Project 2:

*NEW* Sustainability Code of the Chilean Wine Industry

How did the project originate?
The Chilean wine industry, under the umbrella of Vinos de Chile, saw a need to strengthen the sustainability of the wine sector. As the association’s technical branch, the Consorcios, responded to this need with a program that includes a series of initiatives.

In the wine industry, sustainability is understood as the convergence of production processes that are environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically viable. The program includes establishing a National Sustainability Code, accompanied by a series of specific projects that address key areas of sustainability. The Code establishes an instrument for measuring the sustainability of different practices throughout the value chain of wine production. The project is not entirely new, but was based on an initiative implemented jointly by the Universidad de Talca and Viñas Errázuriz-Caliterra and Viñas de Colchagua. This system establishes a series of parameters for the entire value chain of wine and identifies different practices that foster sustainability in each link in the chain.

Importance of the project
Establishing sustainable parameters that can be incorporated into the quality of excellence of Chilean wines will help strengthen and maintain the Chilean wine industry’s competitiveness over time, enhancing the industry’s image among national and international consumers alike.

How is the project being implemented?
The project will be coordinated by the Consorcios del Vino (Vinnova-TecnoVid) and implemented by professionals and experts from the Universidad de Talca. The project will be carried out in two stages. The first will validate the Code of Sustainable Practices, formulate a final code, and launch a web platform. The second stage will implement the Code and make the accreditation system available to the wineries.

What are the objectives of the project?
The primary goal is to create a “National Code of Sustainable Practices” and a system that will enable wineries to obtain accreditation. This will allow wineries to demonstrate the advances they have made toward sustainability to the local and international communities. In establishing the Code, the wine industry’s needs and associated practices have been identified and grouped into the following areas: Green Area (Vineyards), Red Area (Winery), Orange Area (Community).

Project Impact:
1. More sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices.
2. Protection of the Ecosystem
3. Strengthening of the image of Chilean wines with respect to sustainability.

Program Timeframes
Start date: May 2010)
Validation and finalization of the Code: May 2010–December 2010
Implementation of the system: December 2010–October 2011

Project Length: 18 months