Today, the way businesses produce wine is beginning to matter more and more to wine drinkers in the US. According to data published by the International Wine and Spirits Boards, a global drinks data and insight provider, the proportion of US regular wine drinkers willing to pay more for sustainable wine increased between 2021 and 2022.
Whereas “natural” wines were considered less “processed,” consumers perceived sustainable wines as being better for the environment and also (more) ethically responsible. At 46%, almost half of US regular wine drinkers said they will always go for a sustainable wine if the choice presents itself. As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, winemakers are trying to become more sustainable by reducing water usage, using liquor pouches for retail, redesigning their cellars to make these storage areas more sustainable, and engaging in other sustainable practices.
Below is a look at sustainable wine and how it benefits tourism, how stakeholders in the sustainable wine trade benefit, and how casinos are beginning to incorporate sustainable wines into their catering menus.
Bringing benefits to tourism
Sustainable winemaking doesn’t just concern itself with the vineyards, and the cellars and reducing the negative impact on the environment; some programs look at companies’ whole supply chain, energy consumption, and social responsibility practices.
Right now, wineries understand that sustainability is a major factor for visitors and can determine whether they want to visit a winery or not. They think it’ll be even more important in the future. Being sustainable can help to build trust in the industry with visitors, increase their satisfaction with a visit to a winery or even to a wine region, and, most importantly, make the world a generally better place.
However, sustainable wine tourism faces some challenges. Resources are the main one. A lack of both financial resources and human ones is hampering sustainable wine tourism, as are issues with infrastructure.
Boosting sustainability in winemaking could really benefit tourism. Sustainable winemakers can develop distinctive wines that become known for their regional character. This is the real source of discovery and pleasure for wine drinkers, which can boost the reputation of the whole and attract visitors, who are looking to experience the area where the wine itself was developed. As well as spending money at the wineries, they’ll spend money in nearby businesses and attractions.
Visitors who do visit a sustainable winery may also engage with the local community more, especially if they’re already eco-conscious travelers. Visiting a sustainable winery may persuade less environmentally conscious travelers to reconsider some of their habits.
Benefiting the stakeholders
Winemakers in the US and elsewhere are all understanding the importance of sustainability, as are other stakeholders in the industry. Stakeholders include small businesses, leading wine brands, distributors, retailers, and, to an extent, environmental organizations. These different stakeholders are beginning to work together more and develop standards that help to bolster the reputation of the wine industry. They aim to make wineries and vineyards more environmentally friendly and socially just and general help to establish the wine industry as a leader in sustainability.
One industry that’s tapping into the popularity of sustainable wines is the casino industry. Whether they’re playing at a traditional casino establishment or relaxing at home with a tipple and playing at a real money online casino, casino game players often enjoy a glass of wine. At a brick-and-mortar casino, players can simply wait for a server to come around with sustainable wine on the free drinks tray, or head to the bar for one if they’re taking a break from the tables.
Casinos endeavor to look after players the best they can and ensure controls to help their players enjoy gaming safely and play responsibly. Choosing to serve sustainable wines shows not only do they care about their customers, but also that the casino’s values align with those of their consumers. Players who see that the casino is making ethical choices of its own in what to serve may feel better about playing at these casinos than at others.
Of course, casinos not only offer a gaming experience. They’ve also become popular places to dine or drink. Customers don’t have to game at them. Casinos will also try to attract culinary tourists by advertising the sale of locally sourced wines. They’ll try to promote them when asked for recommendations and will offer free samples, either in the casino area or in the lobby.
Sustainable wine production is acquiring more and more importance as consumers in the US opt for more ethical choices when buying wines. If businesses in the wine industry can operate more sustainably, they could lend a sizable boost to tourism and help to put certain regions on the map because of their winemaking prowess.
