Sustainable Viticulture at Weingut Reverchon
Sustainability is a fundamental principle of our work at Weingut Reverchon. We have been certified to the FAIR’N GREEN standard since 2017 and consistently apply its holistic approach throughout our viticulture and estate management. Our aim is to bring together environmental responsibility, social fairness and long-term economic viability, for the benefit of the environment, our team, our customers and future generations.
What Does Sustainability Mean in Viticulture?
For us, sustainable viticulture means giving nature, society and economic viability equal consideration. This includes protecting soil, water and climate, preserving biodiversity and treating everyone involved in making our wines fairly. Sustainability is an ongoing process of improvement, which we have documented, measured and certified through FAIR’N GREEN since 2017.
FAIR’N GREEN: Our Sustainability Standard
FAIR’N GREEN certification is an internationally recognised system for assessing sustainability across a wine estate. Developed by Fair and Green e. V. together with wine industry practitioners, it brings environmental, economic and social sustainability into a consistent, verifiable framework.
The standard covers more than 220 criteria across four areas:
- Estate management: responsible business management and transparent processes
- Environment: protecting natural resources and promoting farming close to nature
- Society: fair working conditions and commitment to employees and communities
- Value chain: sustainable supply chains, environmentally responsible production and honest marketing
The criteria are reviewed, assessed and developed annually. Independent certification ensures that our measures have a measurable impact.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
1. Ecology: Protecting Soil, Water and Climate
A healthy vineyard begins with healthy soil. We have introduced measures to strengthen soil fertility, water balance and landscape structure:
- Gentle soil cultivation to protect the soil’s natural structure and microbiome.
- Minimising heavy machinery in the vineyard to reduce soil compaction.
- Targeted cover cropping and humus development to support soil life and control erosion.
- Reducing fossil fuel use through modern technology and efficient workflows.
- Integrated plant protection to minimise risks to people and nature through sustainable solutions.
These measures benefit the environment and help our vineyards remain healthy, productive and resilient in the face of extreme weather.
2. Biodiversity: Creating and Preserving Habitats
Sustainable viticulture also means creating habitats for plants and animals. Alongside growing quality grapes, we work to support biodiversity in our vineyards and the wider cultural landscape.
- Creating flowering areas and hedgerows that offer food and shelter for insects and birds.
- Maintaining wetland habitats and natural landscape features that provide a home for rare species.
- Encouraging species diversity by reducing pesticide use and creating suitable habitats.
These natural features connect our vineyards to the surrounding landscape and strengthen its ecological balance.
3. Social Responsibility: Fairness and Community
Sustainability extends beyond the vineyard. For us, it includes fair working conditions, long-term prospects for employees and responsible community involvement. We support:
- Fair wages and working hours for all employees, including seasonal workers.
- Training and development opportunities to build knowledge and motivation.
- Safe, supportive workplaces centred on respect and health.
- Regional engagement through partnerships, cultural projects and educational initiatives.
Our goal is viticulture that is both environmentally and socially sustainable.
4. Economic Sustainability: Managing for the Future
Our sustainability work depends on a sound economic foundation. Sustainable estate management means:
- Using resources efficiently to reduce costs and environmental impact.
- Innovative technology and analysis, including life-cycle assessments and measuring our production’s carbon footprint.
- Transparent processes that build trust with trade partners and consumers.
- Long-term planning to preserve Weingut Reverchon for future generations.
This approach supports sustainability, lasting competitiveness and continued quality development.