Taking collective action to decarbonize the global wine industry
What is IWCA
The wine industry is one of the agricultural activities most affected by global climate change. Grapevines are extremely sensitive to subtle changes in weather, making grapes particularly vulnerable to heat and drought, and this could ultimately put the quality of our wines at risk.
International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) is a collaborative working group of environmentally committed wineries focused on a science-based approach to reducing carbon emissions across the wine industry. Each member within IWCA takes responsibility to hold ourselves and each other accountable to build a cleaner, more resilient wine community for future generations.
IWCA is open to wineries from any country who recognize that climate change is the most significant threat facing the wine industry, and who are guided by the urgency for strategic action that accelerates the implementation of strategies and innovative solutions to tackle climate change.
Our goal is to share best practices that mitigate climate impacts in vineyard and winery operations so that we can act collectively to decarbonize the global wine industry today.
IWCA was co-founded by Familia Torres and Jackson Family Wines, two leading wineries with a multigenerational vision rooted in environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.
IWCA has received the 2019 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for Social Visionary on the Year.
Our Mission
Our mission is to galvanize the global wine community towards creating climate change mitigation strategies and decarbonizing the industry. We seek to raise awareness of the urgent need to address the effects of climate change, and to promote the adoption of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) footprint inventories and emissions reduction strategies.
We focus on the development of a standardized methodology that accounts for annual GHG emissions (Scopes 1, 2 &3) and strategies and best practices to reduce carbon emissions.
As an international working group, each member of the IWCA will target an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) of 80% by 2045, with a shorter-term target of 50% by 2030.
Since its founding in 1870, Familia Torres has combined tradition and innovation with the aim of making premium wine and brandy, always with the utmost respect for the environment. It has historically had wineries and vineyards in its homeland Penedès, Conca de Barberà, Priorat and Costers del Segre, and it is also present nowadays in other Spanish wine regions as well as Chile and California. The commitment to protect the land and environment, the pursuit of excellence, and a passion for wine culture have been passed down from generation to generation. Fifth generation is focusing today on making wines from unique vineyards and recovering ancestral varieties in Catalonia, as well as in other parts of Spain and Chile. Familia Torres is adapting to global warming while contributing to mitigate its effects through its ambitious environmental program, Torres & Earth, established in 2008.
Visit websiteFounding Members Founding Members
Jackson Family Wines is a family-owned wine company with a penchant for exploration. Founder Jess Jackson placed his faith in farming and a meticulous expression of wine with his first landscape-changing vintage in 1982, an ethos that chairman and proprietor Barbara Banke, the Jackson family and the company’s employees continue to uphold to this day. The family’s collection of 40 wineries span significant winegrowing regions across the globe, from California, Oregon, France and Italy in the northern hemisphere, to Australia, Chile and South Africa in the southern half of the globe. Artisan winemaking underscores a steadfast commitment to making exceptional wines in the most responsible manner. The Jackson family’s focus on vineyard ownership remains key to consistent high quality and environmental stewardship for future generations.
Visit websiteIWCA Members
Any winery having applied to join IWCA and having provided documentation that has been verified to comply with the IWCA entry requirements will be able to become an IWCA Member once the founding members accept its candidature.
IWCA Applicants
Any winery that has fulfilled the minimum GHG inventory requirement can be considered as an Applicant. Applicant wineries must commit to fulfilling all IWCA application criteria within five (5) years of their application date in order to achieve full standing membership and all the benefits that come with it
Spottswoode Estate
Established in 1882, and guided by two generations of the Novak family for a half century, Spottswoode Estate was the first in Napa Valley to adopt organic farming. “Grounded in stewardship, we believe in effecting meaningful change through nurturing our vineyards, communities, and planet.” Today, Spottswoode is organic, biodynamic, solar powered, and contributes 1% of its revenue to environmental causes. In 2017, Spottswoode earned the Green Medal Environment Award for exemplifying that being green leads to exceptional quality. “We proudly support the IWCA’s mission to decarbonize the industry and champion climate change mitigation strategies.”
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Symington Family Estates
The Symingtons, leading vineyard owners in Douro, have been Port producers in northern Portugal since 1882. For 5 generations they have combined their passion for producing fine wines and Ports with a deep commitment to the region’s land and people. As the first certified B Corporation wine company in Portugal, Symington has a broad sustainability plan with a series of measurable goals for 2025. “We´re very pleased to join IWCA as we believe this rigorous framework can lead the wine sector´s response to this existential threat. We have no time to waste” Rob Symington, associate director of Symington Family States.
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VSPT Wine Group
One of the largest exporters of Chilean wine in the world. Committed to sustainable wine production for over 10 years, the company’s primary focus is utilizing 100% renewable energy for wine production, recovering ecosystems through a robust biodiversity plan, and pioneering waste management programs in Chile.
“Our sense of urgency and concern for the future of Chile’s viticulture deeply aligns with IWCA’s values and commitment to mitigating climate change around the world".
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Yealands Estate Wines
The first winery in New Zealand to be certified carbonzero from inception. Aiming to be one the most sustainable wine producers in the world, Yealands is highly innovative and continually seeks new ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Producing world-class wines doesn’t have to be at the expense of the environment,” says Tiffani Graydon, CEO of Yealands Wine Group."We´re delighted to join IWCA and work collaboratively with other sustainability leaders in the industry to make a global difference, both now and in the future".
FIND MOREFriends of IWCA
Any kind of individual, association or society sharing the IWCA values and willing to give support to the working group can join as a Friend of IWCA.
Why join IWCA
Because the global climate crisis requires immediate action.
- By joining IWCA, your winery has recognized the severity of the climate crisis and is committed to taking immediate action to help reduce the wine industry’s carbon footprint given the direct impact climate change has on our vineyards and wines.
- The more wineries participating in IWCA, the louder our voice to raise awareness on climate change and urge for immediate, global action.
- Given the science-based approach of IWCA and the strictness of its requirements, your winery will be perceived as one that is strongly and sincerely committed in the fight against climate change.
- IWCA creates a space for collaboration that encourages the sharing of best practices that mitigate climate impacts in vineyard and winery operations, from which you can benefit.
Membership Requirements
Because decarbonizing the industry requires commitment and vision.
- To be at least 20% powered by onsite renewable energy (excluding the purchase of RECS or other offsets).
- To have completed a minimum baseline third-party verified GHG inventory for a standardized set of emissions categories across Scopes 1-3 (using WRI GHG protocol and ISO 14064 process), including 90% of the organization’s volume within the region where its main winery and vineyards are located.
- To demonstrate at least a 25% reduction of CO2 emissions per unit of wine produced from a baseline emissions inventory year as proof of proactive ongoing commitment.
- To have a mid & long-term objective to reduce total emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2045.
Are you ready to take action on climate change?
Contact us
If you are interested in taking the steps required to join this international initiative or wish to receive further information, please fill out the following form and we will get in touch with you.