Sustainable viticulture: Feldkirchen winemakers show the way!

Sustainable viticulture: Feldkirchen winemakers show the way!

The Styrian wine region around Straden has increasingly focused on sustainable viticulture in recent years. A significant example of this was an excursion organized by winemaker Gerhard Blasge from Ortisei. The destination of the event was the Tropper organic winery on Kirchberg, known for its high-quality Burgundy wines. The family winery is committed to the sustainable management of its vineyards and will start completely organic cultivation in 2025.

The new operations manager, Edi Tropper, relies on innovative methods such as alternating mulching and the use of compost. An important aspect of his work is promoting biodiversity in viticulture. The Tropper vineyard wines are also produced in a 100% environmentally and climate-neutral manner, which is another sign of the conscious use of natural resources. The excursion offered participants valuable insights into the topics of composting, soil care and sustainable cellar work, which deepened their knowledge of sustainable practices in viticulture. Blasge expressed satisfaction with the information he gained during the event.

Not just a local focus

However, sustainability in viticulture is not just limited to regional companies. The leading association VDP is increasingly demanding proof of sustainability from its members, especially for exports to Scandinavia and Canada. Organic farms already meet many requirements through their organic certification, but often have to provide additional evidence. The “Sustainable Wine Pilot Program”, which was developed by Naturland, comes into play here.

This program offers a voluntary addition to the Naturland certification and takes into account the systemic sustainability performance of organic farming. The aim of the program is to support winemakers in addressing additional sustainability issues and using these as a foundation for business development. The measures include structured management plans, regular advice and the promotion of networking.

Comprehensive support through monitoring

The monitoring program can also be important for companies’ sustainability communication. In the summer of 2024, the VDP recognized this pilot program, which represents a first important milestone. So far, twelve companies have already successfully taken part, and eight more winemakers will start in March 2025.

The program consists of four components that offer individual support for wineries in sustainable business development:

• Individuelles Monitoring: Festlegung von Nachhaltigkeitszielen und Fortschrittsmessung.
• Einzelbetriebliche Beratung: Umfassende Nachhaltigkeitsberatung alle drei Jahre.
• Regelmäßiger Praxisaustausch: Jährliches Treffen im „Community Netzwerk Nachhaltiger Wein“.
• Sichtbarmachung der Leistungen: Monitoring und Verifizierung der Nachhaltigkeitsleistungen für Marketing.

The program covers four dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, economic, and culture and society. Ecological aspects, such as soil and plant care as well as biodiversity, are the focus. In addition, social aspects, such as the rights of employees, and economic indicators are taken into account.

In summary, both local initiatives such as the Tropper organic winery and nationally recognized programs such as Naturland's make a valuable contribution to more sustainable winegrowing practices. While Styrian winemakers concentrate on their specific challenges, they also benefit from a broader network and exchange with other companies that pursue similar goals.