Media release
16 June 2014
New Zealand wine industry gets WiSE
A world leading sustainability scorecard and reporting tool is being launched to New Zealand wineries and grape-growers
today. WiSE (Wine Industry Sustainability Engine) will be used by around 2000 wineries and vineyards from Northland to
Otago. It will record and manage winery and vineyard activities to ensure they meet international sustainability
standards required by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
The New Zealand wine industry is already seen as a driving force in sustainability with over 94% of the vineyard
producing area certified under an independently audited sustainability programme, and WiSE is set to bolster this
reputation.
“This marks another step forward for the industry” says Philip Manson, General Manager Sustainability, New Zealand
Winegrowers. “New Zealand wineries and grape-growers are committed to growing grapes and making wine in an
environmentally and socially responsible way, and have been for a long time. WiSE will make it easier for members of
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand to record, manage and report on their sustainable activities, and continue to
improve their practices.”
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand is a world leading sustainability programme and is celebrating its 20th year.
-ENDS-
About Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand
Sustainable winegrowing New Zealand is a proactive environmental management programme that aims to deliver positive
social and ecological outcomes. It enables the production of high-quality wine by employing environmentally responsible
and economically viable processes in vineyards and wineries. The programme is based on continuous improvement and
adherence to standards that reflect seven ‘pillars’ as key areas of focus: biodiversity; soil, water and air; energy;
chemicals; by-products; people; and business practices.
About WiSE
WiSE uses software called SoFi developed by PE International which was awarded ‘Top Product of the Year 2014’ by
Environmental Leader a leading environmental, energy and sustainability website. This core sustainability software is
used internationally in industries ranging from Construction to Manufacturing. New Zealand Winegrowers has customised
the software to ensure the specific needs of the New Zealand wine industry are met.