Integrated Production of Wine

(IPW)

Appears in
Oxford Companion to Wine

By Jancis Robinson

Published 2006

  • About

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) in south africa is a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme established in 1998. The scheme’s criteria are based on international standards and were drafted taking account of International Federation of Wines and Spirits (FIVS) and the oiv’s guidelines for sustainable viti-viniculture. For grape production these include soil preparation, vine nutrition, irrigation, canopy management, growth regulators, integrated pest management, and handling of agrochemicals. Only grapes that qualify for IPW may be used for IPW wines. The cellar and wine-production guidelines cover issues such as sulfur dioxide levels as well as winery waste management. The production practices of members and aspirant members of the scheme are evaluated and audited by the Wine and Spirit Board. Wines which are not required to have passed through the wine of origin certification and which have achieved an appropriate level of IPW compliance are marketed with an IPW certification seal. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Biodiversity & Wine Initiative operates with the IPW certification scheme and aims to minimize the loss of natural habitat by working with producers who commit to set aside protected areas for long-term conservation.