Claire Lurton, owner of Château Haut Bages Liberal

courtesy of Château Haut Bages Liberal

Growing green

Good things are happening at wineries in Bordeaux, France

by Chrissy Edrozo

Sustainable wine growing practices not only benefit the environment, but they also often improve the product winemakers sell. I recently talked to three wine industry professionals in Bordeaux, France, about their commitment to sustainability, conserving energy and water, and looking after their employees. Here’s a look:

“From a social and societal point of view, we are one of the few crus classés in Bordeaux to be awarded a corporate social responsibility label,” says Caroline Decoster, sales, marketing and communications director of Château Fleur Cardinale. The label brings together businesses across Bordeaux’s wine industry to create best practices in looking after their staff and their communities.

“Our concern for biodiversity has led us to use the BEE FRIENDLY label,” Decoster says. “Created by associations of beekeepers and naturalists, the label certifies that we practice responsible agriculture that benefits pollinating insects.”

“The life of the soil is crucial. It is the future of viticulture,” says Claire Lurton, third-generation family owner of Château Haut Bages Liberal. Her château has been certified organic since 2019 and biodiversity is at the heart of all of its viticulture practices. Lurton’s vineyards, for example, are surrounded by hedges of peach, apple and maple trees and has grass-covered soils. These natural features promote bio-diversity by keeping the soils fertile and aerated. Her vineyards are also planted with cover crops, which promote soil health and prevent erosion.

“Setting an example is essential, in terms of the quality of the wine, its ability to age well, biodiversity, carbon footprint and human well-being,” says Veronique Sanders, third-generation owner and current CEO of the Sanders family of Château Haut-Bailly. Her vineyard’s recently completed remodel incorporates rainwater collection and recycling, and uses thermal inertia, which lowers energy consumption.

What these winemakers have in common is that they are committed to making great wine, being great leaders and looking after the environment.