WineGB has relaunched its national sustainability certification, Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB), in a move which looks to introduce a new ‘people module’ as part of a broader push to embed environmental and social responsibility across the UK wine sector.
The independently audited scheme, first introduced in 2019, now counts 79 members and 41 certified producers, and represents 43% of the UK’s planted vineyard area. The updated framework aims to build on that momentum, aligning more closely with evolving global ESG expectations and increasing scrutiny from both retailers and consumers.
The headline change is the addition of a dedicated social sustainability pillar, designed to recognise the role of workforce wellbeing, skills development and community engagement in long-term industry resilience. The move also reflects a shift away from sustainability being viewed purely through an environmental lens, towards a model that encompasses people as well as planet.
“Sustainability is fundamental to the future of our industry,” WineGB CEO Nicola Bates, said.
“The enhanced SWGB scheme underscores our ambition to provide to demonstrate the responsible production inherent in the UK. Environmental care, social responsibility and shared learning sit at the heart of UK wine production and this relaunch marks an important step in supporting producers to meet the challenges of a changing climate and changing consumer demand.”
The new people module builds on existing initiatives including safeguarding guidance, an EDI hub and recruitment toolkits, with the aim of improving accessibility and retention across the sector. It also formalises social benchmarks within the certification, bringing SWGB more closely in line with international sustainability standards.
Alongside the re-launch, WineGB has also overhauled the scheme’s digital infrastructure. This includes the addition of a simplified member hub and expanding access to research, case studies and peer-to-peer learning, with the intention to accelerate adoption and support producers at different stages of their sustainability journey.
Retail alignment is already a key driver. According to WineGB, the scheme is increasingly recognised by major customers, with Marks & Spencer requiring English and Welsh wines produced for its range to be SWGB certified.
Simon Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estate described certification as both a validation of long-standing practices and a requirement for accessing key markets.
“Many of our national and overseas customers see the certification as a requirement to supply them. WineGB and SWGB have been a huge support over the years guiding us when needed to pass the audits. Being certified Gold for both the vineyard and the winery is an achievement we are immensely proud of,” he said.
