IWCA Report Finds Regenerative Vineyard Practices Boost Soil Carbon and Climate Resilience

International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) has released its first comprehensive analysis of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration projects in the global wine industry. The report compiles data from a range of initiatives focused on increasing SOC in vineyards, a practice that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve vineyard resilience. The analysis covers projects from 12 IWCA and Porto Protocol member wineries across Europe and the Americas, including well-known producers such as Concha y Toro in Chile, Familia Torres in Spain, and Jackson Family Wines in California.

The study was developed in partnership with The Porto Protocol Foundation, the Association of Regenerative Viticulture, and the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation. It focuses on projects that are either completed or nearing completion, providing a snapshot of current progress in the sector. According to IWCA, the findings show “consistent positive or neutral SOC trends under regenerative vineyard management practice.” This suggests that regenerative approaches—such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments—are effective at turning vineyards into carbon sinks.

The report highlights that these practices not only help sequester carbon but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of vineyards. By increasing SOC levels, vineyards can better retain water, support biodiversity, and withstand climate-related stresses. The IWCA notes that there is “strong and growing engagement from wineries in measuring and enhancing soil carbon as part of their climate mitigation strategies.” This trend reflects a broader movement within the wine industry to adopt more sustainable practices in response to climate change.

A key feature of the analysis is its use of a shared reporting template and standardized structures. This approach allows for effective comparison across different methodologies, locations, and outcomes. By establishing common metrics, the IWCA aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and encourage more wineries to participate in future editions of the compilation.

The organization expects that as more wineries complete their SOC projects, participation in this initiative will grow. The IWCA believes that expanding these efforts is essential for the wine sector’s ongoing work to reduce emissions and adapt to changing environmental conditions. The report serves as both a benchmark for current progress and a call to action for other wineries to join the movement toward regenerative viticulture.

The release of this analysis comes at a time when the wine industry faces increasing pressure to address its environmental impact. With climate change affecting grape growing regions worldwide, many producers are looking for ways to make their operations more sustainable. SOC sequestration offers a promising solution by capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in vineyard soils.

By documenting real-world results from leading wineries, the IWCA hopes to inspire broader adoption of regenerative practices throughout the industry. The organization plans to update its compilation regularly as new data becomes available and more projects reach completion. For now, the inaugural report provides clear evidence that regenerative vineyard management can deliver measurable benefits for both climate mitigation and vineyard health.