Pouring into the Slow Wine Movement to Sip in a Greener Glass

Did you know agriculture is responsible for at least 20% of the annual greenhouse gases?

By Simone FM Spinner, CWS, MH

What does this have to do with your wine? Everything. Wine comes from grapes, which is an agricultural crop. As the level of greenhouse gases rise, more crops are affected, including the ever so fickle wine grape, ultimately effecting its end product – W.I.N.E.

In the last decade wine production has changed around the world much of which is due to the warming of the planet. Regions that once couldn’t grow grapes, now can. Regions that are known for a specific varietal, are struggling to maintain crops. As a result, a growing number of farmers – winemakers and vineyards – are changing how they’re producing wine by incorporating more sustainable farming practices that positively impact their crops, while also reducing their carbon footprints.

So how can you find and support these wineries? Support the Slow Wine movement.

Ten years ago, Giancarlo Gariglio and Fabio Giavedoni persuaded wine writers and critics to evaluate wines with a holistic approach. To more or less abandon the traditional tasting note style ratings and look at everything inside and outside the glass. Thus was born the Slow Wine guide.

There is so much more that goes into a great bottle of wine. The story behind the wine is most of its beauty.

Slow-philosophy and locavore values are increasingly important to consumers of wine and food across the globe. According to Gariglio, Slow Wine producers want the opportunity to tell their stories and explain their wines from a cultural point of view. Often, European winemakers can trace their lineage and heritage as winemakers and grape growers for many generations. Imagine the stories their wines can tell?!?

I’ve spent many years in the wine industry and have met hundreds of wine producers from notable and obscure regions across the globe. Lately, many of these producers are worried. Volatile climate patterns are threatening their livelihoods, family history, and regional culture. Wine grapes are fickle and reveal changes in weather patterns and climate issues more quickly than other crops because grapes need a perfect sweetness and ripeness before they are transformed into wine.

In the last few decades, grapes are ripening earlier and are sweeter than ever before. Some regions are loving these changes, such as Colorado, Germany, British Columbia, Ontario, Scandinavia, and Great Britain. As a result, these emerging regions are making great strides in wine quality and quantity. Check them out and see for yourself. (Hopefully, the Slow Wine guide will include these areas in the future since many of the wineries are practicing sustainability in their production.)

Colorado wines are receiving national press and the sparkling wines from Great Britain are winning international praise and prizes. German wines are fuller bodied, less tart, but every bit as lush. Cold climate wines from Canada and Scandinavia are coming into their own, but can be difficult to acquire. If you stumble across them, don’t be afraid to uncork a bottle.

Climate is changing and wine is as well. It is long past time to take a chance on eco-friendly and local wines.

As the planet warms, the traditional types of grapes that grow well in traditional regions are changing. In other words, the wine industry will and is changing as will the types of wines we drink in the near future. So what can you do? Support sustainable wineries for one – get the Slow Wine Guide Book to help you find them. And, make sure to read  Carpe Travel’s tips on how you can help save the planet one wine at a time.

Sustainable Wine 101