The Integrated Production of Wine scheme

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) is a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme, established by the South African wine industry in 1998. The 2000 vintage was the first to be certified under this scheme. Certification of IPW compliance falls under the jurisdiction of the Wine and Spirit Board (WSB), with a dedicated IPW office responsible for administering the scheme since its promulgation in 1998.

IPW complies with international wine industry environmental sustainability criteria, including the 'Global Wine Sector Environmental Sustainability Principles' as published by the International Federation of Wine and Spirits (FIVS) and the 'OIV Guidelines for sustainable Viti-viniculture: Production, processing and packaging of products' as published by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

The production practices on farms and/or cellars of persons joining the scheme are evaluated and audited by the board.

Functions of the IPW scheme are to:

• serve as a basis for the application of the principles of integrated production in the growing of grapes and the production of wine;
• regulate the registration of farms where grapes intended for the production of IP wine are grown, and of cellars in which such wine is produced;
• confirm the correctness of indications relating to integrated production which are used in connection with the sale of such wine; and
• establish confidence in such indications when they are thus used.

For more information, visit www.ipw.co.za