The winery now uses 40% less water than the average global in the wine industry to produce a glass of wine.
The water footprint survey they carried out took into account the total volume of fresh water used directly and indirectly in the supply chain. The indirect usage includes the production of casks, bottles and corks.
The survey identified the production stages where the water footprint is largest: 92% in the grape production stage and 8% in winemaking and bottling.
Currently the company uses drip-feed irrigation in 87% of its vineyard cultivated area, which results in a high level of resource efficiency. The winemaker is hoping to increase this level.
Viña Concha y Toro manager of sustainable development, Cristóbal Goycoolea said: “This first calculation of the corporate water footprint of Concha y Toro is a further sign of the strength and seriousness of our commitment in matters relating to the conservation of the environment and its resources, and a new step in our strategy of the winery’s sustainable development.
“And it is the initial toe-hold in the development of a comprehensive management policy for the company’s water resources”.
Alison Brown