A future of sustainable wine? A reasoned review and discussion of ongoing programs around the world

Recently consumers through their more conscious purchases are called to act as citizens working towards a more sustainable future. As a consequence, today many countries are investing a significant amount of effort in encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices in vineyards and wineries. While other important transnational institutions (as the OIV) are strongly committed to adopt and develop wide-ranging roadmaps to develop sustainable vitiviniculture practices. In this scenario, the wine industry has witnessed a proliferation of voluntary labels and programs aimed at certifying sustainable practices. The present paper systemically analyzes the many sustainable systems for wine around the world in order to outline the current complex landscape of voluntary, industry and third-party codes and certification processes that have emerged in specific countries and the international arena. Furthermore the paper highlights the core features and key differences of the main programs currently active.