Sustainable viticulture practices are important to the Washington wine industry and to individual grower’s businesses. But what do growers know about sustainability? Are they actively practicing sustainable management now?  What motivated them to adopt sustainability?

The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers (WAWGG) wanted answers to these questions to introduce Vinewise, so they sent out a Sustainable Viticulture Survey in February 2005. 

WAWGG sent the survey to 418 growers, with 85 growers responding, for a 20.3% return rate.  Respondents represented WAWGG members and non-members and included growers with large and small vineyards, corporate and family-owned, in every Washington AVA.

The survey, for marketing purposes only, determined what growers already know about sustainability, what would motivate them to adopt sustainable practices and how to deliver the Vinewise guide to them.

SURVEY RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS

• Wine grape growers understand that sustainability is important to THEIR business. 79.7% of respondents felt that practicing sustainable viticulture would make their crop more marketable.  In addition, they understand that sustainability is important to the industry as a whole.

• 75% of respondents practice at least some form of sustainability now. The top 3 areas of practice are 1) pest management, 2) soil & nutrient management and 3) vineyard management. 
Read respondents’ current practices

• Growers cite concern for the environment and the future as the reason to practice sustainable viticulture. Many noted overuse of pesticides and pesticide effects as a reason to move towards sustainable pest management. 
Read growers’ comments

• 53% of responding growers practicing sustainable viticulture have faced challenges, with the most frequent challenges weed & pest management, water issues and initial costs. However, those growers consistently cited better quality grapes and better soil as a result of sustainable practices. They also cited cost savings from less chemical use and less water use. Many also cited better relations with employees and wineries as a result.
Read growers’ comments 

• 40 respondents answered that they have been in production agriculture for 25+ years, but only 16 have been growing wine grapes for that entire time. 21% of respondents also grow tree fruit, while just 7.5% also grow commodity crops.  The largest group moving towards viticulture are former apple growers. Improving quality is a concern for all. 
Read growers’ comments

• Respondents listed 54 different grape varieties being grown, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah the top three.  Other, less common varieties grown are Sazou, Tinta Madeira and Marechal Foch.
View the varieties list

• Respondents believe that sustainable practices can make their crop more marketable, but are unsure how to promote it. 79% agreed that sustainable practices would make their crop more marketable, but sustainability was mentioned less frequently in the steps they are actually taking to better market their crop. 
Read growers’ comments