What is Sustainable Wine? A Guide to “Green” Wine

At MAWBY, we believe great wine begins with a deep respect for the land, the people who tend it, and the community we share it with. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a guiding principle woven into everything we do, from vineyard management to packaging choices.

Our approach to sustainable winemaking ensures that every bottle of MAWBY wine reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term viability. From preserving the natural beauty of Leelanau County to implementing eco-friendly farming practices, we are dedicated to making choices that benefit both the present and future.

Read on to learn more about what sustainable wine means and how MAWBY is putting these values into action.

What is Sustainable Wine?

Sustainable wine embodies a commitment to environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable practices throughout the winemaking process. This approach ensures that vineyards and wineries operate in harmony with nature, support their communities, and maintain economic feasibility.

Key Principles of Sustainable Winemaking:

• Environmental Stewardship: Implementing eco-friendly practices such as reducing water usage, minimizing chemical inputs, and conserving energy to protect natural resources.
• Social Responsibility: Ensuring fair treatment and well-being of workers, engaging with local communities, and contributing positively to society.
• Economic Viability: Maintaining practices that are financially sustainable, allowing wineries to thrive while upholding their environmental and social commitments.

MAWBY's Commitment to Sustainability:

At MAWBY, sustainability is deeply ingrained in our operations and we strive to be a sustainable winery. Here are some of the methods we employ:

• Cover Cropping: Since 2020, we've utilized cover crops like clovers and low grasses under our vines to outcompete weeds, enhance soil structure, increase organic matter, and sequester carbon.
• Conservation Easement: Our 30-acre Elm Valley property is protected under a conservation easement, ensuring the preservation of Leelanau County's natural beauty.
• Recycling Initiatives: We recycle items like wooden pallets and cardboard. Our shipping packaging is made from recycled materials and is further recyclable.
• Composting: Collaborating with Morgan Composting, we create custom compost blends to promote soil health and compost our grape pomace (pressing waste).
• Integrated Pest Management: Following guidelines from Michigan State University, we implement integrated pest management systems to minimize chemical use.
• Energy Efficiency: We harness wind energy through a turbine on our Elm Valley property and provide electric car charging stations for employees and guests.
• Water Conservation: The majority of our vineyards are dry-farmed (not irrigated) and no-till, preserving soil structure and reducing water usage.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Our canned products are packaged with cardboard collars instead of plastic to reduce waste.
• Compost Tea Trial: Building on our focus on soil health, we recently began a compost tea trial in a quarter-acre Pinot Noir block at our Elm Valley estate. The goal is to support beneficial microbial life around the vines and explore whether compost tea can help strengthen vineyard health and reduce disease pressure during the growing season. Read more about our compost tea trial.
  

By embracing these sustainable practices, MAWBY not only produces exceptional wines but also contributes to the well-being of our environment and community. Choosing sustainable wines like ours allows consumers to enjoy quality beverages while supporting eco-friendly and socially responsible winemaking.