Sustainable Viticulture Is A Big Topic In Greece. Here’s What Wineries Are Doing About It.

Sustainable Viticulture Is A Big Topic In Greece. Here’s What Wineries Are Doing About It.

Crete's landscape is dense with vineyards and olive trees, many struggling with heat and drought. Sustainable viticulture refers to a method of grape growing and wine production that prioritizes environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. This approach involves managing vineyards in a way that preserves natural resources, reduces waste and pollution, and promotes biodiversity. Angelos C. Iatridis, the winemaker for Alpha Estate in northwest Greece, believes the Greek wine industry has made significant progress toward implementing sustainable practices. "There is growing recognition among winemakers in Greece that sustainability is essential to the long-term success of the industry, and many wineries have already adopted sustainable practices in their vineyards and winemaking operations," he says. Located in the heart of the Amyndeon PDO, the coldest winemaking region in Greece, Alpha Estate faces different challenges from climate change than wineries operating further south. However, most Greek winemakers agree that practices must collectively change, starting with sustainable viticulture. Sustainable viticulture encompasses a range of practices that promote the long-term health and productivity of vineyards while minimizing their environmental impact. These practices include using cover crops, composting, integrated pest management, and reduced chemical inputs. All of Alpha Estate's vineyards are certified sustainable viticulture (integrated