WATER FOOTPRINT OF WINE

INTRODUCTION

The water footprint (WF) of a product is an indicator of the consumptive use of water resources along its life cycle. Water scarcity is recognized to be a major global challenge. As such, the evaluation of the WF of agro-industrial products is key, as they are widely known as having a significant footprint on water resources.

 According to the Water Footprint Network The global average water footprint of grapes is 610 liter/kg. One kilogram of grapes results in 0.7 liter of wine, so the water footprint of wine is APPROXIMATELY 870 liters of water per liter of wine. This means that one glass of wine (125 ml) costs 110 liters (a). Even knowing that the vine has a capacity for survival and resilience to austere climates, as we speak, the increased production of grapes and wine, combined with droughts and climate change, mean that now, more than ever, water needs to be used efficiently. Therefore, there is the need to understand where and how we can improve water management in the wine life cycle, reduce it or even eliminate it.

 

THE DISCUSSION

This Climate Talk will address this issue and will try to identify the major challenges on the use of water throughout grape and wine production in this warming climate. In this conversation, we will analyze the importance of efficient use of water and explore the best technologies and practices available both in the field and on the wineries. To do so, we will count on different guests from around the world.

THE TOPICS

• How are you measuring your water footprint of wine, where are the big volumes coming from
• How Climate change affecting water availability in your region
• Main challenges for the wine industry in terms of water usage
• Main impacts of water scarcity on the wine industry
• Use water at all in the production of a luxury product
• Water management practices and infrastructure being put in place to reduce water usage
• Combination of nature-based solutions and technology to assist in water reduction