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 certification 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 Help You Achieve IPW Certification
We provide full support throughout the IPW certification process, ensuring your vineyard or winery can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable wine production.
1
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
2
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
3
Certification Support
We assist you throughout the certification process:
- Guidance during audit procedures
- Addressing auditor questions and concerns
- Assisting with corrective actions if needed
- Following up on certification requirements
4
Ongoing Maintenance
Once certified, we continue to support your sustainability journey:
- Maintaining sustainable practices between audits
- Regular compliance checks and updates
- Continuous improvement of systems
- Preparing for recertification
Our expertise ensures that your vineyard or winery not only achieves IPW certification but continues to improve its sustainable practices year after year. We help you turn sustainability requirements into practical business advantages that enhance both your environmental impact and market position.