundreds of tons of CO₂.

Alternatives like cardboard bottles or compostable materials — once unthinkable for wine — are now carving out a space even in the most demanding markets. These changes aren’t just environmentally driven — they speak a language consumers understand and appreciate. According to Nomisma, over 50% of Italians have chosen products with eco-friendly packaging, showing that a sustainable identity is now a key part of the purchasing decision.

Certifications: a concrete guarantee

In the absence of a unified European regulation, Italy has developed reliable tools to support wineries on their sustainability journey. Certifications such as VIVA (promoted by the Ministry of the Environment) and Equalitas offer measurable and verifiable parameters to monitor a winery’s environmental, social, and economic impact.

VIVA is based on four indicators — Air, Water, Vineyard, and Territory — evaluated by third-party organizations. Equalitas takes a holistic approach involving the entire supply chain and promoting corporate social responsibility. RINA certification, though not exclusive to wine, is also widely used by wineries as a way to validate their ESG standards.

Besides ensuring transparency, these certifications are a powerful competitive tool in international markets, where sustainability and traceability are now prerequisites for doing business.

A complex path, rich in opportunity

Embracing sustainability isn’t always easy. Initial costs, ongoing training, and bureaucracy can be discouraging — especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, those who invest in green practices today are making a forward-thinking choice. Sustainability boosts efficiency, improves reputation, facilitates access to funding and EU grants, and above all, offers a tangible competitive edge in foreign markets, where environmental impact is central to trade policies.

A new value to cultivate

In a landscape where sensory quality alone is no longer enough, sustainability is emerging as the new standard of excellence. It strengthens brand identity, enhances the territory, and builds trust-based relationships with consumers.Responsible wineries not only reduce their environmental footprint — they actively contribute to community development and the future of Made in Italy.Because today, the real challenge is not just to produce well, but to produce better — with intelligence, respect, and vision.