What the IPW Standard is About

IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) is a certification standard designed specifically for the wine industry, focusing on sustainable farming and winemaking practices. It ensures that vineyards and cellars follow environmentally responsible methods, promoting sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and minimizing the environmental impact of wine production.

The standard covers a wide range of practices, including:

Managing soil health and biodiversity
Responsible water use and conservation
Safe chemical handling and application
Comprehensive waste management
Energy efficiency in production

By achieving IPW certification, wineries and vineyards demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, quality, and responsible production, which enhances their market appeal and consumer trust.

What IPW Audits Focus On

When conducting an IPW audit, the primary focus is on assessing several key areas of sustainability and compliance.

Sustainable Vineyard Management

The audit evaluates practices around maintaining a sustainable vineyard ecosystem:

Soil health and conservation methods
Water resource management
Integrated pest management systems
Biodiversity preservation
Sustainable cultivation practices

Chemical Use & Waste Management

The evaluation verifies responsible handling throughout production:

Responsible use of chemicals and fertilizers
Proper pesticide application and storage
Waste product management and disposal
Recycling and waste reduction initiatives
Hazardous material handling protocols

Resource Efficiency

IPW audits assess the efficient use of vital resources:

Water conservation and efficiency
Energy management and reduction
Carbon footprint monitoring
Resource-efficient production methods
Sustainable packaging practices

Social Responsibility & Worker Welfare

The standard ensures fair and safe working conditions:

Health and safety standards
Employee training and development
Fair labor practices
Worker wellbeing initiatives
Community engagement programs

Traceability & Record-Keeping

The audit verifies proper documentation systems:

Complete production records
Traceability throughout the production chain
Documentation of farming practices
Regular monitoring and reporting
Compliance verification systems

How We Keep You IPW Compliant

We provide full, ongoing IPW support, so your vineyard or cellar can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable wine production.

Understanding & Implementation

We guide you in understanding and implementing the necessary sustainability practices:

Explaining IPW requirements for your specific operation
Developing custom implementation strategies
Training staff on sustainable practices

Pre-Audit Preparation

We help prepare you thoroughly for the audit process:

Identifying areas needing improvement
Developing effective action plans
Organizing required documentation
Conducting pre-audit assessments

Audit Support

We help you get ready for your IPW evaluation:

Guidance during audit procedures
Addressing auditor questions and concerns
Assisting with corrective actions if needed
Following up on corrective actions after the audit

Ongoing Maintenance

After your audit, we continue to support your sustainability journey:

Maintaining sustainable practices between audits
Regular compliance checks and updates
Continuous improvement of systems
Preparation for your next evaluation

Our expertise keeps your vineyard or cellar IPW-compliant at all times and helps it keep improving its sustainable practices. We help you turn sustainability requirements into practical business advantages that enhance both your environmental impact and market position.

We're always with you: before, during and after every audit. Crop Compliance does not conduct IPW audits or issue IPW certificates.

Get Started with IPW Compliance

Back to Services