Vineyard and Winery Show: A toast to sustainability

Alejandra Acevedo reports back from the 2024 Vineyard and Winery Show in Kent—the place to be if you are interested in regenerative viticulture!

The annual Vineyard and Winery Show is a real gem for anyone passionate about English wine—and this year didn’t disappoint! The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, the clinking of glasses, and animated conversations about the future of viticulture and, in particular, regenerative viticulture.

A Sip of English Excellence

The highlight for many of the attendees at the 2024 Vineyard and Winery Show was undoubtedly the wine stands.

There were three delightful areas showcasing an impressive range of English wines: from robust reds to crisp whites and sparkling options that rival their Champagne counterparts.

Each stand was a testament to the growing prowess of the English wine industry—bold, innovative, and committed to quality.

Behind the Bottles: The Supply Chain

Beyond the wines themselves, the show featured a wealth of exhibitors from across the supply chain. Stands included companies that provide the labels, bottles, and even the systems that make vineyard operations tick. It was fascinating to learn how integral these components are to the final product that ends up in our glasses.

A Chance to Talk Sustainability

Among the crowd and at the exhibitor stands, I had some fantastic conversations with individuals keen on sustainability. They were intrigued by regenerative practices and, in particular, a project Terrafarmer is working on—helping vineyards transition to carbon neutrality and ultimately achieve ‘net zero’.

This initiative supports vineyards in adopting regenerative practices and embracing sustainability at every level. Here’s how we’re doing it:

• Carbon baselining
  We start by assessing the vineyard soil. This provides a baseline that allows us to measure and monitor improvements over time, particularly in soil organic carbon—a vital factor in sustainable farming.
• Comprehensive audits
  Using trusted tools and partners, we audit the vineyard’s carbon footprint. This audit forms the foundation for a personalised roadmap to net zero, identifying actionable steps to reduce emissions.
• Independent advice
  Tailored support is key to success. We offer expert guidance to help vineyards adopt regenerative practices that enhance both sustainability and productivity.

‘Cheers’ to a Sustainable Future

The enthusiasm for these services was incredible, and it’s clear that English vineyards are ready to take the next step towards a greener, regenerative future. By combining innovation in winemaking with a commitment to environmental stewardship, the industry has the potential to lead by example on the journey to net zero.

If you’re involved in the vineyard or wine-growing sector and want to learn more about how we can help, we’d be delighted to chat. Together, we can raise a glass to a sustainable, thriving future for English wine.