Wine industry has grown to more than 800 in Washington state

(CourierHeralald) - As the Washington wine industry grew quickly to over 800 wineries, resources about how to establish or improve sustainability didn’t keep pace.  Sustainability is integral to any efficient processing facility that consumes water, fuel, electricity, glass, and other natural resources.

Frustrated by the lack of available educational tools, a group of wine industry volunteers met with the Washington Wine Industry Foundation and developed a grant proposal seeking funds to write an online, interactive guide of business and winery management practices.  Based on a list of industry priorities, the group of winemakers wanted an on-demand tool for wineries to assess their consumption of resources and identify management decisions for cutting energy and fuel use; improving water conservation and wastewater recycling; utilizing eco-friendly material handling, recycling, and environmentally preferred purchasing; reducing solid waste; optimizing local supply chains; promoting physical, social, and economic well-being of employees; and promoting neighbor and community communication.

The Wine Industry Foundation went to work and was awarded funds from the Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  The grant focused on impacts to the environment, the community infrastructure and the high costs to wineries.

The group of volunteers became the steering committee and met nearly monthly for over two years. The team also expanded to include environmental professionals and consultants.

The grant helped fund content for “Winerywise™”, an online guide to sustainable winemaking practices which included chapters covering energy efficiency; water management; education and research; waste management; staffing, safety and human resources; material handling; preferred purchasing; community outreach; and site development.  For easy access, a user-friendly website and Facebook page were also created.