The Science Behind Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes
Fungus-resistant hybrid grape varieties, known as PIWIs, are evolving through advances in breeding, offering growers new options in a changing climate
Tag: Sustainability
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The Economic and Cultural Stakes of Losing Ancient Vine-Training Systems
As labor costs soar, global wine regions are forced to weigh the high expense of traditional vineyard design against its tourism appeal and climate-adapting benefits
Mourvèdre Was Made for Heat. Rising Temperatures Are Testing It
In a warming climate, even one of the world’s most heat-tolerant grape varieties is reaching its limits
8 Tequilas Leading the Way in Sustainability, According to Buyers
From additive-free production to regenerative farming, these buyer-recommended tequilas reflect the category’s evolving standards
The Science Behind Vertical Shoot Positioning in Vineyards
Once a default choice, VSP is being reevaluated as changing conditions expose tradeoffs in ripening, yield, and cost
The Promise—and Limits—of Biochar in the Vineyard
Biochar is gaining popularity with viticulturists for its ability to sequester carbon and improve soil health, but researchers are still learning when and where it’s most effective
The Mounting Economic Toll of Grapevine Trunk Diseases
From hidden infections to nursery spread, grapevine trunk diseases pose a costly and complex challenge for vineyards
Can Wine Appellation Systems Withstand Climate Change?
Extreme weather is testing long-standing appellation rules on allowed grape varieties, vineyard locations, and more, intensifying the debate over the future relevance of geographical indications
South African Chenin Blanc Clones May Be Key to the Loire Valley’s Future
Nearly 400 years ago, Chenin Blanc traveled from France to South Africa, where it thrived in a warmer, drier climate. Now, researchers from the two countries are teaming up to find more resilient clones amidst climate change
Searching for Terroir in Tequila—Beyond the Highlands and Lowlands
If the agave cultivation and production process is approached with care, each tequila-producing state and subregion—even a single rancho—has the potential to demonstrate a unique sense of place
3 Brands Leading the Way for Sustainable American Wine
From precision irrigation to habitat preservation to simplified messaging, here’s how three U.S. wine brands are taking sustainability to new heights
Are These Smart Solar Panels the Future of Sustainable Vineyards?
Agrivoltaics, a new solar paneling system designed to support agriculture while providing green energy, has shown positive results in vineyards around the world—but its high cost and depleted federal funding is slowing its uptake in the U.S.
The Path to Industry-Wide Adoption of Regenerative Viticulture
For regenerative viticulture to make a meaningful impact on the wine industry, it needs to be adopted by both boutique wineries and high-volume producers—can it be done?
The Science of Heat Stress in Grapevines
As more vineyards around the world face persistent and intermittent heat stress, researchers and vineyard managers are working to understand how grapevines are coping, and how they can better intervene
Revisiting Maui’s Bar Industry a Year After the Fires
From hiring displaced workers to prioritizing local suppliers, bar professionals in Maui are still rebuilding with the future of the entire community in mind
A Radical New Vineyard Shape for a Warming Climate
Vintners may not be able to change the climate, but they’re attempting to control microclimate through innovative new vine orientation and training approaches
Americans’ Love of Tequila and Beer Is Deepening Mexico’s Water Crisis
As U.S. demand for Mexican beer and spirits fuels industry growth, severe drought in the region complicates that success story and calls for a more sustainable approach
The Rocky Rollout of California’s New Bottle Bill
Expanding the state’s bottle redemption program to include wine and spirits is a massive undertaking, raising concerns—and hopes—from California’s beverage industry
5 Leaders in Sustainable Wine and Spirits Production
Eco-friendly practices—including organic, biodynamic, and regenerative production—are top of mind for winemakers and distillers around the world. These regions and producers are leading the charge
The 8 Best Organic Wines, According to Buyers
Sommeliers, retail buyers, and wine directors share their favorite organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines
The Wine Industry’s Human Rights Challenge
It’s time to scrutinize the significant labor issues facing the wine sector—and explore the preliminary steps being taken to mitigate them
Does Premium Whiskey Need a Box?
Secondary packaging signifies a bottle’s collectable status in the premium whiskey market, but, now that sustainability is top of mind, consumers are shifting their priorities
Designing a More Sustainable Packaging System for the Spirits Industry
EcoSpirits set out to tackle the enormous waste and carbon emissions produced by single-use glass bottles in the beverage industry with a technology and design solution based on reuse
Could Reuse Be the Future of Wine Packaging?
Lightweight glass, recycling, and alternative packaging provide steps towards a greener future, but the ultimate solution lies in reuse
