Code Workbook

California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook

The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook is the foundation of the Sustainable Winegrowing Program (SWP) and a tool for program participants to measure their level of sustainability and to learn about ways they can improve their practices. Since 2010, the Code is also central to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing.

The Code was based on the Lodi Winegrape Commission’s Lodi Winegrower’s Workbook and the Central Coast Vineyard Team’s Positive Points System. Originally released in 2002, a second edition of the workbook was issued in late 2006, the 3rd edition was released in January 2013, and the most recent 4^th edition was released in December 2020. During the development of each edition of the Code, the Sustainable Winegrowing Joint Committee – comprised of over 50 grower and vintner members – met over a dozen times. Each edition was also reviewed by regional winegrower associations and dozens of key stakeholders. The Code is considered a “Living Document,” and CSWA welcomes input from stakeholders. Please send any comments to info@sustainablewinegrowing.org.

The workbook addresses ecological, economic and social equity criteria through an integrated set of 15 chapters and 191 criteria, which includes a built-in system with metrics to measure performance. CSWA aggregates data for the statewide Sustainability Report, an important communications tool for public policy and stakeholder outreach (2004, 2006, 2009, and 2015 Sustainability Reports are available here). 

Chapters Include: Sustainable Business Strategy Viticulture Soil Management Vineyard Water Management Pest Management Wine Quality Ecosystem Management Energy Efficiency Winery Water Conservation And Quality Material Handling Solid Waste Reduction And Management Sustainable Purchasing Human Resources Neighbors And Community Air Quality & Climate Protection

To view a PDF of the workbook or specific chapters click here.

Online Version of the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing

The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook is offered online, free of charge, for all California vintners and growers. Among the many benefits of using the online version are:

• Active links to resources that can be viewed while completing the self-assessment
• The ability to instantly generate customized reports and track improvement over time
• A "To Do" list to help keep track of action items identified during self-assessment and development of action plans
• And much more!

Request SWP Login
If you are a California vintner or winegrape grower and would like to request a new username and password for the SWP online system, please click here to complete the participant information sheet. If you have an existing login and need an email reminder, please email info@sustainablewinegrowing.org with your request.

The information collected on this sign-up sheet will be used to provide you a username and password to access the online system as well as to allow us to set-up your customized Enterprise. Maintaining this data in a secure and confidential manner is a hallmark of the CSWA program. SureHarvest has securely managed CSWA grower and winery self-assessment data for more than 15 years. Data from thousands of vineyard and winery participants have been kept secure and confidential. To learn more about CSWA's confidentiality policy, e-mail info@sustainablewinegrowing.org.

Recommended Citation Format:
California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Wine Institute, and California Association of Winegrape Growers. 2020. California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook (4th ed).

4th Ed California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing_Final updated