Gusbourne, a distinguished English winery nestled in Appledore, Kent, has wholeheartedly embraced sustainability as a core principle. Their commitment transcends mere buzzwords, manifesting in tangible actions that minimize environmental impact. Biodiversity flourishes under their watchful care, nurtured by organic fertilizers and strategically planted wildflower blocks adjacent to the vineyards. Soil health, a cornerstone of their viticultural practices, is meticulously monitored, while energy consumption is rigorously minimized across all operations. This dedication resonates with a growing consumer base increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint. Customers recognize Gusbourne’s commitment and find value in supporting a business that prioritizes ecological responsibility. This alignment between producer and consumer underscores a shared desire for environmentally sound practices in the wine industry.
Gusbourne cultivates the classic trio of sparkling wine grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier – using Burgundian clones chosen for their suitability to the English climate and their potential to produce high-quality sparkling wines. Founded in 2004, the winery’s pursuit of sustainable practices led them to become a member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB), a rigorous accreditation scheme recognizing wineries that adhere to stringent environmental standards. This membership signals Gusbourne’s commitment to exceeding industry norms and contributing to a more sustainable winemaking landscape in the UK.
The SWGB accreditation, a mark of distinction held by only 14 out of over 500 commercial vineyards and 160 wineries in England and Wales, reflects the scheme’s demanding criteria. Emerging from the established United Kingdom Vineyards Association, a 50-year-old institution, SWGB was launched in 2020. It represents the UK’s contribution to a burgeoning global network of sustainability-focused organizations, joining the ranks of SudVinBio in France, the Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance in California, Viticolturasostenibile in Italy, and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. This global interconnectedness fosters the sharing of best practices and accelerates the adoption of sustainable winemaking practices worldwide.
Achieving SWGB accreditation is a multi-staged process involving a thorough, independent evaluation of a winery’s entire operation. Wineries must not only provide comprehensive data and processes to external auditors but also meticulously measure their carbon footprint using the WineGB Carbon Calculator, a proprietary tool developed specifically for the scheme. This comprehensive calculator assesses the environmental impact of every element within the vineyard and winery ecosystem, from the vines, trees, and hedgerows to the machinery employed in the vineyard and the materials used in the winery. The depth of this analysis ensures a holistic understanding of the winery’s environmental performance.
The WineGB Carbon Calculator provides granular data, enabling users to calculate CO2 emissions per hectare of vineyard and even per bottle of wine produced. This level of detail empowers wineries to identify areas for improvement and track progress toward their sustainability goals. Furthermore, SWGB’s partnership with Ecoclimasol, a French digital climate risk management company, provides access to the Dephyto platform, an online tool for assessing the health and environmental risks associated with vineyard chemicals. The English version of this platform, a first for any sustainable wine scheme globally, empowers SWGB members to make informed choices about chemical usage, minimizing potential harm to both human health and the environment.
The rigorous data collection and analysis required by the SWGB scheme serve as a constant reminder of the importance of sustainability, prompting ongoing evaluation and the setting of new targets. Jon Pollard, Gusbourne’s chief vineyard manager, highlights the value of this process, emphasizing how it keeps sustainability at the forefront of their operations. He further notes that the transparency and stringent requirements of the SWGB accreditation simplify the decision-making process, guiding them towards environmentally responsible choices. This positive feedback reinforces the effectiveness of the SWGB scheme in driving sustainable practices within the English wine industry. By embracing these standards, Gusbourne actively contributes to a more sustainable future for wine production while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship that resonates with their customers and sets a positive example for the industry.
