Vinchio Vaglio: Pioneering Sustainability and Excellence in Italian Winemaking
Vinchio Vaglio: Pioneering Sustainability and Excellence in Italian Winemaking
In 1959, 19 grape growers in the picturesque hill towns of Vinchio and Vaglio Serra came together to establish this dynamic co-operative. Named after the two villages that were home to the original founders, this Piemontese producer, Vinchio Vaglio, has championed old vine heritage for decades.
Today, sustainability is at the heart of everything that Vinchio Vaglio do and they have recently released their Sustainability Report for the second consecutive year. This document is a vital tool both technically and administratively, as it involves measuring, communicating, and assuming responsibility (accountability) towards all internal and external stakeholders, both directly and indirectly involved in the company’s activities and in line with the goal of sustainable development. Vinchio Vaglio is advancing towards holistic sustainability - not just environmental (although this remains a core focus), but also social, cultural, and economic. In June 2023 Vinchio Vaglio became officially recognised as a Sustainable Winery when they received their Equalitas certification, a prestigious recognition that highlights the efforts made in recent years. The certification is awarded by Valoritalia, a leading organization authorized by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MIPAAF) to monitor and certify DOC and DOCG wines, including those with specific grape varieties and/or vintages.
The Equalitas program approaches sustainability with a broad perspective, not only focusing on reducing harmful environmental impacts, but also addressing economic and social aspects. The Equalitas standard recognizes that companies must create value by producing goods and services, but this development must be sustainable over time. For this reason, the program sets goals aligned with the UN's Global Programme of Action for Sustainable Development, which was defined by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 and includes 17 specific goals.
Vinchio Vaglio’s achievements in obtaining the Equalitas certification stem from a range of activities, which are outlined in detail here: Vinchio Vaglio Certifications.
These efforts encompass both agronomic and oenological aspects, as well as the preservation of the historical and landscape heritage of the region, along with a commitment to economic and social sustainability.
Recent sustainable projects that Vinchio Vaglio have invested in are extensive and demonstrate their commitment to a truly sustainable future. Their projects include:
Refrigeration System Upgrade: The winery has invested €400,000 in a new refrigeration system that powers the entire wine cellar using 4.0 technology and green gas. This significant investment focuses on energy efficiency while also employing sustainable techniques.
Solar Energy Expansion: An additional 200 kWh of solar panels have been installed in the production area, bringing the total capacity to 400 kWh. Along with a 100 kWh storage battery, this makes the company energy self-sufficient throughout the year (except during harvest season).
Bottle Weight Reduction: The winery has significantly reduced the weight of its bottles, with 80% of production now in lightweight bottles weighing just 395 grams. Additionally, two-thirds of the total production continues to be dedicated to bag-in-box wines. Learn more about Bag-in-Box.
Investment in their ways of working have contributed to their ongoing recognition and renown both in a business context and from the quality of the wines they are producing enabling new distribution partnerships and critical acclaim:
New International Collaboration: Vinchio Vaglio has begun a new partnership in the UK with London-based importer/distributor Friarwoood Wines & Spirits. Their portfolio now includes six of our wines, including our Laudana Nizza DOCG, made from 60-year-old vines. Discover Friawoood Wines & Spirits.
Award-Winning Nizza Riserva DOCG: Vinchio Vaglio's Nizza Riserva DOCG Sei Vigne Insynthesis 2019, made from 60-year-old vines, has received the prestigious "Faccino" award, which is given only to wines that score more than 95/100. This recognition comes from Daniele Cernilli, known as Doctorwine, in his Essential Guide to Italian Wines. Cernilli is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost Italian wine critics and a member of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) jury.
Vinchio Vaglio is a winery member of The Old Vine Conference. Read more about their old vine heritage here.
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