In 1993, New Zealand’s wine industry had a vision to increase its wine exports from $41m to $100m by the year 2000.
That vision, made over thirty years ago, sowed the seeds that set the New Zealand wine industry on its way to establishing its Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme, which celebrates three decades in 2025.
In 1995, after researching international options the previous year, five vineyards participated in the first scorecard system to measure impacts over time and encourage positive enhancements to vineyard management.
This trial resulted in the framework for the new sustainability programme that was later named Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ).
Fast-forward to 2002, wine exports were $246m per annum, far exceeding the initial goal that was set in 1993. By this time over 100 vineyards were participating, and 10 wineries had joined the programme.
In 2004, independent audits were introduced for vineyards, and two years later they were introduced for participating wineries.
The next milestone occurred in 2007/2008. Creating a brand logo that could only be obtained for wine when 100% of the grapes and the winemaking facilities were certified by SWNZ.
In 2008 New Zealand wine exports had reached $800m per annum.
Fabian Yukich, Chair New Zealand Winegrowers says the industry leaders in the early ’90s were passionate and innovative.
“They could see the opportunities for an export-focused wine industry,” he says. “They knew the importance of sustainability to ensure New Zealand wine would be internationally renowned for its premium reputation.
“They also believed the way forward was to unite winegrowers and winemakers. Working together would ensure success.”
Over 30 years, SWNZ has evolved into a robust, independently audited programme that now certifies 96% of New Zealand’s vineyard area and approximately 90% of wine production by volume.
That level of participation by both winegrowers and winemakers sets this programme apart as the only one of its kind around the world. In 2024 exports of New Zealand wine exceeded $2b per annum.
The SWNZ programme has continuously evolved to meet an ever-changing world. It focuses on six key areas: Climate Change, Water, Waste, Plant Protection, Soil and People.
One thing that has remained constant for the last 30 years and will continue to reassure wine lovers around the world, is the high level of commitment New Zealand wine has to a sustainable future that drives its unique and distinctive wines.
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